Section 21-323 - Small residential group homes for children. - Maryland Statutes

§ 21-323. Small residential group homes for children.
 

(a)  "Group home" defined.- In this section, "group home" means a foster home, emergency shelter, or family type residential facility for children that is: 

(1) Sponsored by a public or private agency; and 

(2) Supervised by foster parents, house parents, or counselors. 

(b)  Exemption from certain rules and regulations.- Any group home is exempt from any regulation governing food service facilities that is adopted by the Department or a local government, if the group home: 

(1) At no time has more than 14 residents including house parents and supervisory, professional, and custodial staff members; and 

(2) Has among its resident children only children placed in the group home by a court, a licensed child placement agency, or a government agency, including a local department of social services. 

(c)  Registration required; applicability of certain rules and regulations.- Each group home that is intended for no more than 14 residents shall be registered with the health officer for the county and is subject to State and local health regulations that govern occupancy and use of private family homes. 

(d)  Inspection by health officer.- In each county, the health officer shall inspect each group home that is intended for no more than 14 residents. 
 

[1987, ch. 297.]