1. (a)

   1. (1) Before providing shelter and supportive services to an unaccompanied minor in need of shelter, a service provider shall:

      1. (i) register with the Department;
      2. (ii) develop and implement a procedure to screen each staff member who works with minors, including through a State and national criminal history records check or a private agency background check conducted in accordance with § 4-2708 of this subtitle; and
      3. (iii) obtain written consent from the unaccompanied minor in need of shelter.

   2. (2) The written consent from the unaccompanied minor in need of shelter shall state the minor's:

      1. (i) age;
      2. (ii) guardianship status, if known; and
      3. (iii) living situation.

2. (b) A service provider may not provide shelter to a minor if the service provider has knowledge that the minor:

   1. (1) knowingly provided false information in the written consent required under subsection (a) of this section; or
   2. (2) does not meet the definition of an unaccompanied minor in need of shelter under this subtitle.

Added by Acts 2020, c. 108, § 1, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2020, c. 109, § 1, eff. July 1, 2020.