MD HB570

Individuals may apply to become foster parents through the local department of social services in their county of residence or any adjacent county

Local departments are prohibited from denying foster parent applications solely because the applicant lives in an adjacent county rather than the same county as the department

Local departments must submit quarterly reports to the Department of Human Services stating the number of children waiting for foster home placement and the number of vacant foster care placements in approved homes

Effective date: October 1, 2026