Md. Code Regs. 07.02.09.11

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

Section 07.02.09.11 - Investigations of Abuse or Neglect in Kinship Resource Homes

A. Initial Notification. If the local department receives a report of suspected abuse or neglect and initiates an investigation, the local department shall;

(1) Notify the kinship caregiver that a report of abuse or neglect has been made.

(2) Notify the parents or guardians of any child in care living in the kinship resource home and the child in care's attorney.

B. Investigation.

(1) The CPS unit of a local department shall respond to the report of abuse or neglect as required by COMAR 07.02.07.

(2) An allegation of abuse or neglect in a kinship resource home does not require the automatic removal of children in care placed in the kinship resource home.

(3) The local department shall assess and determine whether it is in the best interests of any children in care placed in the kinship resource home to remain in the kinship resource home pending completion of the investigation.

(4) A local department staff member shall visit the kinship resource home at least weekly as long as any children in care remain in the home until the local department decides whether to continue the child in care's placement with the kinship caregiver.

(5) A local department shall not place additional children in care in the home for care or respite care pending the outcome of the investigation and a decision by the local director or designee as to whether the child in care's placement with the kinship caregiver will continue.

(6) The worker and kinship caregiver may take any necessary actions to ensure the safety of the alleged victim pending completion of the investigation, but shall not create a safety plan for children in care.

C. Continued Licensure of a Kinship Resource Home.

(1) Within 5 business days of completing the investigation, the local department shall determine whether the kinship caregiver, household members, and kinship resource home still meet the standards for a license and make a recommendation to the local director regarding continued licensure of the kinship caregiver.

(2) Within 5 business days after receiving the recommendation of the staff, the local director shall render a written decision as to the continued licensure of the kinship caregiver and whether any children in care removed from the kinship resource home may be returned.

(3) The local department shall provide the written decision to the parents or guardians of any children in care living in the kinship resource home, the attorneys for those children in care, and the kinship caregiver.

(4) A copy of the local director's decision shall be forwarded to the Administration and uploaded into the electronic system of record of the kinship caregiver and any children in care placed in the home when the alleged abuse or neglect occurred.

Md. Code Regs. 07.02.09.11

Regulation .11 adopted effective 51:24 Md. R. 1081, eff. 12/12/2024.