Md. Code Regs. 07.02.25.15

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

Section 07.02.25.15 - Investigations of Abuse or Neglect in 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 resource parent that a report of abuse or neglect has been made; and

(2) Notify the parents or legal guardians of any children in care living in the resource home and the children 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 resource home does not require the automatic removal of children in care placed in the 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 resource home to remain in the resource home pending completion of the investigation.

(4) A local department staff member shall visit the resource home at least weekly as long as any children in care remain in the home until the local department makes a decision about the continued licensure of the resource home.

(5) A local department shall not place additional children in care in the resource home for care or respite care pending the outcome of the investigation and a decision by the local director or designee as to the continued licensure of the resource home.

(6) The worker and resource parent 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 Resource Home.

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

(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 resource parent and whether any children in care removed from the 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 resource home, the attorneys for those children in care, and the resource parent.

(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 resource parent and any children in care placed in the resource home when the alleged abuse or neglect occurred.

Md. Code Regs. 07.02.25.15

Regulations .15 adopted effective 51:24 Md. R. 1075-1130, eff. 12/12/2024.