Md. Code Regs. 07.05.03.09 : DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES — SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION - PRIVATE CHILD PLACEMENT AGENCIES — Private Adoption — Criteria for Consideration as an Adoptive Parent

A. The agency may not deny an individual's application to be an adoptive parent because:
(1) An individual:
(a) Is divorced,
(b) Is separated from a spouse,
(c) Is not married,
(d) Has other children in the family,
(e) Does not own a home, or
(f) Is unable to pay a reasonable fee for adoption services; or
(2) Of the applicant's or adoptive child's race, color, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, or ethnic heritage.
B. The agency shall deny an application if the agency determines that an individual's:
(1) Child support account is in substantial arrearage which may affect the applicant's ability to provide for an adopted child;
(2) Economic situation is insufficient to provide adequately for a child;
(3) Physical or mental health precludes the ability to parent a child;
(4) Age is younger than 18 years;
(5) Criminal background or record of child abuse or neglect precludes the possibility of being an adoptive parent;
(6) Adoption application or home study is active with another child placement agency;
(7) Previous home study by a child placement agency reveals the individual was denied for valid reasons;
(8) Status is that of:
(a) Member of the agency's governing board, or
(b) Adoption service employee of the agency;
(9) Living space is inadequate for an additional family member; or
(10) Application information is known by the applicant to be false.

Md. Code Regs. 07.05.03.09