§ 5-571. Findings; statement of purpose

   (a) Findings. --

   (1) The General Assembly finds that:

      (i) a child is not capable of self-protection; and

      (ii) if care of a child is given over to another, mental and physical risks arise that need to be offset by reasonable protective measures.

   (2) The General Assembly also finds that:

      (i) there is a shortage of child care placements for children under the age of 2 years; and

      (ii) the rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle should provide for small child care centers that provide care in a homelike environment.

(b) Statement of purpose. -- The purpose of this subtitle is not to limit a parent in getting the help of responsible relatives or friends in giving child care for a child, but is to aid each parent and protect each child from the risk present if:

   (1) the child is cared for by an individual other than a relative or friend; and

   (2) children of more than one family are cared for together or, on different days, use the same facilities.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 43, § 707; 1982, ch. 21, § 2; ch. 634, § 2; 1983, ch. 583, § 2; 1988, ch. 247.