Sec. 07.02.11.24. Return of Child to the Parents or Legal Guardian

A. The decision by the local department to return a foster child to the care of the parents or legal guardian shall be made with the parent or legal guardian's participation after an assessment of their ability to safely care for the child and a thorough evaluation of the parent's or legal guardian's living situation and capacity to safely resume parental responsibilities.

B. The local department shall inform the court when it returns a child who has been committed to a local department to the parents or legal guardian and shall report the pertinent changes in the family or child's situation which support the return.

C. The local department before the return of a child to the parents or the legal guardian, shall notify the court and request a hearing if the court has committed the child to the local department upon a finding of child abuse.

D. The local department shall assist the parents or legal guardian with necessary preparations for the child's return home and shall assist the parent in:

(1) Getting those services that may be needed to aid the family such as:

(a) Child care;

(b) Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA);

(c) Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC);

(d) Medical Assistance; or

(e) The Maryland Children's Health Choice Program (MCHCP);

(2) Locating the appropriate school placement; and

(3) Locating a medical care provider for the child.

E. The local department shall provide aftercare services to the parents in accordance with Regulation .25 of this chapter.