<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".26" citation="COMAR 07.02.11.26" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="11" heading="Placement of Child with a Relative.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The local department shall give priority to the child's relatives over nonrelatives when determining permanency plans and placement.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The decision by the local department to place a child with relatives shall be made:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>With the participation of the relatives;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>After completing a home study to include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A physical description of the relative's living situation and family history;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Services needed by the child; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Relative's ability and capacity to safely assume parental responsibilities; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>When feasible, in conjunction with a visit or visits by the child in the relative's home.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The local department shall assist the relatives in obtaining adoption, guardianship, or custody of the child.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The projected permanency plan of adoption, guardianship, or custody and guardianship shall have an expected achievement date of 24 months after the placement in care for foster children living with their relatives.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The local department shall assist the relatives with necessary preparations for the child's placement and shall assist the relatives with:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Getting those services that may be needed to sustain their 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 appropriate school placement; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Locating an appropriate medical care provider for the child.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The local department shall provide aftercare services to the child and relatives in accordance with Regulation .25 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>