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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 07.02.29.09" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="29" heading="Relative Guardian Responsibilities.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The relative guardian shall agree to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Exercise primary care and supervision of the child or youth until the child or youth reaches 18 years old or up to 21 years old with continued eligibility as set forth in Regulation .11 of this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Inform the local department if the child’s birth parent plans to reside with the relative guardian;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Apply to become the payee for social security benefits, supplemental security income or child support on behalf of the child; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Notify the local department of any change in the placement, including:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Reunification of the child with a parent;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Extenuating circumstances such as:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>A need for temporary housing; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Participation in rehabilitation due to prior substance abuse issues.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The following circumstances shall affect the eligibility status of the relative guardian, or the continued eligibility status of the relative guardian:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The relative guardian may not voluntarily return the child to the birth parent’s care and custody; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the child is no longer living with the relative guardian, the guardianship assistance shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Suspended immediately; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Terminated if the child is not returned to the physical custody of the relative guardian within 60 days.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Relocation Out-of-State.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The relative guardian shall notify the local department in writing of plans to relocate out of the State:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>30 days prior to relocation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Include the relocation address in the notification.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Guardianship assistance payments shall continue in the new location with receipt of notice as long as the child and the relative guardian remain eligible.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The child’s eligibility for medical assistance:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>For the IV-E eligible child, shall continue, as the child is categorically eligible regardless of relocation to another state as long as the child is receiving a monthly guardianship assistance payment of at least $1; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>For the State eligible child, may continue in the new location if the child is determined to be eligible for medical insurance by state of residence.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>