Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Maryland

Re: sex offender

I think you would be wise to be VERY careful if you are leaving your children around a registered sex offender (whether it is a godparent, parent, sister, brother, whatever...).

The foremost issue of course is protecting your kids, and if the offender is actually living in the house with them, it will be virtually impossible to supervise every second .. and it only takes a few seconds.

Probation status means nothing in this regard.

As a legal matter, there is state law which defines child neglect. Aside from your own concern about your kids, you should probably take note that if you knowingly put your kids in a situation where they are around a registered sex offender, and then something bad happens, the state may very well charge you with neglect and seek to remove your parental rights.

Maryland Family Law Article 5-701 defines neglect.. and covers all household members.. and covers putting kids in a position where they are at risk of harm, as well as where they are actually harmed. Here is a link to the language of the definiation. http://michie.lexisnexis.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=.

This is very serious stuff and you should definately act accordingly.