Ch. 608                                    LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2) who are abused, abandoned, neglected, or
dependent, if a juvenile court:

(i) has determined that continued residence in
the child's home is contrary to the child's welfare; and

(ii) has committed the child to the custody or
guardianship of a local department.

(b)  The local department shall provide 24-hour a day care
and supportive services for a child who is committed to its
custody or guardianship in a licensed or approved foster family
home, group home, or child care institution on a short term
basis, while the local department develops and implements a
[permanent] PERMANENCY plan that is in the best interests of the
child.

(c)  In developing a   [permanent] PERMANENCY plan that is in
the best interests of     a child under foster care, the local
department shall consider   the following, in descending order . of
priority:

(1)  returning the child to the child's parent or
guardian;

(2)  placing the child with relatives;

(3)  adoption;

(4)  an independent living arrangement; or

(5)  in exceptional situations as defined by rule or
regulation, long-term foster care.

(D) (1) THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT SHALL:

(I)  PREPARE THE PERMANENCY PLAN IN WRITING
WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE DATE THE CHILD COMES INTO CARE;

(II)  IF THE CHILD IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF
THE JUVENILE COURT, FURNISH THE PLAN TO THE CHILD'S PARENTS, THE
CHILD , OR THE CHILD'S COUNSEL, AND TO THE JUVENILE COURT; AND

(III)  MAINTAIN THE PLAN IN THE AGENCY'S CASE
RECORD.

(2) THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT SHALL AMEND THE PLAN
PROMPTLY AS NECESSARY IN LIGHT OF THE CHILD'S SITUATION AND ANY
COURT ORDERS WHICH AFFECT THE CHILD.

(E) UNLESS A CHILD HAS RECEIVED A REVIEW FROM THE LOCAL
BOARD OF REVIEW OF FOSTER CARE UNDER § 5-544 OF PART IV OF THIS
SUBTITLE, THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT SHALL PERFORM AN ADMINISTRATIVE

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