2016 Maryland Code
Family Law
Title 5 - Children
Subtitle 4B - Adoption Search, Contact, and Reunion Services
§ 5-4B-02. Application for adoption search, contact, and reunion services

(a) Who may apply. --

(1) An adopted individual at least 21 years old may apply to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services.

(2) If an adopted individual is at least 21 years old, the following individuals may apply to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services:

(i) a biological parent of the adopted individual;

(ii) a sibling of the adopted individual; and

(iii) a director of a local department acting on behalf of a minor in out-of-home placement.

(3) A director of a local department or a local department director's designee may apply to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services to develop a placement resource or facilitate a family connection with relatives of a minor in out-of-home placement who was adopted through a local department if the local department has determined that reunification with the minor's adoptive parents is not in the minor's best interests.

(b) Proof of identity and other information of applicant. -- An individual who applies to the Director to receive search, contact, and reunion services shall supply any proof of identity or other relevant information required by the Director.

(c) Fees. --

(1) The Director may establish a reasonable fee for the application for search, contact, and reunion services.

(2) The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of processing the applications.

(d) Persons prohibited from applying for services. -- A parent who has had his or her parental rights terminated under Subtitle 3 of this title may not apply to receive search, contact, and reunion services under this subtitle.