§9.5–402.

    (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.