§ 3-816.3. Rights of preadoptive parents, foster parents, and caregivers of child

   (a) "Preadoptive parent" defined. -- In this section, "preadoptive parent" means an individual whom a child placement agency, as defined in § 5-101 of the Family Law Article, approves to adopt a child who has been placed in the individual's home for adoption before the order of adoption.

(b) Notice. -- Unless waived for good cause, before any proceeding concerning a child, the local department shall give at least 10 days' notice in writing to the child's foster parent, preadoptive parent, or caregiver of the date, time, and place of the proceeding and of the right to be heard at the proceeding.

(c) Right to be heard at proceedings. -- The foster parent, preadoptive parent, caregiver, or an attorney for the foster parent, preadoptive parent, or caregiver shall be given the right to be heard at the proceeding.

(d) Status as party. -- The foster parent, preadoptive parent, caregiver, or attorney may not be considered to be a party solely on the basis of the right to notice and the right to be heard provided under this section.

HISTORY: 2013, ch. 37.