MD HB890

Local departments of social services or law enforcement must provide oral and written notice to parents/legal guardians at initial contact during child abuse or neglect investigations, informing them of their rights under the law

Parents/guardians must be notified they are not required to: allow entry without a court order, speak with investigators without consulting an attorney, allow child interviews/examinations (except as required by law), take drug/alcohol tests, sign documents including service agreements or medical releases

Notice must inform parents that statements may be used against them in court proceedings, that department employees cannot provide legal advice, and that exercising these rights may result in the department filing a petition for child removal

On-site interviews following abuse reports must be with the child's parent or legal guardian rather than any caretaker

The notice must be written in clear, simple language understood by the recipient, read aloud if needed, and the Department must develop a system to document proof of notice; effective October 1, 2026