Sec. 07.02.29.05. General Eligibility Requirements for Relative Caregiver

A. To be eligible for the guardianship assistance program, the relative caregiver shall:

(1) Successfully complete the application requirements as set forth in §B of this regulation;

(2) Be an approved resource or formal kinship care home with the child in the placement for the last 6 consecutive months; and

(3) Demonstrate a strong commitment to permanently care for the child.

B. The relative caregiver shall:

(1) Complete a signed written application;

(2) Complete a physical assessment and a mental health history;

(3) Meet all the requirements of approval for a resource home or kinship care home as set forth in COMAR 07.02.25.

C. Refusal by the relative caregiver or any adult member of the household to consent to any of the requirements of §B of this regulation shall be grounds for denial of the guardianship assistance request.

D. The spouse of a relative guardian shall be encouraged to participate as a relative guardian for the agreement and the court determined guardianship.