(a) In consultation with interested stakeholders, the Administration shall prepare an annual report on voluntary placement agreements for children and young adults in the State.
(b) The report shall include:
(1) the total number of voluntary placement agreements that were:
(i) approved;
(ii) denied;
(iii) requested for behavioral health reasons, including voluntary placement agreements that were requested for children with a developmental disability who are also diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder; and
(iv) requested for children with a developmental disability who are not also diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder;
(2) the reason for any denials; and
(3) for voluntary placement agreements that were approved, the type of placement recommended and the type of initial placement, including:
(i) residential treatment center;
(ii) group home placement;
(iii) therapeutic group home;
(iv) diagnostic placement;
(v) therapeutic foster home; and
(vi) any other type of placement.
(c) The report shall group the information required under subsection (b) of this section by the following regions:
(1) Baltimore region, consisting of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County;
(2) Eastern Shore, consisting of Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County;
(3) Metro Region, consisting of Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County;
(4) Southern Maryland, consisting of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Charles County, and St. Mary’s County; and
(5) Western Maryland, consisting of Allegany County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Garrett County, and Washington County.
(d) On or before December 1 each year, the Administration shall submit the report required under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 5 - Child Care; Foster Care
Part I - Definitions; General Provisions
Section 5-502 - Legislative Findings
Section 5-503 - Corporations for the Care and Protection of Minor Children
Section 5-504 - Rights of Foster Parents
Section 5-505.1 - Annual Report on Voluntary Placement Agreements for Children and Young Adults