MD HB1272

Local departments must consider a child's feelings and views about a prospective kinship caregiver when selecting out-of-home placements in the child's best interest

Expands the definition of "kinship caregiver" to include unrelated individuals identified by the child, in addition to those identified by the child's parent

Local departments must evaluate six specific factors when approving kinship caregivers, including the individual's knowledge of circumstances leading to placement, history of protecting the child, current ability to protect the child, and willingness to cooperate with the department

Kinship caregivers must be at least 18 years old and can include relatives by blood, marriage, adoption, tribal law, cultural custom, or individuals with strong familial bonds to the child

Effective date: October 1, 2026