§ 5-337. Considerations

MD Fam L Code § 5-337 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    In ruling on a petition for a child’s adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:

(1)    any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;

(2)    all factors necessary to determine the child’s best interests; and

(3)    a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:

(i)    the suitability of the petitioner to be the child’s parent; and

(ii)    the child’s successful placement with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.

(b)    In ruling on an adoption petition under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.

(c)    If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.