§ 5-349. Considerations

MD Fam L Code § 5-349 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    In ruling on a petition for a child’s adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:

(1)    any assurance by the 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 for adoption 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 a petition for adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny a petition for adoption solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.