<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 07.02.11.04" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="11" heading="Eligibility.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A local department shall initiate out-of-home placement for a child who:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is placed voluntarily in the custody or in the care of the local department, under a written agreement in accordance with Regulation .06 of this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Is abused, abandoned, or neglected, has a developmental disability or a mental disorder, or is in imminent danger, or in serious immediate danger, so long as a court has:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Determined that continued residence in the child's home is contrary to the child's welfare, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Committed the child to the custody or guardianship of the local department.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A child in out-of-home placement is eligible to remain in out-of-home placement until the end of the month in which the child becomes 18 years old, except that a child 18 to 21 years old may remain in out-of-home placement up to the 21st birthday so long as the child is:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Enrolled in an institution that provides post-secondary or vocational education;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Employed for at least 80 hours per month; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Incapable of doing any of the activities in §B(1)—(4) of this regulation due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated information in the case plan of the child.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A child is not eligible for out-of-home placement if the child:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is married;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Is in the military; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Fails to comply with §B of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A child may not be committed to the custody or guardianship of a local department and placed in an out-of-home placement solely because the child's parent or guardian lacks shelter or because the parent has a disability.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The local department shall make appropriate referrals to emergency shelter services and other services for the homeless family with a child who lacks shelter.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>