Maryland Family Law Section 5-525.2

Article - Family Law

§ 5-525.2.

      (a)      (1)      A local department shall place together siblings who are in an out-of-home placement under § 5-525 of this subtitle if:

                  (i)      it is in the best interests of the siblings to be placed together; and

                  (ii)      placement of the siblings together does not conflict with a specific health or safety regulation.

            (2)      If placement of the siblings together conflicts with a specific health or safety regulation, the local department may place the siblings together if the local department makes a written finding describing how placement of the siblings together serves the best interests of the siblings.

      (b)      (1)      Any siblings who are separated due to a foster care or adoptive placement may petition a court, including a juvenile court with jurisdiction over one or more of the siblings, for reasonable sibling visitation rights.

            (2)      If a petitioner under this subsection petitions a court to issue a visitation decree or to amend an order, the court:

                  (i)      may hold a hearing to determine whether visitation is in the best interest of the children;

                  (ii)      shall weigh the relative interests of each child and base its decision on the best interests of the children promoting the greatest welfare and least harm to the children; and

                  (iii)      may issue an appropriate order or decree.



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