Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Foster Care - Maryland
Youth's Parental Rights
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.
Placement Options
Citation: SSA Pol. Dir. #10-22
In policy: When an infant is born to a minor in an out-of-home placement (OHP), it is the responsibility of the local Department of Social Services to determine whether the minor in care is capable of properly caring for his or her infant or if the infant must be committed to care. Regardless of whether the infant is committed, the committed mother or father can be placed with the infant in a foster placement. They may be placed in a foster home, treatment foster home, or a mother-child program.
Prior to placing a minor mother or father in a foster care placement with the infant, the local department shall first determine if the infant should be committed to the care of the department. An assessment shall be made of each parent on his or her ability and willingness to care for the child.
The department shall make every effort to include both parents in the planning for the infant unless it is contrary to the safety, well-being, and best interests of the infant. If only one minor parent is in out-of- home placement, an assessment of the other parent's ability and willingness to care for the infant shall be made. If the department determines that it is in the best interests of the infant not to be committed, the infant shall be placed with either parent willing and able to provide adequate safety and care for the infant.
Health Services
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.
Parent Preparation for Expectant Youth
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.
Education and Services to Support Parenting Youth
The issue of assisting parenting youth in finishing high school is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed. For information on assisting youth in foster care complete high school, see Educational Supports for Youth in Foster Care - Maryland | Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Economic and Concrete Supports
Citation: SSA Pol. Dir. #10-22
If the minor parent is committed to care but his or her infant is not, the foster parent shall be compensated at the regular board rate for the infant in addition to the appropriate board rate for the mother or father.
When foster caregivers are caring for a committed infant, they are compensated for the placement of an OHP child, as appropriate.
Services and Supports for Parenting Youth That Promote Self-Sufficiency
Citation: SSA Pol. Dir. #10-22
If the minor mother or father with whom the infant is placed is committed to the local department, but the infant is not, the foster caregiver shall provide support to the minor parent in the care of the child, but it is the responsibility of the minor parent to care for the child.
If a minor parent and the infant are both committed to the department and are placed in the same foster home, the foster caregiver shall be responsible for the infant's care and have the same responsibilities to the infant as to any other committed child.
Foster Care Prevention Strategy for any Child Born to the Youth
This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.