<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".19" citation="COMAR 07.05.03.19" title_num="07" subtitle_num="05" chapter_num="03" heading="Requirements for Open Adoption Placements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A child may be considered for open adoption when:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Family reunification efforts are unsuccessful and adoption is the permanent plan;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The child's age and level of contact with, or commitment to, the parent make it emotionally difficult for the child to sever all ties with the parent; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A prospective adoptive parent can show, through the home study process, that the prospective adoptive parent:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Is willing and able to allow and encourage contact of the child with the parent,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Understands the child's dual needs for a permanent home and contact with the parent, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Can anticipate feeling secure in the role as the child's adoptive parent while also facilitating contact with the parent.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>In an open adoption, the agency child placement worker shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Document that the adoptive parent, parent, and the child, when age appropriate, were told the legal, emotional, and social ramifications of open adoption;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Document before placement of the child, the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Visiting plan,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Level of contact, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Expectations of adoptive parent and parent about their roles;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Document discussions with the adoptive parent and parent regarding the importance of pre-placement visits with:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The child by the adoptive parent, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The adoptive parent by the parent;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Extend post-placement services to the child, adoptive parent, and parent;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Be available for counseling on issues relating to the open adoption;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Complete and retain records related to the child, adoptive parent, and parent as required in this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Except for any requirement regarding non-identification, assure that the child, adoptive parent, and parent receive the same services and protections offered under this chapter and COMAR 07.05.01.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>