1. (a) In ruling on a petition for a child's adoption under this Part III of this subtitle, a juvenile court shall consider:

   1. (1) any assurance by a local department to fund needed support for the child;
   2. (2) all factors necessary to determine the child's best interests; and

   3. (3) a report by a child placement agency, completed in accordance with Department regulations, as to:

      1. (i) the suitability of the petitioner to be the child's parent; and
      2. (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.
2. (b) 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.
3. (c) If a parent consents to adoption in accordance with § 5-338 of this subtitle, loss of parental rights shall be considered voluntary.

Added by Acts 2005, c. 464, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.