MD HB396

Removes the age 16 maximum for children in residential child care programs receiving educational support, extending requirements to all children age 5 and older

Requires children entering residential care to remain enrolled in their previous school unless a local Department of Social Services determines a transfer is in the child's best interest

Mandates residential child care operators provide dedicated study time, homework assistance, extracurricular activity support, and computer access for children enrolled in higher education

Establishes 16 required training topics for residential child and youth care practitioner certification, including child development, suicide prevention, behavioral intervention plans, and medication management

Grandfathers existing certified practitioners as of July 1, 2026, exempting them from completing training they've already finished until their certificate renewal date