Section 5-337 - Considerations.
§ 5-337. Considerations.
(a) In general.- In ruling on a petition for a child's adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:
(1) any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;
(2) all factors necessary to determine the child's best interests; and
(3) a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with department regulations, as to:
(i) the suitability of the petitioner to be the child's parent; and
(ii) the child's successful placement with the petitioner under the supervision of the local department or its agent for at least 180 days or a shorter period allowed by the juvenile court on recommendation of the local department.
(b) Marital status.- In ruling on an adoption petition under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court may not deny the petition solely because the petitioner is single or unmarried.
(c) Construction as voluntary.- If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.
[2005, ch. 464, § 3.]