Out-of-Home Placement Providers - Individuals Enrolled in Higher Education and Vocational Training Programs

SB 765 modifies Maryland's child placement rules to allow out-of-home care providers (like foster homes or group facilities) to temporarily exceed standard child-to-provider ratios for youth enrolled in accredited higher education or vocational programs. Specifically, it exempts these youth from placement limits when they cannot remain on campus due to breaks, closures, or temporary leaves, provided the child, provider, and agency mutually agree to the arrangement. This policy change directly affects foster care providers, youth in care attending college/vocational training, and the Department of Human Services, which must adopt regulations implementing this exemption. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.