Maryland Family Law Section 4-401

      The General Assembly declares:

            (1)      that it is the policy of this State to promote family stability, to preserve family unity, and to help families achieve and maintain self-reliance by:

                  (i)      responding to financial and family crisis through direct provision of family counseling and supportive services; and

                  (ii)      referral to appropriate community resources; and

            (2)      this State has the responsibility to provide services that prevent the kind of family dissolution and breakdown that requires protective services or out-of-home placement.