<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".14" citation="COMAR 07.05.02.14" title_num="07" subtitle_num="05" chapter_num="02" heading="Abuse or Neglect by a Foster Parent.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Initial Action.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If a child placement worker or other agency employee observes that a child placed with a certified foster parent is in serious and immediate danger, the child placement worker shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Immediately notify:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The child protective services unit of the local department in the jurisdiction where the certified foster parent's home is located, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>If the child is in the custody of a local department or the Department of Juvenile Services, the worker for the child or the worker's supervisor;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Immediately notify the agency's chief administrator and the Administration of the suspected abuse or neglect; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Arrange a staffing for the child with appropriate professionals to plan the child's continued protection and treatment.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The agency's chief administrator or the chief administrator's designee shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Within 48 hours of notification, send a written incident report to the Administration documenting the suspected abuse or neglect; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Within 72 hours of notification, decide whether to suspend or revoke the foster home certification.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Indicated Abuse. If the local department determines that abuse is indicated by a foster parent or an individual in a foster parent's household, the agency shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Immediately remove all foster children from the foster parent's care;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Immediately send written notification of the indicated finding and the agency's resulting actions to the Administration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If the certified foster parent is indicated, revoke certification according to Regulation .16 of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>If a member of the certified foster parent's household is indicated, revoke or suspend certification according to Regulation .16 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Indicated Neglect. If the local department determines that neglect is indicated by a foster parent, the agency shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Take action according to Regulation .16 of this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Within 48 hours, send written notification of the indicated finding and the agency's actions to the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>