<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".25" citation="COMAR 07.02.11.25" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="11" heading="Aftercare Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The local department shall provide aftercare services to the child and the aftercare placement family:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>For an initial period of up to 3 months, which may be extended an additional 3 months for a total of 6 months; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Beyond the 6 months based upon a compelling reason for extending the services:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>At 1 month intervals with the written approval of the local director; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>For a specified time period as ordered by the court.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>While providing aftercare services, the local department shall evaluate whether the family can provide adequate care to the child:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Without supportive help from the local department;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>With less intensive services; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>With the support of specified community services that are not provided by the local department, but which the local department may assist the family in accessing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The local department shall evaluate every 3 months whether the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Family can keep the child safe, and provide for the child's well being so that custody may be returned to the parents or legal guardian;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Child should be returned to out-of-home placement; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Parental rights should be terminated.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If the local department determines that the family is providing adequate care for the child, the local department shall make a final report to the court concerning the family's progress and shall request rescission of the commitment.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>During the aftercare services period, the local department shall visit the child in the aftercare placement a minimum of once every 2 weeks and at least one caretaker must be present.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The local department shall include in the case record for an aftercare placement a:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Case plan with a service agreement that is updated at least every 60 days during the aftercare placement, which includes a signed service agreement with the aftercare caretakers;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Service plan specific to the needs of the child and family; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Safety assessment completed at the time of the aftercare placement.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Independent living aftercare services shall be made available to youth 18 to 21 years old as set forth in COMAR 07.02.10.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>