<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 07.05.03.01" title_num="07" subtitle_num="05" chapter_num="03" heading="Purpose.">
  <text>The purpose of private adoption services is to:</text>
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Effect a permanent plan through private legal adoption as quickly as possible for a child in out-of-home placement who cannot, or should not, be reunited with the child's birth parents;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Protect children from unnecessary separation from birth parents;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Provide the child with an adoptive setting which will ensure the child's safety and well-being;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Assure adoption of a child by qualified individuals;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Protect the confidentiality of the adoption process;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Arrange, as appropriate, the exchange of identifying information among an adoptee, birth parents, and birth siblings who register their consent with the Registry;</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Assure that a child adopted in a foreign country is protected in Maryland and that the foreign country's laws, customs, expectations, and requests are, as far as is legally and practically possible, honored in Maryland; and</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Assure potential adoptive parents that the agency will:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Share with them all available appropriate information, and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Minimize financial and personal risks.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>