C.S. v. Prince George's County Department of Social Services

MURPHY, Chief Judge.

In this case, we address the procedural mechanisms provided in the Family Law Article applicable to those who have been accused of abusing or neglecting a child.

I

A

Maryland Code (1984, 1991 Repl.Vol., 1995 Supp.) §§ 5-701 to 5-715 of the Family Law Article comprise Maryland’s statutory procedures for investigating, reporting, and detecting child abuse. These provisions define who must report suspected child abuse and when and how a report must be filed, §§ 5-704 and 5-705, the procedures by which law enforcement and social services agencies must conduct investigations of…