The purpose of this subarticle is to establish procedures for the reasonable and compassionate termination of parental rights where children are abused, neglected, or abandoned in order to protect the health and welfare of such children and make them eligible for adoption by persons who will provide a suitable home environment and the love and care necessary for a happy, healthful, and productive life. The Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all proceedings held pursuant to this subarticle. For purposes of this subarticle jurisdiction may continue until the child becomes eighteen years of age, unless emancipated earlier.
Venue exists in the county where the child resides.
A petition seeking termination of parental rights may be filed by the child protective services agency or any interested party. The grounds on which termination of parental rights are sought and the underlying factual circumstances. If the parent is not represented by counsel, the judge shall make a determination on a case by case basis whether counsel is required. If the parent is indigent and counsel is not appointed, the judge shall enter on the record the reasons counsel was not required. Any child subject to any judicial proceeding under this subarticle must be appointed a guardian ad litem by the Family Court.