Md. Code Regs. 07.02.09.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 26, December 27, 2024

Section 07.02.09.08 - Rights of a Kinship Caregiver

A. An individualized assessment consistent with facts and objective evidence and an equal opportunity to be licensed as a kinship caregiver.

B. Information About a Child in Care. Before a local department places a child in care and upon learning new information, the worker shall provide the kinship caregiver with all known information about the child's medical, mental health, behavioral, educational, social, and emotional background, including the reason the child in care entered care and any change in the case plan. Information about the child's family that may be privileged or confidential may not be disclosed.

C. Monthly Care Stipend. Upon placement, the kinship caregiver has a right to a timely monthly care stipend, an initial clothing allowance if this is the child in care's first placement, and timely reimbursement for allowable expenditures made to meet the child in care's needs, including child care.

D. Notice of Court Hearings and Meetings. Except for meetings covered by attorney-client privilege, or meetings when confidential information about the parents or legal guardians is discussed, the worker shall advise the kinship caregiver of:

(1) The date and time of, and when applicable, right to participate in, family team decision meetings and educational or mental health team meetings regarding a child in care placed in the kinship resource home;

(2) Unless waived for good cause, at least 10 days before scheduled court proceedings, the date and time of any scheduled court hearing;

(3) The right to be heard at court hearings;

(4) Recommendations the local department will make in court regarding the child in care's permanency plan, placement, or visitation; and

(5) Decisions made by the local department and court regarding a child in care placed in the kinship resource home.

E. Advance Notice of Removal. Except as waived by court order or when the local department determines that a child in care is at imminent risk of harm, the local department shall give the kinship caregiver reasonable written notice of plans to remove the child from the kinship resource home.

Md. Code Regs. 07.02.09.08

Regulation .08 adopted effective 51:24 Md. R. 1081, eff. 12/12/2024.