<section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-101" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Agencies of the Children’s Cabinet” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department of Budget and Management;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Department of Disabilities;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Maryland Department of Health;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Department of Housing and Community Development;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Department of Human Services;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the Department of Juvenile Services;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the Maryland Department of Labor;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the Department of Service and Civic Innovation;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the State Department of Education;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>the Higher Education Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>the Governor’s Office for Children.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Child in need of out–of–state placement” means a child who is recommended by a public agency for out–of–home placement outside of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Child in need of out–of–state placement” does not include a child:</text> <level label="i"> <text>placed in foster care, as defined in § 5–501 of the Family Law Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>who is in a hospital for 30 continuous days or less.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Child with intensive needs” means a child who has behavioral, educational, developmental, or mental health needs that cannot be met through available public agency resources because:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the child’s needs exceed the resources of a single public agency; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>there is no legally mandated funding source to meet the child’s needs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Core service agency” has the meaning stated in § 7.5–101 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Council” means the State Coordinating Council for Children.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Evidence–based” means meeting the criteria for an evidence–based early childhood home visiting service delivery model as defined by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Family” means an eligible child’s natural, adoptive, or foster parents.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Family” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a guardian;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a person acting as a parent of a child; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a relative or stepparent with whom a child lives.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Home visiting program” means a program or initiative that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>contains home visiting as a primary service delivery strategy;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>offers services on a voluntary basis to pregnant women, expectant fathers, and parents and caregivers of children from birth to kindergarten entry; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>targets participant outcomes that may include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>improved maternal and child health;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>prevention of child injuries, child abuse or maltreatment, and reduction of emergency department visits;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>improvements in school readiness and achievement;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>reduction in crime or domestic violence;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>improvements in family economic self–sufficiency;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>improvements in the coordination of and referrals to other community resources and supports; or</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>improvements in parenting skills related to child development.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Home visiting program” includes those program models identified in the Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness project of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Home visiting program” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>programs with few or infrequent visits;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>programs in which home visiting is supplemental to other services; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>in–home services delivered through provisions of an individualized family service plan or an individualized education program under Part C or Part B of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Local behavioral health authority” has the meaning stated in § 7.5–101 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Local management board” means an entity established or designated by a county under Subtitle 3 of this title to ensure the implementation of a local, interagency service delivery system for children, youth, and families.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <text>“Office” means the Governor’s Office for Children.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>“Promising” means a home visiting program or practice that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>does not yet meet the standard for evidence–based practices; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meets the criteria of a promising approach as defined by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Public agency” means a State or local government unit or a quasi–governmental entity.</text> </level> <level label="p"> <level label="1"> <text>“Residential child care program” means an entity that provides 24–hour per day care for children within a structured set of services and activities that are designed to achieve specific objectives relative to the needs of the children served and that include the provision of food, clothing, shelter, education, social services, health, mental health, recreation, or any combination of these services and activities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Residential child care program” includes a program:</text> <level label="i"> <text>licensed by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Maryland Department of Health;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Department of Human Services; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Department of Juvenile Services; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that is subject to the licensing regulations of the members of the Children’s Cabinet governing the operations of residential child care programs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="q"> <text>“Special Secretary” means the Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office for Children.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-102" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>It is the policy of the State to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for children and families that provides access to necessary services and supports in the least restrictive, most appropriate, and most effective environment possible, thereby increasing self–sufficiency and family preservation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This policy shall be achieved through a comprehensive and coordinated interagency approach that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is family–driven, child–guided, home– and community–based, culturally and linguistically competent, individualized, and effective;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provides a continuum of care, opportunities, and supports that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and community–based services, as well as natural supports;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>gives priority to children and families most at risk; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>engages and empowers families and children so that, to the extent possible, they will be well–represented in every facet of the child–family serving system and partners in their own care planning.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-103" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Children’s Cabinet shall meet not less than four times a year in open session to discuss matters related to State needs for children, youth, and families.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Special Secretary shall chair the Children’s Cabinet.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Office shall staff the Children’s Cabinet.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On or before December 1, 2024, and each December 1 thereafter, the Children’s Cabinet shall submit a report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the Children’s Cabinet meetings in the prior year and activities planned in the upcoming year.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-104" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before October 1, 2025, the Office shall submit a report on neighborhood indicators of poverty to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Accountability and Implementation Board, and the Department of Education.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report required under this subsection shall include an analysis of different methods used to calculate indicators of poverty in order to determine:</text> <level label="i"> <text>eligibility for the compensatory education program under § 5–222 of the Education Article, including the data necessary to implement each methodology; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>eligibility under the Concentration of Poverty School Grant Program under § 5–223 of the Education Article, including the data necessary to implement each methodology.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In completing the report required under this subsection, the Office shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>evaluate the American Community Survey data available across geographic areas in the Small Income and Poverty Estimates Program to provide school district poverty estimates;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>evaluate the Area Deprivation Index developed by the University of Wisconsin–Madison to rank neighborhoods by socioeconomic status disadvantage;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>analyze how other states approach measuring poverty;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>analyze how other states calculate eligibility for state programs for school districts that participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>consult with each local school system for input.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Any State agency, including the Department of Education and the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center, shall share any data needed by the Office to complete the report required under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before December 1, 2025, the Accountability and Implementation Board, in consultation with the Department of Legislative Services and the Department of Budget and Management, shall submit a methodological recommendation, based on the Office’s report required under subsection (a) of this section, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The recommendation submitted under this subsection shall include whether there should be an updated methodology for calculating eligibility for compensatory grants under § 5–222 of the Education Article, and if so, an updated methodology for calculating the compensatory education formula under § 5–222 of the Education Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-105" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Governor’s Office for Children.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Office is a separate unit within the Executive Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Office is to provide a coordinated, comprehensive, interagency approach to promoting the well–being of children and families through a network of supports, programs, and services that are family and child–oriented and reducing the number of children living in poverty.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Governor may provide for the structure, duties, and responsibilities of the Office by executive order.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>For each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 to the Governor’s Office for Children to provide grants to fund operating expenses of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Maryland.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-106" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a Children’s Cabinet administered by the Governor’s Office for Children.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Children’s Cabinet is to promote the vision of the State for a stable, safe, and healthy environment for children and families.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The head of the Governor’s Office for Children shall serve as the Chair and be responsible for the administration and operations of the Children’s Cabinet.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor may provide for the structure, duties, and responsibilities of the Children’s Cabinet by executive order.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-201" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Advisory Council to Children's Cabinet"> <text>There is an Advisory Council to the Children’s Cabinet.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-202" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Advisory Council to Children's Cabinet"> <text>The purpose of the Advisory Council is to make recommendations to the Children’s Cabinet on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>methods for meeting the policy and program goals of the State for integrated children and family programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>coordinating State programs with programs operated by local governments, local management boards, and private groups;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>building capacity to serve youths in their communities and at home;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>reducing reliance on institutions as the primary mode of intervention for at-risk youth offenders;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>promoting positive outcomes for youths;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>funding practices that prevent juvenile crimes and delinquency; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>reducing disproportionate minority confinement.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-301" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Local Management Boards"> <level label="a"> <text>Each county shall establish and maintain a local management board to ensure the implementation of a local interagency service delivery system for children, youth, and families.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A county may designate as the local management board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a quasi-public nonprofit corporation that is not an instrumentality of the county government; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a public agency that is an instrumentality of the county government.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-302" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Local Management Boards"> <text>A local management board may be composed of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>public and private community representatives who share the responsibility for implementing a community–based, interagency, family–focused service delivery system for children, youth, and families;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a senior representative or department head of the:</text> <level label="i"> <text>local health department;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>local office of the Department of Juvenile Services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>core service agency or local behavioral health authority;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>local school system; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>local department of social services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>family members or family advocates; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>youth or youth advocates.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-303" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Local Management Boards"> <text>A local management board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>strengthen the decision-making capacity at the local level;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>design and implement strategies that achieve clearly defined results for children, youth, and families as articulated in a local 5-year strategic plan for children, youth, and families;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>maintain standards of accountability for locally agreed upon results for children, youth, and families;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>influence the allocation of resources across systems as necessary to accomplish the desired results;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>build local partnerships to coordinate children, youth, and family services within the county to eliminate fragmentation and duplication of services; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>create an effective system of services, supports, and opportunities that improve outcomes for all children, youth, and families.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-304" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Local Management Boards"> <text>The members of the Children’s Cabinet shall adopt regulations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>specify the roles and responsibilities of local management boards;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish minimum standards for the composition of local management boards;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>establish fiscal and program accountability in the implementation of community partnership agreements and the use of other State resources by local management boards;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>establish procedures to ensure the confidentiality of information shared by local management board members and employees in accordance with State and federal law; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>generally relate to the operation of local management boards.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-305" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Local Management Boards"> <text>On or before October 1 of each year, the Maryland Association of Local Management Board Directors shall, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, submit to the Senate Finance Committee, the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, a report summarizing, with respect to the programs implemented under § 8-505(d) of this title:</text> <level label="1"> <text>each local management board’s activities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the amount of money spent on the programs; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the effectiveness of the programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-306" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Local Management Boards"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before January 1, 2018, the Prince George’s County Local Management Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop and implement a strategic plan to raise revenues to match the total funding provided by the Governor’s Office for Children; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submit the strategic plan to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the County Executive of Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the County Council of Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Prince George’s County Senate Delegation of the General Assembly; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Prince George’s County House Delegation of the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before January 1 each year, the Prince George’s County Local Management Board shall submit a report on the total revenue received in the previous fiscal year and the total revenue from each source to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the County Executive of Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the County Council of Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Prince George’s County Senate Delegation of the General Assembly; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Prince George’s County House Delegation of the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-401" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <text>There is a State Coordinating Council for Children in the Office.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-402" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <level label="a"> <text>The Council consists of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office for Children, or the Special Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the State Superintendent of Schools, or the Superintendent’s designee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of Budget and Management, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio Council member.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio Council member.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Children’s Cabinet shall designate up to three individuals to serve on the Council on a rotating basis to represent each of the following stakeholder groups:</text> <level label="1"> <text>family members or family advocates; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>youth or youth advocates.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-403" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The office of chair of the Council shall rotate annually among the members of the Council appointed under § 8–402(a) of this subtitle, in the order listed in that subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The term of the chair is 1 year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall provide staff support for the Council.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-404" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <text>The Council shall address the population of children who are in out–of–state placements or are recommended for out–of–state placements, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>reviewing recommendations for State funding of the individual placement of a child in need of out–of–state placement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>coordinating the monitoring of out–of–state residential facilities for children as required by statute;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>tracking the types, costs, and effectiveness of services required to meet the needs of children who are recommended for out–of–state placements;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>providing training and technical assistance to local agency and community partners;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>making recommendations to the appropriate secretary on the development of regulations to carry out this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>performing other related activities that the Children’s Cabinet identifies.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-405" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <text>There is a local care team in each county.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-406" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <level label="a"> <text>Each local care team shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>at least one representative from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Department of Juvenile Services;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Developmental Disabilities Administration;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Behavioral Health Administration;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>if determined to be appropriate by the Behavioral Health Administration, the local core service agency or local behavioral health authority;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the local school system;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the local health department;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the local department of social services; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>the local management board;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a parent, parent advocate, or both, appointed by the chair of the local care team in consultation with the child advocacy community; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a nonvoting representative of the local office of the division of rehabilitative services to represent individuals who are 16 years old and older.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each local care team shall establish the terms of its members.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each local care team shall select its chair from among its members for a designated term of office.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each local care team:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall determine which of its members will have responsibility for its administrative functions; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if two or more members will share the responsibility, shall determine the rotation of the administrative functions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Subject to the availability of funds, a parent or parent advocate who is a member of a local care team may receive:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the compensation provided in the State or local budget; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>reimbursement for expenses, in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-407" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <text>A local care team shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be a forum for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>families of children with intensive needs to receive assistance with the identification of individual needs and potential resources to meet identified needs; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>interagency discussions and problem solving for individual child and family needs and systemic needs;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>refer children and families to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>care management entities when appropriate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>available local and community resources;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide training and technical assistance to local agency and community partners;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identify and share resource development needs and communicate with the care management entity, local core service agencies, or local behavioral health authority, provider networks, local management boards, and other local care teams in surrounding jurisdictions; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>discuss a request for a voluntary placement agreement for a child with a developmental disability or a mental illness under § 5–525 of the Family Law Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-408" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Services to Children With Special Needs"> <level label="a"> <text>A parent or guardian of a child and the child’s attorney may attend any meeting of the Council or the local care team at which the child’s care is discussed.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At least 10 days before the meeting, the Council or local care team shall notify each parent or guardian of the child and the child’s attorney of the date, time, and location of any meeting the Council or the local care team plans to hold to discuss the child’s out–of–state placement.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Council or the local care team shall notify each parent or guardian of the child and the child’s attorney in writing of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any decision the Council or local care team makes concerning the child’s out–of–state placement; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the right of the parent, guardian, or attorney to appeal a decision made by the Council or the local care team concerning the child’s out–of–state placement.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-501" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <text>In this subtitle, “Fund” means the Children’s Cabinet Interagency Fund.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-502" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <text>There is a Children’s Cabinet Interagency Fund.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-503" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The Fund:</text> <level label="1"> <text>consists of money appropriated, transferred, credited, or paid into the Fund from any source; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>includes money for out–of–home care and services to prevent out–of–home placements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>At the end of each fiscal year any unspent money in the Fund shall revert to the General Fund.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill the following appropriations for the Fund to be used for grants to eligible local management boards:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for fiscal years 2028 through 2030, an appropriation at least equal to the appropriation to the Fund in fiscal year 2027; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for fiscal year 2031, $500,000 above the appropriation to the Fund in fiscal year 2030.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Money expended from the Fund for grants to eligible local management boards under paragraph (1) of this subsection is supplemental to and not intended to take the place of funding that otherwise would be expended for grants to eligible local management boards.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-504" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <text>Expenditures from the Fund shall be made:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in accordance with the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to reflect the priorities, policies, and procedures that the Children’s Cabinet adopts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-505" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>A local management board shall apply for money from the Fund in accordance with procedures established by the Children’s Cabinet.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In connection with an application for money under subsection (a) of this section, a local management board shall develop and submit a community partnership agreement that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>reflects coordination with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State’s 3-year plan for children, youth, and families; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any local government plan for services for children, youth, and families, including the local substance abuse plan developed in accordance with Title 8, Subtitle 10 of the Health - General Article; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>addresses the priorities and strategies of the county for meeting the identified needs of children and families as articulated in the local management board’s 5-year strategic plan regarding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>youth development;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>prevention services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>crisis and early intervention;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>services for children at risk of out-of-home placement or returning from out-of-home placement; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>out-of-home placement and treatment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Children’s Cabinet may disburse money to a local management board subject to the terms, conditions, performance measures, or outcome evaluations that the Children’s Cabinet considers necessary.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The local management board shall use the money to implement:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a local interagency services delivery system for children, youth, and families in accordance with the community partnership agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any terms, conditions, and performance measures that the Children’s Cabinet requires.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-506" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <level label="a"> <text>The State shall fund only evidence–based and promising home visiting programs for improving parent and child outcomes, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Not less than 75% of the State funding for home visiting programs shall be made available to evidence–based home visiting programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-507" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health and the other agencies of the Children’s Cabinet, with input from local management boards, local home visiting programs, and the Early Childhood Advisory Council, shall require the recipients of State funding for home visiting programs to submit reports to the Maryland Department of Health on a regular basis.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Home visiting program reports shall include, at a minimum:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a verifiable accounting of the State funds spent;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the number and demographic characteristics of the individuals served; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the outcomes achieved by the home visiting programs.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health and the other agencies of the Children’s Cabinet shall develop a standardized reporting mechanism for the purpose of collecting information about and monitoring the effectiveness of State–funded home visiting programs.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before December 1, 2013, and at least every 2 years thereafter, the Maryland Department of Health, jointly with the other agencies of the Children’s Cabinet shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families on the implementation and outcomes of State–funded home visiting programs.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-508" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Children's Cabinet Fund"> <text>The Governor’s Office for Children is the fiscal agent for the Fund.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-601" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs"> <text>In this subtitle, “at-risk youth prevention and diversion program” means services provided to school-aged youth and their families to prevent or divert youth from entering the juvenile justice system and to help make them ready for adulthood by age 21.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-602" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs"> <text>An at-risk youth prevention and diversion program may be:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>community-based;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>school-based;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>neighborhood-based; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>faith-based; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>nonresidential.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-603" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>At-risk youth prevention and diversion programs shall be coordinated, monitored, and supported by local management boards.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A local management board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop a request for funds based on the recommendations of the local planning group convened in accordance with § 8-605(b) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>award funds to local agencies or organizations to provide direct services;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>monitor and evaluate at-risk youth prevention and diversion program performance;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide technical assistance to at-risk youth prevention and diversion programs as needed;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>promote cost-effectiveness strategies;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>measure at-risk youth prevention and diversion program outcomes; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>provide fiscal and program reports to the Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>As part of the prevention element of the 3-year plan developed by the Children’s Cabinet establishing priorities and strategies for the coordinated delivery of services for children and families, the local management board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>assess the adequacy, availability, and accessibility of current community-based services that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>prevent and divert entry and reentry into the juvenile system;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provide alternatives to incarceration and institutionalization;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>prevent and divert criminal behavior; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>increase personal responsibility and self-sufficiency;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identify unserved neighborhoods or communities with critical needs and significant numbers of at-risk or delinquent youth; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>recommend programs that can be established or enhanced to address the unmet needs of youth and their families.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-604" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>A local management board shall apply to the Office for funding for an at-risk youth prevention and diversion program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The application shall demonstrate that the local management board has convened a local planning group consisting of parents, youth, and representatives of public and private agencies that have knowledge of and experience working with at-risk youth and families.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-605" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="At-Risk Youth Prevention and Diversion Programs"> <text>On or before December 31 each year, the Office shall report:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the implementation and effectiveness of at–risk youth prevention and diversion programs; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to the Department of Juvenile Services on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the number of children referred to an at–risk youth prevention and diversion program in the previous year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the age, gender, and race of children referred to an at–risk youth prevention and diversion program in the previous year; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the number of children currently enrolled in an at–risk youth prevention and diversion program.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-701" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Agency” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Maryland Department of Health;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Department of Human Services; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Department of Juvenile Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Certified program administrator” means an individual who is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>certified by the State Board for Certification of Residential Child Care Program Professionals under Title 20 of the Health Occupations Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>responsible for the day–to–day management and operation of a residential child care program and for assuring the care, treatment, safety, and protection of the children in the residential child care program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Plan” means the State Resource Plan for Residential Child Care Programs.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Provider” means a for profit or nonprofit entity licensed by an agency to operate a residential child care program.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>Except as provided in § 8–707 of this subtitle, “residential child care program” does not include sites licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-702" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <text>It is the intent of the General Assembly to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>improve the quality of care provided by residential child care programs;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide the same quality of care to all children placed in residential child care programs; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>develop a system that expands services provided by residential child care programs to counties that are underserved.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-703" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Resource Plan for Residential Child Care Programs.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Plan is to enhance access to services provided by residential child care programs.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On or before July 1 of each year, the Department of Human Services shall develop the Plan in consultation with the agencies, providers, counties, child advocates, consumers, and any other State unit, entity, or person that the Department identifies as having relevant information or that is interested in the development of the Plan.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Plan shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide a framework for the Department and the agencies to procure residential child care program services that meet the needs identified in the Plan;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide the following information on residential child care programs:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the county where each program is operated;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the provider for each program;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the actual capacity and utilization rate for each program;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the ages of the children in each program;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the county where each child in a program lived at the time the child entered out–of–home placement;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the services children require and a description of how those services are being provided;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the agency that placed children in each program; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>any other information the Department or the agencies, providers, or counties consider relevant;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>identify the types of services needed in residential child care programs and the estimated number of children requiring those services in each county;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>identify the counties where the services identified in item (3) of this subsection are insufficiently supplied;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>establish an incentive fund for residential child care program development in the counties identified in item (4) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>identify the reasons children are placed in residential child care programs outside of the counties where the children lived at the time they entered out–of–home placement in accordance with § 5–525 of the Family Law Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>On or before January 1 of each year, the Department shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee on the Plan’s findings and recommendations.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-703.1" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Licensing agency” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Department of Human Services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Department of Juvenile Services.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Statement of need” means an official certification of public need for the location and establishment of a residential child care program in a county issued by a licensing agency under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The licensing agencies shall adopt regulations governing the issuance of statements of need.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In developing the regulations required under subsection (b) of this section, a licensing agency shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>consider the specialized mental, physical, and behavioral health and developmental needs of children in the county or region affected by the statement of need; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>consult with stakeholders in the county or region affected by the statement of need, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>State and local child–serving agencies;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>providers of residential and community–based services for children; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>children, parents, and foster parents.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an application may not be submitted to the office and a license may not be granted by a licensing agency for a residential child care program until a licensing agency issues a statement of need for a residential child care program in a county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of need is not required before a license may be granted by a licensing agency for a residential child care program if there is no placement available in an existing licensed residential child care program that can provide the services needed for a child.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, in addition to the statement of need required under subsection (d) of this section, a statement of need is required before:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an existing or previously licensed residential child care program is relocated to another site;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the physical site of a residential child care program is expanded; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the number of placements in a residential child care program is increased.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A statement of need is not required before an existing licensed residential child care program is relocated to another site on a temporary basis if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the site of the existing licensed residential child care program is in a state of disrepair that necessitates rehabilitation for the health, safety, and well–being of the residents;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the temporary site meets the requirements of the residential child care program’s license;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the temporary site is located:</text> <level label="1"> <text>within the same jurisdiction as the site undergoing rehabilitation; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 10 miles of the site undergoing rehabilitation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the rehabilitation of the existing site:</text> <level label="1"> <text>will be completed within 180 days; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if not completed within 180 days, will be completed within a period of time determined by the licensing agency, on request of the licensee, not to exceed an additional 180 days.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A statement of need is not required before an existing licensed residential child care program is relocated to another site if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the relocation is necessary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, including the nonrenewal of the lease for the site of the existing licensed residential child care program; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>because the site of the existing licensed residential child care program is in a state of disrepair that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>necessitates rehabilitation of the site for the health, safety, and well–being of the residents; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>the rehabilitation is impractical or infeasible;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the new site meets the requirements of the residential child care program’s license; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the new site is located:</text> <level label="1"> <text>within the same jurisdiction as the site being closed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 10 miles of the site being closed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A statement of need is not required before the number of placements in an existing licensed residential child care program is increased if there is no placement available in an existing licensed residential child care program that can provide the services needed for a child.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A licensing agency shall publish notice of the issuance of a statement of need in the Maryland Register.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A licensing agency may not delegate its authority to issue a statement of need.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-704" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <text>A contract awarded or renewed between an agency and a provider for a residential child care program shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>require the provider to fulfill the licensing requirements under §§ 5–507 through 5–509 of the Family Law Article or §§ 9–235 through 9–237 of this article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>include the following provisions:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a description of the services the provider is required to provide;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an explanation from the provider of how the program will further the objectives of the Plan under § 8–703(b) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other provision the contracting agency considers necessary;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>require the provider to report to the contracting agency in writing within 24 hours after a critical incident, as defined in regulation, involving a child in the provider’s care;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>include a plan for the residential child care program’s interaction with the surrounding community, including a mechanism for responding to complaints;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>require the provider to report to the contracting agency community complaints that the residential child care program receives and the resolution of each complaint within 10 days after the complaint is received;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>require that the residential child care program provide health care services under § 5–533 of the Family Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>require the provider to maintain health care records during the placement of a child in the residential child care program, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>health insurance information;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>powers of attorney, if applicable;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a history of primary and preventive care and any arrangements made for continuing care;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a history of the health care provided for behavioral, mental, or substance abuse disorders and any arrangements made for continuing care; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>documentation of doctor and dentist visits;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>require the provider to comply with § 7–309 of the Education Article;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>require an annual financial disclosure, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a certified financial audit of revenues and expenditures prepared by a licensed accountant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a certified financial audit prepared by a licensed accountant that compares actual revenues and expenditures to the budget submitted to the interagency rates committee for the purpose of determining the program’s rate; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a statement identifying any interest that the provider or an employee of the provider has with a business or entity that accounts for 5% or more of the program’s expenditures;</text> </level> </level> <level label="10"> <text>require the residential child care program to have certified residential child and youth care practitioners, as required under § 20–301 of the Health Occupations Article; and</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>require the residential child care program to have a certified program administrator as required under § 20–301 of the Health Occupations Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-705" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <text>The Department of Human Services shall provide a sample contract that includes an example of the provisions required under § 8–704 of this subtitle to each potential provider interested in becoming licensed to operate a residential child care program.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-706" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <text>The members of the Children’s Cabinet shall adopt regulations to carry out this part.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-707" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “residential child care program” includes sites licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A contract awarded or renewed between an agency and a provider shall require the provider to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>post conspicuously a “Residents’ Bill of Rights” in the facility of the provider stating that a resident has a right:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to receive appropriate and reasonable adult guidance, support, and supervision, consistent with the resident’s age and level of development;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>not to be abused, mistreated, threatened, harassed, or subjected to corporal punishment or to other unusual or extreme methods of discipline;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>to have the resident’s opinion heard and to be included, to the greatest extent possible and consistent with the resident’s age and level of development, when major decisions, including regular case planning meetings, are being made affecting the resident’s life;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>to reasonable and clinically appropriate visitation, mail, and telephone communication with relatives, friends, attorneys, social workers, therapists, and guardians ad litem;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>to have the resident’s relatives and designated representatives, who are authorized in writing by the contracting agency, to communicate with the facility of the provider, ask questions of the facility of the provider, and have questions answered promptly by the facility of the provider;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>to language translation and interpretation services, if necessary;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>not to be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>to an appropriate education, including educational supports such as homework assistance, summer enrichment opportunities, and employment skills training;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>develop and, on placement, provide to residents and their parents or legal guardians a handbook of the policies of the provider and the contracting agency as they relate to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the mission of the program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>placement and discharge;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>daily routines;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>treatment strategies;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>disciplinary practices;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>visiting hours;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>communication procedures with residents;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>grievance procedures;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>health care access;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>religious exercise access;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>emergency telephone contact information;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>family involvement;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>attorney access;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>community integration;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>education;</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>medical and dental care;</text> </level> <level label="xvii"> <text>recreation;</text> </level> <level label="xviii"> <text>life skills training;</text> </level> <level label="xix"> <text>clothing;</text> </level> <level label="xx"> <text>personal funds;</text> </level> <level label="xxi"> <text>food and nutrition;</text> </level> <level label="xxii"> <text>day care;</text> </level> <level label="xxiii"> <text>personal belongings;</text> </level> <level label="xxiv"> <text>extracurricular activities; and</text> </level> <level label="xxv"> <text>therapy; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>document in each child’s case file receipt and review by the child and the parent or guardian of the child of the handbook required to be provided under item (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Nothing in this section precludes a contracting agency or provider from providing additional rights to a resident.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-709" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <text>In this part, “licensing agency”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>means the agency designated by the Office as responsible for licensing a residential child care program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>includes the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Juvenile Services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-710" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not operate a residential child care program in the State without a license.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for each day of operation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-711" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <text>A licensing agency may deny a license to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a corporation or entity that has had a license revoked by a licensing agency within the previous 10 years; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a corporation or entity that has a corporate officer who has served as a corporate officer for a corporation or entity that has had a license revoked by a licensing agency within the previous 10 years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-712" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless a program administrator or an employee of a residential child care program is required to be present, a licensing agency shall conduct unannounced inspections of residential child care programs.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The unannounced inspections required under subsection (a) of this section shall include inspections conducted during nonbusiness hours.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-715" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Residential child care program” includes a facility or program that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provides a residential environment such as:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a program with a wilderness or outdoor experience, expedition, or intervention;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a boot camp experience or other experience designed to simulate characteristics of basic military training for correctional regimes;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an educational or therapeutic boarding school; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a behavioral modification program; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>serves children who have a history of diagnosis of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorder;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a substance misuse or use disorder, including alcohol misuse or use disorder; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an intellectual, developmental, physical, or sensory disability.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Residential child care program” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a hospital licensed by the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a detention facility licensed by the State;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a youth correctional facility;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a substance abuse treatment facility;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a foster family home:</text> <level label="1"> <text>that provides 24–hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for which the State child welfare services agency has placement and care responsibility; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>that is licensed and regulated by the State as a foster family home; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>any other secure facility.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Youth transportation company” means a business that specializes in transporting a child to a residential child care program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-716" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>When the final intended destination is a residential child care program and subject to subsection (b) of this section, a youth transportation company may not use:</text> <level label="1"> <text>visual impairment, such as blindfolds and hoods;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>mechanical restraints, such as handcuffs, chains, irons, straitjackets, cloth restraints, leather restraints, plastic restraints, or other similar items; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>physical restraints, including holds, or other use of physical force to restrict free movement, unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the restraints are necessary due to a substantial likelihood of imminent serious physical harm to a child or others; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>there are no less restrictive alternatives that will alleviate the substantial likelihood of imminent serious physical harm to the child or others.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Physical restraints may not be used:</text> <level label="i"> <text>as punishment;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for convenience; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>as a substitute for staff supervision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Only youth transportation company staff who have been adequately trained in restraint device usage may use and apply restraints during transportation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If restraints are necessary due to a substantial likelihood of imminent serious physical harm to a child or others, the restraints may be used only as long as the imminent risk persists.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, when the final intended destination is a residential child care program, a youth transportation company may not pick up a child for transport to a residential child care program between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to a youth transportation company under contract with the Department of Human Services.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-717" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Attorney General may bring an action against a youth transportation company for a violation of § 8–716 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In an action brought under this subsection, the Attorney General may seek:</text> <level label="i"> <text>injunctive relief; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>statutory damages up to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$1,000 for a first offense; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$3,000 for a subsequent offense.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, an individual may bring an action against a youth transportation company for a violation of § 8–716 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In an action brought under this subsection, the individual may seek:</text> <level label="i"> <text>restitution;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>compensatory damages;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>statutory damages up to $500 per violation; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>if awarded restitution or damages, reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An action brought under this section shall be filed within 10 years after the date that the victim reaches the age of majority.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-801" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <text>In this subtitle, “licensing agency”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>means the agency designated by the Office as responsible for licensing a residential child care program; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>includes the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Juvenile Services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-802" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <text>This subtitle applies to a corporation that is an applicant for or has been granted a license to operate a residential child care program in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-803" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <text>Except as provided in § 8-807 of this subtitle and in addition to the standards set forth in COMAR 14.31.06 and 14.31.07, a corporation shall meet the requirements established in this subtitle as a condition of licensure.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-804" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <text>A corporation shall demonstrate to the licensing agency the capability to provide for and arrange for the provision of all applicable services proposed in the license application by submitting, at a minimum, the following documents to the licensing agency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a business plan that clearly demonstrates the ability of the residential child care program operated by the corporation to provide services in accordance with State regulations and funding requirements;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a summary of the corporation’s demonstrated experience in the field of human services, in accordance with standards developed by the Office;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>prior licensing reports issued within the previous 10 years concerning the corporation or any in-State or out-of-state entities associated with the corporation or the residential child care program, including deficiency reports and compliance records on which the State may make reasoned decisions about the qualifications of the corporation or the residential child care program; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a written quality assurance plan, approved by the licensing agency, to address how the corporation will ensure the health and safety of the individuals served by the residential child care program and the quality of services provided to individuals by the residential child care program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-805" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A corporation shall have a board of directors that consists of at least five individuals with an interest in or knowledge of the needs of children and their families.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the members of the board of directors:</text> <level label="i"> <text>at least one shall be a resident of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at least one shall have demonstrated experience in or knowledge of the field of human services; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>at least one shall have demonstrated knowledge in the fields of accounting, business, or financial management.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>An employee, or an immediate family member of an employee, of a corporation or residential child care program may not serve on the corporation’s board of directors.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A person who is compensated by a corporation for providing goods or services may not serve on the corporation’s board of directors.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A corporation shall have a chief financial officer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-806" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <text>A corporation shall adopt written bylaws that require the corporation’s board of directors to be responsible for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>overseeing the management and operation of the residential child care program operated by the corporation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>ensuring that the residential child care program operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>approving the residential child care program’s mission statement, long-term goals, policies, procedures, and annual budget;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>defining and prohibiting circumstances that would create a financial or personal conflict of interest for members of the board of directors, corporate officers, employees, agents, assigns, and volunteers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>ensuring that the residential child care program responds to all requests from the licensing agency in a timely manner;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>approving the residential child care program’s service plan and ensuring that services are provided in accordance with the plan;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>if the corporation is a nonprofit corporation, reviewing annually whether the corporation is satisfying its charitable mission;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>ensuring that the corporation has liability insurance;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>requiring that members of the board of directors have training in their responsibilities regarding the governance of the residential child care program; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>establishing committees or member assignments to periodically review as warranted, but not less than annually:</text> <level label="i"> <text>compensation of officers and staff of the corporation and the residential child care program;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>quality of services provided to clients, including all incidents harming or potentially harming clients;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>financial problems and concerns relating to the residential child care program;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>performance of key staff;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>nominations of new members of the board of directors; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>potential conflicts of interest.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-807" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Residential Child Care Programs -- Corporate Responsibility and Governance"> <text>The members of the Children’s Cabinet shall adopt regulations to authorize a waiver from some or all of the requirements of this subtitle for corporations that can demonstrate that their bylaws and policies are substantially similar to those required under this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1001" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Programs for Children in Out-of-Home Placement -- Standards for Staff and System for Outcomes Evaluation"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Cooperating department” means a unit of the State government responsible for out–of–home placement of children.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Cooperating department” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Department of Juvenile Services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Department of Human Services.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Direct care staff” means staff assigned to perform direct responsibilities related to activities of daily living, self–help, and socialization skills of children in a residential child care program.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Out–of–home placement” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the removal of a child from the child’s family; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the placement of the child by a cooperating department or court in a public or private residential child care program, a residential program operated by or under contract with the Department of Juvenile Services, a foster care home approved by a local department of social services, or a treatment foster care home for more than 30 days.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“System for outcomes evaluation” means an objective and standardized method of measuring the effectiveness of the programs described in subsection (d)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1002" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Programs for Children in Out-of-Home Placement -- Standards for Staff and System for Outcomes Evaluation"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a shelter care facility or residential respite program licensed by the Department of Human Services; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a detention center or shelter care facility operated by or under contract with the Department of Juvenile Services.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1004" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Programs for Children in Out-of-Home Placement -- Standards for Staff and System for Outcomes Evaluation"> <level label="a"> <text>On or before July 1, 2008, the Office and the cooperating departments shall develop, coordinate, and implement a system for outcomes evaluation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The system for outcomes evaluation shall be used to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>monitor the care, supervision, education, and treatment provided by State–operated and State–supported programs described in § 8–1001(d)(2) of this subtitle so that successful services can be expanded and services that do not produce positive results can be identified;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish an evaluation system for program performance, including measures of safety, quality, and effectiveness; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>complete an assessment of the capacity of the programs described in § 8–1001(d)(2) of this subtitle in the State that identifies programs in each community to serve the needs of a family that resides in the community.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The system for outcomes evaluation shall use standardized measures of function to evaluate the child’s:</text> <level label="1"> <text>protection from harm while in out–of–home placement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>stability of living environment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>family situation and efforts to treat and counsel the family unit;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>educational and vocational development;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>job skills and employment readiness;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>legal and appropriate use of drugs and alcohol;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>progress in learning positive, nonaggressive behavioral habits; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>delinquency status.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The system for outcomes evaluation shall ensure that collection and use of data in the system maintains confidentiality of information on the children from the cooperating departments.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The system for outcomes evaluation shall ensure that a cooperating department shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>facilitate the participation of programs described in § 8–1001(d)(2) of this subtitle operated by the cooperating department or private agencies with which the cooperating department has a contract for the placement of children in out–of–home care; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>include in the cooperating department’s contract with a private program provisions requiring the program to collect and report to the cooperating department:</text> <level label="i"> <text>child–specific demographic information; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>data necessary to evaluate changes in functioning of the child as provided in subsection (c) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>When reporting demographic information and data under subsection (e) of this section, a cooperating department:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not disclose personal identifiers; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall ensure the confidentiality of the information about the children under its responsibility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>On or before October 1 of each year, the Department of Human Services, in coordination with the other cooperating departments, shall submit a report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly on the progress of implementing the system for outcomes evaluation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1101" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Children Receiving Child Welfare Services -- Centralized Comprehensive Health Care Monitoring Program"> <level label="a"> <text>There is a State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services in the Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health, shall appoint the State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>have experience in providing medical care to children; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>be knowledgeable about the unique health needs of children in out–of–home placement and children who are victims of child abuse or neglect.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1102" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Children Receiving Child Welfare Services -- Centralized Comprehensive Health Care Monitoring Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>collect data on the timeliness and effectiveness of the provision or procurement of health care services for children in the custody of the local departments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>track health outcomes for children in out–of–home placement using the most recent Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures relevant to children including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>immunization status;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>lead screening;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>medical management of asthma;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>follow–up care for children prescribed ADHD medications;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>depression screening and follow–up for adolescents;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>antidepressant medication management;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>follow–up after an emergency department visit or hospitalization for mental illness;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>metabolic monitoring and use of first–line psychosocial care for adolescents on antipsychotic medications;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>appropriate treatment for children with upper respiratory infections; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>provision of comprehensive diabetes care;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>assess the competency, including the cultural competency, of health care providers who evaluate and treat abused and neglected children in the custody of a local department;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>periodically assess the supply and diversity of health care services that evaluate and treat children in out–of–home placement, identify shortfalls, if any, and report them to the relevant local department, the Department, and the Maryland Department of Health; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>work with State and local health and child welfare officials, provider agencies, and advocates to expand the supply and diversity of health care services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>work with State and local health and child welfare officials, provider agencies, and advocates to identify systemic problems affecting health care for children in out–of–home placement and develop solutions; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>using practice guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Helfer Society, and other expert organizations, ensure best–practice medical review and evaluation of cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services and all personnel under the direct supervision of the State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services shall have access to all confidential information and records available to, or in the possession of, a local department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If written consent is required by law, the State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services and personnel under the direct supervision of the State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services may have access to the information or records only after the local department has obtained written consent under § 1–212 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services shall report annually to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the current status of health care services for children in out–of–home placement in the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A report made under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be made available to the public on the Department’s website.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1103" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Children Receiving Child Welfare Services -- Centralized Comprehensive Health Care Monitoring Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The State Medical Director for Children Receiving Child Welfare Services, in consultation with the local departments, shall develop a Centralized Comprehensive Health Care Monitoring Program for children in out–of–home placement that will ensure the replication of centralized health care coordination and monitoring of services across the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Program shall comply with the Standard of Excellence for Health Care Services for Children in Out–of–Home Care published by the Child Welfare League of America.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Program shall provide the same level of services for mental health, behavioral health, disability–related health issues, physical health, and dental health.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1201" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Baltimore City Programs"> <level label="a"> <text>For fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Governor shall include in the State budget an appropriation of not less than:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$3,500,000 to the local management board for Baltimore City for the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$1,000,000 for the Baltimore City YouthWorks Summer Jobs program.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The funding required under this section shall be in addition to any State funding otherwise available to the entities specified in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Governor shall identify in the annual budget as introduced how the funding required under this section is being used to supplement and not supplant the funding for each entity listed in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1401" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 160 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Child in an unlicensed setting” means an individual under the age of 22 years:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in an out–of–home placement who is residing in a hotel, an office building for more than 12 consecutive hours, a shelter, or any other unlicensed setting; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>who is a pediatric overstay patient.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Child in an unlicensed setting” does not include an individual under the age of 22 years who is receiving a self–independent living stipend, living with kin awaiting approval for placement, or on aftercare with a parent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Pediatric hospital overstay patient” has the meaning stated in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Placement Team” means the Rapid Response Placement Team.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Review Panel” means the Child and Youth Placement Review Panel.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Senior Advisor” means the Senior Advisor for Children and Families in the Office.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1402" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 160 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <text>There is a Child and Youth Placement Review Panel in the Office.</text> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1403" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 160 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Senior Advisor for Children and Families in the Office.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Senior Advisor shall oversee the work of the Review Panel.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Senior Advisor serves at the pleasure of the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Senior Advisor shall devote full–time to the duties of the office.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Senior Advisor is entitled to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>compensation in accordance with the State budget; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Senior Advisor shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>serve as the point of contact for the pediatric hospital overstay coordinators;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>oversee the work of the Review Panel to ensure the provision of adequate medical and behavioral health care for children in unlicensed settings in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>keep the official records of the Review Panel; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>document information for cases using standard forms and data.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1404" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 160 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>The Review Panel consists of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Senior Advisor;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the coordinators, as defined in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In conducting the analysis required under § 8–1406 of this subtitle, the Review Panel may consult with individuals who have knowledge of the child.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A majority of the members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Review Panel shall meet at least every 2 months at the times and places the Review Panel determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1405" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 260 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>The Senior Advisor shall serve as the chair of the Review Panel.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Office shall provide staff support for the Review Panel.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1406" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 160 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>The Review Panel shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>analyze any instance involving a child in a pediatric overstay or an unlicensed setting; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>propose systemic improvements based on the analysis conducted in item (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On or before July 1, 2027, and each July 1 thereafter, the Review Panel shall report on the analysis conducted under this section to the General Assembly in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1407" effective_note="EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 160 OF 2026" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, within 48 hours of being notified of a pediatric overstay patient, the coordinators shall convene a Rapid Response Placement Team.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the coordinators are notified of a pediatric overstay patient on a Friday, the coordinators shall convene a Placement Team within 72 hours of being notified or earlier if possible.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Nothing in this subsection prevents the coordinators from taking steps to secure a placement for a pediatric overstay patient before holding the initial meeting required under subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Placement Team shall consist of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Senior Advisor, in an advisory capacity;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the coordinators, as defined in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>if applicable, the following members who have knowledge of the child, designated by the coordinators:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a representative of the local department of social services; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a representative of the hospital where the child is considered a pediatric hospital overstay patient.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Placement Team shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop a plan for the appropriate placement of a pediatric hospital overstay patient; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>arrange for a temporary placement in a licensed setting when a placement has been identified, but a bed is not immediately available.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Placement Team may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conduct immediate clinical and placement assessments;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>override local department decisions, if necessary to place the child in a clinically appropriate, least restrictive environment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>secure immediate placement in appropriate and least restrictive available licensed settings; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>authorize the Department of Human Services to execute an emergency procurement under § 13–108 of the State Finance and Procurement Article with an in–State or out–of–state provider by providing the justification for the use of emergency procurement method;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require out–of–state placements only when no in–State provider offers the required care needed by the child; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>require any out–of–state provider to maintain communication with the parent or guardian regarding treatment and care of the child.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Placement Team shall hold an initial in–person or virtual meeting immediately with all members of the Placement Team and have daily communication with all members of the Placement Team until a placement for the child is secured.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Once convened, the Placement Team shall hold at least one in–person or virtual meeting per week.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Department of Human Services shall be deemed to be compliant with the prohibition on the use of an inpatient unit or emergency department for a pediatric overstay patient established under § 5–525(c)(2) of the Family Law Article, if the Department is actively searching for a placement for the child.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="8-1408" title_number="8" title_name="Children, Youth, and Families" subtitle_number="14"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Advisory Council” means the Advisory Council on Maryland’s System of Care for Children, Youth, and Families.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Advisory Council on Maryland’s System of Care for Children, Youth, and Families.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Advisory Council shall consist of the following members:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Special Secretary, or the Special Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Secretary of Health, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Secretary of Juvenile Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Secretary of Disabilities, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the Secretary of Human Services, or the Secretary’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the Maryland Insurance Commissioner, or the Commissioner’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the State Superintendent of Schools, or the State Superintendent’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the Executive Director of the Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients, or the Executive Director’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>a representative from the State–authorized administrator of 2–1–1 services in Maryland, appointed by the Governor;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>the coordinators, as defined in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>the Public Defender, or the Public Defender’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>the State Foster Youth Ombudsman; and</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>the following members, who have experience and knowledge of working with children with behavioral health challenges, adverse childhood experiences, and developmental disabilities, appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Senior Advisor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>one representative of a local department of social services;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>one representative of the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>one representative of Disability Rights Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>one representative of the Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>one representative of Maryland Legal Aid;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>one representative of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>one representative of the National Association of Social Workers – Maryland who is a hospital–based clinical social worker;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>one representative of the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>one representative of the Maryland Hospital Association;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>one representative of a specialty psychiatric hospital;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>one representative of an acute care hospital emergency department;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>one representative of the Maryland Resource Parent Association;</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>one representative of the Maryland Mental Health Association;</text> </level> <level label="xv"> <text>one representative of a residential treatment provider in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="xvi"> <text>one representative with lived experience in the State foster care system.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Special Secretary, or the Senior Advisor, shall serve as chair of the Advisory Council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Advisory Council shall meet quarterly at the times and places the Advisory Council determines.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Office shall provide staff for the Advisory Council.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A member of the Advisory Council:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Council; but</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Advisory Council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>review existing laws and regulations to ensure that they facilitate the provision of adequate medical and behavioral health care in the State, including to youth in out–of–home placements in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommend any additions or changes to existing laws or regulations designed to facilitate the provision of adequate medical and behavioral health care to children in need of medical and behavioral health care in the State, including youth in out–of–home placements in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>identify any grant or money from the federal government, private foundations, or other sources that may be available for programs related to children in out–of–home placements;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>recommend improvements for education, outreach, and support to foster care parents in the State to prevent disruption in placements;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>examine the New Jersey Children’s System of Care model and provide recommendations on how the model can be replicated in the State in consultation with an institution of higher education or a private research entity with expertise in the model;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>review existing laws and regulations, provide recommendations if gaps are identified, and make recommendations to ensure, if a parent or guardian is not available to make medical decisions or while in the process of obtaining a voluntary placement agreement, all pediatric hospital overstay patients have access to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>legal representation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>education services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>review any recommendations of the Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Hospital Overstays; and</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>review barriers to capacity expansion, including rate reform and insurance parity, and make recommendations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Advisory Council shall form a subgroup consisting of the members listed under subsection (c)(1) through (12) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The subgroup of the Advisory Council may consult with experts as necessary, including insurers, payors, and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The subgroup of the Advisory Council shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>complete an assessment of the current number of licensed beds, staffed beds, and physical beds intended to serve the needs of children and youth by agency, categorized by type of bed inclusive of age, gender, diagnosis, severity, and specialty accepted for the following bed types:</text> <level label="1"> <text>traditional foster homes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>private and public treatment foster homes;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>group homes;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>residential treatment centers;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>private and public inpatient psychiatric beds; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>respite beds;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>develop an electronic process for tracking the real–time location, length of stay, and discharge plans for pediatric hospital overstay patients, as defined in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article, including youth under or in the process of a voluntary placement agreement;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <level label="1"> <text>develop a model for standardized data collection with mandated uniform metrics, including age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, county of origin, payor type, and length of stay for pediatric hospital overstay patients, as defined in § 19–388 of the Health – General Article, including youth under or in the process of a voluntary placement agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>designate an entity to serve as a central repository for data collected; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>develop a plan and identify resources needed to expand mobile response and stabilization services across the State to ensure statewide access and full implementation by 2030.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>On or before October 1 each year, beginning in 2027, the Advisory Council shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.</text> </level> </section>