Maryland Code, Family Law § 5-502

(1) minor children are not capable of protecting themselves; and

(2) when a parent has relinquished the care of the parent's minor child to others, there is a possibility of certain risks to the child that require compensating measures.

(1) to protect minor children whose care has been relinquished to others by the children's parent;

(2) to resolve doubts in favor of the child when there is a conflict between the interests of a minor child and the interests of an adult; and

(3) to encourage the development of child care services for minor children in a safe, healthy, and homelike environment.