<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".24" citation="COMAR 07.02.11.24" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="11" heading="Return of Child to the Parents or Legal Guardian.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The decision by the local department to return a foster child to the care of the parents or legal guardian shall be made with the parent or legal guardian's participation after an assessment of their ability to safely care for the child and a thorough evaluation of the parent's or legal guardian's living situation and capacity to safely resume parental responsibilities.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The local department shall inform the court when it returns a child who has been committed to a local department to the parents or legal guardian and shall report the pertinent changes in the family or child's situation which support the return.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The local department before the return of a child to the parents or the legal guardian, shall notify the court and request a hearing if the court has committed the child to the local department upon a finding of child abuse.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The local department shall assist the parents or legal guardian with necessary preparations for the child's return home and shall assist the parent in:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Getting those services that may be needed to aid the family such as:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Child care;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA);</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC);</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Medical Assistance; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>The Maryland Children's Health Choice Program (MCHCP);</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Locating the appropriate school placement; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Locating a medical care provider for the child.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The local department shall provide aftercare services to the parents in accordance with Regulation .25 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>