Sec. 07.05.02.17. Agency Maintenance and Termination of a Child in Foster Care Placement

A. The agency shall:

(1) Schedule a physical examination and a functional assessment for the child by a physician within 2 working days after the child's placement;

(2) Unless the child has been examined within 6 months before placement and the agency has a record of the examination signed by the examiner, schedule a dental, eye, and hearing examination for a child 3 years old or older within 60 days of placement;

(3) Obtain information on the child's immunization history within 30 days of placement or, if not available, provide needed immunizations after a physical examination and recommendations by a physician;

(4) Document that the selected foster parents are able to assist in the achievement of the child's case plan goals;

(5) Supervise care and services for the child as stated in the child's case plan;

(6) Accurately transmit all relevant information concerning the child's history and needs to the foster parent except for information about family members that may be privileged or confidential;

(7) Provide the child with at least annual medical and dental examinations and the health care recommended in the child's health record while the child is in the agency's care;

(8) Provide the foster parent with assistance and consultation; and

(9) Assure that, during the school year, the child:

(a) Is enrolled in an appropriate school setting within 5 days of placement; and

(b) Attends school regularly.

B. The agency child placement worker shall:

(1) See the child at least monthly and as often as necessary to carry out the case plan;

(2) Document all contact with the local department caseworker if the child is in local departmental custody or with the Department of Juvenile Services worker, if applicable; and

(3) Meet with the parent and child together regularly to assess and document:

(a) Progress in resolving problems which precipitated placement;

(b) Parent and child relationship difficulties;

(c) The child's adjustment to separation; and

(d) Achievement of case plan goals.

C. The agency may provide programs of specialized foster care for:

(1) Children with disabilities;

(2) Hard-to-place children; and

(3) Children in preadoptive care.

D. The agency shall require the foster parent to submit and have approved by the agency and the parents or legal custodian any plan:

(1) For the child to leave the foster care home longer than 1 week for vacation or other reasons; or

(2) That requires the child to leave the State for any length of time.

E. Placement Termination.

(1) The agency may terminate a placement if the child is:

(a) Moved to another agency-certified foster home;

(b) Reunified with the birth or adoptive family;

(c) Moved to a foster parent not certified by the agency;

(d) Moved to a residential child care program; or

(e) Legally emancipated.

(2) If the placement is terminated, the agency child placement worker shall:

(a) Unless emergency conditions exist, meet with the child and current foster parents at least 2 weeks before the termination;

(b) Prepare the child emotionally for the termination;

(c) Assure that the child's clothing and personal belongings are prepared for moving before termination;

(d) Explain in person the reasons for the termination to the child and current foster parent;

(e) Send a written explanation for the termination to the current foster parents at least 1 week before the termination; and

(f) If the child is moving to a setting under another agency's authority, prepare the child's records for transfer.

F. Interstate Placement. The agency shall send written notice to and receive written approval from the Administration's Director of the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children before the agency:

(1) Places a Maryland child in another state; or

(2) Receives a child from another state for Maryland placement.