Md. Code Regs. 07.02.11.25

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 07.02.11.25 - Aftercare Services

A. The local department shall provide aftercare services to the child and the aftercare placement family:

(1) For an initial period of up to 3 months, which may be extended an additional 3 months for a total of 6 months; and

(2) Beyond the 6 months based upon a compelling reason for extending the services:

(a) At 1 month intervals with the written approval of the local director; or

(b) For a specified time period as ordered by the court.

B. While providing aftercare services, the local department shall evaluate whether the family can provide adequate care to the child:

(1) Without supportive help from the local department;

(2) With less intensive services; or

(3) With the support of specified community services that are not provided by the local department, but which the local department may assist the family in accessing.

C. The local department shall evaluate every 3 months whether the:

(1) Family can keep the child safe, and provide for the child's well being so that custody may be returned to the parents or legal guardian;

(2) Child should be returned to out-of-home placement; or

(3) Parental rights should be terminated.

D. If the local department determines that the family is providing adequate care for the child, the local department shall make a final report to the court concerning the family's progress and shall request rescission of the commitment.

E. During the aftercare services period, the local department shall visit the child in the aftercare placement a minimum of once every 2 weeks and at least one caretaker must be present.

F. The local department shall include in the case record for an aftercare placement a:

(1) Case plan with a service agreement that is updated at least every 60 days during the aftercare placement, which includes a signed service agreement with the aftercare caretakers;

(2) Service plan specific to the needs of the child and family; and

(3) Safety assessment completed at the time of the aftercare placement.

G. Independent living aftercare services shall be made available to youth 18 to 21 years old as set forth in COMAR 07.02.10.

Md. Code Regs. 07.02.11.25

Regulations .25 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 17, 1990 (17:16 Md. R. 1984); adopted permanently effective December 24, 1990 (17:25 Md. R. 2904)
Regulation .25G amended effective February 6, 2012 (39:2 Md. R. 140)