(a) (1) The General Assembly finds that: (i) A child is not capable of self–protection; and (ii) If care of a child is given over to another, mental and physical risks arise that need to be offset by reasonable protective measures. (2) The General Assembly also finds that: (i) There is a shortage of child care placements for children under the age of 2 years; and (ii) The rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle should provide for small child care centers that provide care in a homelike environment. (b) The purpose of this subtitle is not to limit a parent in getting the help of responsible relatives or friends in giving child care for a child, but is to aid each parent and protect each child from the risk present if: (1) The child is cared for by an individual other than a relative or friend; and (2) Children of more than one family are cared for together or, on different days, use the same facilities.
Maryland Legal Code