<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 07.02.26.08" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="26" heading="Unsubstantiated Child Abuse or Neglect — Conference.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Within 10 days of receiving a request for a conference, the local department shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Schedule a conference to occur at the local department within 30 days of the local department receiving the conference request; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Send notice to the appellant that includes the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Date and time of the conference; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Procedures for the conference.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The conference shall be attended by:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The appellant;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A local department supervisor; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Other local department staff as designated by the local department.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Redacted Record. At the conference, the local department:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Shall permit the appellant to review the redacted record in the presence of a local department supervisor; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>May give the appellant a copy of the redacted record.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The supervisor attending the conference shall explain to the appellant:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The local department's finding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The basis for the finding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The purpose of the conference, including allowing the appellant to have an opportunity to request:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>That the record, including the finding, be modified; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>That the record be supplemented by information the appellant provides.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The appellant's right to appeal the outcome of the conference in accordance with Regulation .09B and C of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The possible modification of the finding to indicated or ruled out child abuse or neglect as a result of a requested hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Summary. Within 10 days of the conference, the local department shall send to the appellant a written summary of the conference including:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Any modifications the local department will make to the record or finding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A description of any information the local department will add to the record; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If the finding has not been changed, a contested case hearing request form and procedures for appealing the finding of the unsubstantiated child abuse or neglect conference in accordance with this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>If an appellant fails to appear for a scheduled conference and within 5 business days does not show good cause for failing to appear, the local department shall advise the appellant in writing that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The appeal is terminated; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The appellant may not request a hearing to appeal the local department's finding of unsubstantiated child abuse or neglect but may request a hearing to appeal the local department's decision that the appellant did not show good cause for failing to appear at the scheduled conference.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>