Maryland Family Law Section 5-349
§ 5-349.
CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE
** SPECIAL NOTE: EFFECTIVE - JANUARY 1, 2006 - CHAPTER 464 - 2005 **
  (a)   In ruling on a petition for a child's adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:
    (1)   any assurance by the local department to fund needed support for the child;
    (2)   all factors necessary to determine the child's best interests; and
    (3)   a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:
      (i)   the suitability of the petitioner to be the child's parent; and
      (ii)   the child's successful placement for adoption with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.
  (b)   In ruling on a petition for adoption under this Part IV of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny a petition for adoption solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.