MD SB996

Establishes the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General to investigate complaints concerning children in the child welfare system, including a 24-hour toll-free helpline and authority to conduct unannounced site visits to facilities where children are placed

Requires criminal history records checks for all adults residing in the home of a court-appointed guardian, with guardians mandated to immediately notify local departments when a new adult begins living in the home

Prohibits the Social Services Administration from placing children in unlicensed settings, including hotels, motels, short-term rentals, homeless shelters, and office buildings

Creates a judicial review process allowing local departments to petition the juvenile court to set aside a guardianship order if criminal background check results raise concerns about a child's best interests

Establishes reporting requirements including quarterly reports to the Secretary of Human Services and annual reports to the General Assembly, with penalties up to $5,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment for interfering with or retaliating against complainants