§ 5-349
149 words·~1 min read·
/md/family-law/5-349·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
§5–349.
(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.