Maryland Family Law Section 5-3A-03

CAUTION: READ FULL TEXT OF SECTION FOR SPECIAL NOTE

      An applicant under this subtitle shall:

            (1)      supply any proof of identity or other relevant information required by the Secretary; and

            (2)      pay any fee for a copy of a record required under Title 4, Subtitle 2 of the Health - General Article.

** SPECIAL NOTE: EFFECTIVE - JANUARY 1, 2006 - CHAPTER 464 - 2005 **

      (a)      The General Assembly finds that the policies and procedures of this subtitle are desirable and socially necessary.

      (b)      The purposes of this subtitle are to:

            (1)      timely provide permanent and safe homes for children consistent with their best interests;

            (2)      protect children from unnecessary separation from their parents;

            (3)      ensure adoption only by individuals fit for the responsibility;

            (4)      protect parents from making hurried or ill-considered agreements to terminate parental rights;

            (5)      protect prospective adoptive parents by providing them information about prospective adoptees and their backgrounds; and

            (6)      protect adoptive parents from a future disturbance of their relationship with adoptees by former parents.