# Human Services (GHU)

## Title 9. Juvenile Services

### Subtitle 2. Department of Juvenile Services

#### Section 9-235

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person shall be licensed by the Department as a child care home before the person may exercise care, custody, or control over a child who is alleged to be or is adjudicated delinquent or in need of supervision.

(b) This section does not apply to:

  (1) a parent of the child;

  (2) an individual related to the child by blood or marriage within 4 degrees of consanguinity under the civil law rule;

  (3) a guardian of the child;

  (4) a person who exercises temporary custody or control over the child at the request of a parent or guardian of the child and who is not required otherwise to be licensed;

  (5) a person who has the care, custody, or control of the child through placement by a parent or grandparent of the child in contemplation of adoption, if the requirements of Sec. 5-507(b)(2) and (c) of the Family Law Article are met;

  (6) an institution that has a child care institution license under this subtitle or Sec. 5-509 of the Family Law Article;

  (7) an institution operated by a unit of the State or a political subdivision; or

  (8) a foster care provider with whom the child is placed by:

    (i) a licensed child placement agency;

    (ii) a local department of social services;

    (iii) the Secretary of Health;

    (iv) the Department; or

    (v) a court of competent jurisdiction.

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Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)