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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 07.05.02.17" title_num="07" subtitle_num="05" chapter_num="02" heading="Agency Maintenance and Termination of a Child in Foster Care Placement.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The agency shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Schedule a physical examination and a functional assessment for the child by a physician within 2 working days after the child's placement;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Unless the child has been examined within 6 months before placement and the agency has a record of the examination signed by the examiner, schedule a dental, eye, and hearing examination for a child 3 years old or older within 60 days of placement;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Obtain information on the child's immunization history within 30 days of placement or, if not available, provide needed immunizations after a physical examination and recommendations by a physician;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Document that the selected foster parents are able to assist in the achievement of the child's case plan goals;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Supervise care and services for the child as stated in the child's case plan;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Accurately transmit all relevant information concerning the child's history and needs to the foster parent except for information about family members that may be privileged or confidential;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Provide the child with at least annual medical and dental examinations and the health care recommended in the child's health record while the child is in the agency's care;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Provide the foster parent with assistance and consultation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Assure that, during the school year, the child:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Is enrolled in an appropriate school setting within 5 days of placement, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Attends school regularly.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The agency child placement worker shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>See the child at least monthly and as often as necessary to carry out the case plan;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Document all contact with the local department caseworker if the child is in local departmental custody or with the Department of Juvenile Services worker, if applicable; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Meet with the parent and child together regularly to assess and document:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Progress in resolving problems which precipitated placement,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Parent and child relationship difficulties,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The child's adjustment to separation, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Achievement of case plan goals.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The agency may provide programs of specialized foster care for:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Children with disabilities;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Hard-to-place children; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Children in preadoptive care.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The agency shall require the foster parent to submit and have approved by the agency and the parents or legal custodian any plan:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>For the child to leave the foster care home longer than 1 week for vacation or other reasons; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>That requires the child to leave the State for any length of time.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Placement Termination.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The agency may terminate a placement if the child is:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Moved to another agency-certified foster home;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Reunified with the birth or adoptive family;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Moved to a foster parent not certified by the agency;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Moved to a residential child care program; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Legally emancipated.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the placement is terminated, the agency child placement worker shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Unless emergency conditions exist, meet with the child and current foster parents at least 2 weeks before the termination;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Prepare the child emotionally for the termination;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Assure that the child's clothing and personal belongings are prepared for moving before termination;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Explain in person the reasons for the termination to the child and current foster parent;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Send a written explanation for the termination to the current foster parents at least 1 week before the termination; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>If the child is moving to a setting under another agency's authority, prepare the child's records for transfer.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Interstate Placement. The agency shall send written notice to and receive written approval from the Administration's Director of the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children before the agency:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Places a Maryland child in another state; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Receives a child from another state for Maryland placement.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>