Sec. 07.05.01.02. Definitions

A. In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Administration" means the Social Services Administration of the Department of Human Services.

(2) "Agency" means a privately incorporated organization which is:

(a) Incorporated as a child placement agency; and

(b) Licensed by the Administration to receive children for placement into foster homes, adoptive homes, or independent living preparation arrangements.

(3) "Case plan" means a written description of the child's needs and the services to be provided to meet those needs.

(4) "Child" means an individual younger than 18 years old, except that a child already receiving care may continue to receive care until the end of the month in which the individual becomes 21 years old.

(5) "Child placement worker" means an individual licensed in Maryland as a social worker and employed by a licensed child placement agency to:

(a) Perform intake services;

(b) Provide casework, group work, or community organization services;

(c) Plan and coordinate the services and resources affecting children before, during, and after the child is in foster or adoptive care; and

(d) Conduct home studies for adoptive and foster parents.

(6) "Department" means the Department of Human Services.

(7) "Full time employee" means an agency employee who works for the agency at least 35 hours per week.

(8) "Local department" means the:

(a) Department of social services in a county or Baltimore City; and

(b) Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

(9) Parent or Parents.

(a) "Parent" means the birth or adoptive mother or father of the child.

(b) "Parents" means the birth or adoptive mother and father of the child.

(10) "Private residential child care program" means a program in a residential child care program as defined in COMAR 01.04.04.03B.