Section 5-4 - B-01. Definitions. - Maryland Statutes

§ 5-4B-01. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(b)  Administration.- "Administration" means the Social Services Administration of the Department. 

(c)  Confidential intermediary.- "Confidential intermediary" means an individual or child placement agency qualified by the Director for the purpose of providing search, contact, and reunion services under this subtitle. 

(d)  Director.- "Director" means the Director of the Administration. 

(e)  Member of the adoptive family.- "Member of the adoptive family" means an adoptive parent, grandparent, brother, or sister of an adopted individual. 

(f)  Relative.- "Relative" means a parent, brother, sister, child, aunt, or uncle of a biological parent. 

(g)  Search, contact, and reunion services.- "Search, contact, and reunion services" means services: 

(1) to locate adopted individuals, biological parents of adopted individuals, siblings of adopted individuals, and, as provided in § 5-4B-11 of this subtitle, relatives and members of the adoptive family; 

(2) to assess the mutual desire for communication or disclosure of information: 

(i) between adopted individuals and biological parents of adopted individuals; 

(ii) between adopted individuals and siblings of adopted individuals; and 

(iii) as provided in § 5-4B-11 of this subtitle, between: 

1. adopted individuals and relatives; and 

2. biological parents and members of the adoptive family; and 

(3) to provide, or provide referral to, counseling for adopted individuals, biological parents of adopted individuals, siblings of adopted individuals, relatives, and members of the adoptive family. 

(h)  Sibling.- "Sibling" means a brother or sister of the whole or half blood who: 

(1) is at least 21 years old; and 

(2) has been adopted. 
 

[1998, ch. 679; 2004 Sp. Sess., ch. 7; 2005, ch. 464, § 2; 2006, ch. 312.]