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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 607 provides procedures for appointing a permanent guardian if a complaint alleging child abuse or neglect has not been filed. If a complaint has not been filed, but an adult having a relationship with the child believes that the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect, or abandonment, the adult may petition the court to be appointed as a permanent guardian.

Significant Issues

If the child is 14 years old or older, the court shall consider the expressed wishes of the child regarding the appointment of a permanent guardian.

The court may establish a permanent guardianship when it is in the best interests of the child and when the court finds that the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or abandonment and that placing the child in the natural or adoptive parent's care is against the best interests of the child.

BOC/gm