reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
DC Code § 16-2352 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2352. Definitions

(a) As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) “Parent and child relationship” includes all rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations existing under law between a parent and child, including rights of inheritance. The words apply equally to every child and every parent regardless of the marital status of the parents of the child. (2) “termination of the parent and child relationship” means the adjudication that a child is free from the custody and control of either or both of his or her living parents by means of a court order that completely severs and extinguishes the parent and child relationship. (b) The terms found in this subchapter which are defined in section 16-2301 of this chapter shall be given the same definition herein.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2352. 1973 Ed., § 16-2352.
DC Code § 16-2353 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2353. Grounds for termination of parent and child relationship

(a) A judge may enter an order for the termination of the parent and child relationship when the judge finds from the evidence presented, after giving due consideration to the interests of all parties, that the termination is in the best interests of the child. (b) In determining whether it is in the child’s best interests that the parent and child relationship be terminated, a judge shall consider each of the following factors: (1) the child’s need for continuity of care and caretakers and for timely integration into a stable and permanent home, taking into account the differences in the development and the concept of time of children of different ages; (2) the physical, mental and emotional health of all individuals involved to the degree that such affects the welfare of the child, the decisive consideration being the physical, mental and emotional needs of the child; (3) the quality of the interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parent, siblings, relative, and/or caretakers, including the foster parent; (3A) the child was left by his or her parent, guardian, or custodian in a hospital located in the District of Columbia for at least 10 calendar days following the birth of the child, despite a medical determination that the child was ready for discharge from the hospital, and the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child has not taken any action or made any effort to maintain a parental, guardianship, or custodial relationship or contact with the child; (4) to the extent feasible, the child’s opinion of his or her own best interests in the matter; and (5) evidence that drug-related activity continues to exist in a child’s home environment after intervention and services have been provided pursuant to section 106(a) of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act of 1977, effective September 23, 1977 (D.C. Law 2-22; § 4-1301.06(a)). Evidence of continued drug-activity shall be given great weight.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341; Mar. 15, 1990, D.C. Law 8-87, § 4(b), (c), 37 DCR 50; June 8, 1990, D.C. Law 8-134,§ 2(d), 37 DCR 2613; Mar. 24, 1998, D.C. Law 12-81, § 10(hh), 45 DCR 745; Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-264, § 57(b)(2), 46 DCR 2118.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2353. 1973 Ed., § 16-2353.
DC Code § 16-2355 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2355. Consideration of termination of the parent and child relationship at review hearings

(a) After a child adjudicated neglected by the Division pursuant to this chapter has been committed by the Division to the custody of a department, agency or institution for more than eighteen (18) months and no hearing on a motion for the termination of the parent and child relationship has been held within the preceding twelve (12) months, the Division shall, at a review hearing, determine why a motion to terminate the parent and child relationship has not been filed. (b) For each child who remains in custody for three (3) years or more, the Division shall, at each annual review hearing, determine why a motion to terminate the parent and child relationships has not been filed.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2355. 1973 Ed., § 16-2355.
DC Code § 16-2356 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2356. Parties

Parties to a proceeding for the termination of the parent and child relationship shall be the child, the parent of the named child, and the agency having the legal custody of the child. The judge may at his or her discretion, name on his or her own motion or in response to a motion for joinder or intervention, join additional parties to a proceeding to terminate the parent and child relationship.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2356. 1973 Ed., § 16-2356.
DC Code § 16-2357 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2357. Notice

(a) When a motion to terminate the parent and child relationship is filed, a judge shall promptly set a time for an adjudicatory hearing and shall cause notice thereof to be given to all parties. (b) A judge shall direct the issuance to and personal service upon the child’s parent of a summons together with a copy of the motion to terminate the parent and child relationship. (c) When it is appropriate to the proper disposition of the case, a judge may direct the service of a summons upon other persons. (d) If a personal service under this section cannot be effected, then notice shall be made constructively pursuant to rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2357. 1973 Ed., § 16-2357. Section References This section is referenced in § 16-4603.09.
DC Code § 16-2358 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2358. Conduct of hearings

(a) All hearings and proceedings on a motion to terminate the parent and child relationship shall be held by the judge, without a jury. (b) All hearings and proceedings held pursuant to this subchapter shall be recorded by appropriate means. (c) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public shall be excluded from hearings and proceedings arising pursuant to this subchapter. Only persons necessary to such hearings and proceedings shall be admitted, but a judge may, pursuant to rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, admit such other persons as have a proper interest in the case or the work of the Division on the condition that they refrain from divulging information identifying the child involved in the proceedings or members of his or her family. (d) If a judge finds it is in the best interests of the child, he or she may temporarily exclude the child from any proceeding. Under no circumstances, however, may counsel in the case be excluded.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2358. 1973 Ed., § 16-2358.
DC Code § 16-2359 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2359. Adjudicatory hearing

(a) A judge shall begin the adjudicatory hearing by determining whether all parties are present and whether proper notice of the hearing has been given. If the parent has been given proper notice but has failed to appear the judge may proceed in his or her absence. (b) A judge shall hear evidence presented by the moving party and the burden of proof shall rest upon the moving party. (c) Every party shall have the right to present evidence, to be heard in his or her own behalf and to cross-examine witnesses called by another party. (d) All evidence which is relevant, material, and competent to the issues before the judge shall be admitted. (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of D.C. Official Code, sections 14-306 and 14-307, neither the spouse or domestic partner privilege nor the physician/client or mental health professional/client privilege shall be a ground for excluding evidence in any proceeding brought under this subchapter. (f) A judge may enter an order permanently terminating the parent and child relationship after considering all of the evidence presented and after making a determination based upon clear and convincing evidence that termination of the parent and child relationship is in the best interest of the child. If a judge does not find that sufficient grounds exist for termination, the motion for termination of the parent and child relationship may be dismissed.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341; Mar. 3, 1979, D.C. Law 2-136, § 805(d), 25 DCR 5055; Sept. 6, 1980, D.C. Law 3-85,§ 4, 27 DCR 2900; Sept. 12, 2008, D.C. Law 17-231, § 20(h), 55 DCR 6758.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2359. 1973 Ed., § 16-2359. Effect of Amendments D.C. Law 17-231, in subsec. (e), substituted “spouse or domestic partner” for “husband/wife”.
DC Code § 16-2360 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2360. Disposition after termination

(a) If a judge finds that sufficient grounds exist for the termination of the parent and child relationship, the judge shall so order and decree and shall vest the legal custody of the child in a department, agency or institution. (b) The department, agency or institution to which a child is committed after the termination of the parent and child relationship pursuant to this subchapter shall be responsible for seeking the prompt adoptive placement of the child and, if an adoptive placement has not been made within three (3) months, the department, agency, or institution shall list the child on all appropriate local, regional and national adoption exchanges. If an adoptive placement has not been made within six (6) months of the termination, a hearing shall be held and within every six (6) months thereafter the department, agency or institution shall report to the Division on its efforts to secure an adoptive placement, including but not limited to the following information: (1) the extent to which an adoption has been explored with the child’s foster parent and any reasons why an adoption by the foster parent is not appropriate; (2) all adoption exchanges with which the child has been listed and the date of each listing; and (3) the limitations placed on the families to be considered for the adoption of the child. (c) The information provided pursuant to subsection (b) shall be provided to the guardian ad litem at least ten (10) days prior to a review hearing. (d) A notice of a review hearing shall be given as prescribed by rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to the child’s guardian ad litem. Any person with whom the child has been living for six (6) months or more shall be given notice of hearings and shall upon his or her request be joined as a party to a review hearing. (e) If the Division finds that the department, agency or institution vested with the custody of the child is not making sufficient efforts to secure an adoptive placement for the child or that inappropriate limitations have been placed on potential adoptive families, the Division may order such additional efforts as it deems appropriate or may order that the imposition of inappropriate limitations be eliminated or may transfer the power to consent to an adoption together with the vestment of legal custody to any other licensed child placement agency.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2360. 1973 Ed., § 16-2360.
DC Code § 16-2361 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2361. Effect of termination decree

(a) An order terminating the parent and child relationship divests the parent and the child of all legal rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations with respect to each other, except the right of the child to inherit from his or her parent. The right of inheritance of the child shall be terminated only by a final order of adoption. (b) When an order terminating the parent and child relationship has been issued, the parent whose right has been terminated shall not thereafter be entitled to notice of proceedings for the adoption of the child by another nor shall such parent have any right to object to the adoption or otherwise to participate in the proceedings.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341; Mar. 24, 1998, D.C. Law 12-81, § 10(jj), 45 DCR 745.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2361. 1973 Ed., § 16-2361.
DC Code § 16-2362 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2362. Decrees

(a) Every order of the Division terminating the parent and child relationship shall be in writing and shall recite the findings upon which such order is based, including findings pertaining to the court’s jurisdiction. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 16-2330, all orders terminating the parent and child relationship entered pursuant to this subchapter shall not be final and effective until the time for noting an appeal has expired and, if a notice of appeal has been entered, the order shall not become effective until the date of the final disposition of the appeal.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341; Mar. 24, 1998, D.C. Law 12-81, § 10(kk), 45 DCR 745.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2362. 1973 Ed., § 16-2362.
DC Code § 16-2363 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2363. Confidentiality of records

The provisions of §§ 16-2332 and 16-2333 shall apply to all juvenile case records and juvenile social records as defined therein which are created pursuant to the proceedings under this subchapter.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341; Mar. 24, 1998, D.C. Law 12-81, § 10(ll), 45 DCR 745.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2363. 1973 Ed., § 16-2363. Section References This section is referenced in § 16-2364.
DC Code § 16-2364 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2364. Unlawful disclosure

Whoever willfully discloses, receives, makes use of, or knowingly permits the use of information concerning a child or other person in violation of section 16-2363 of this subchapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01] or imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days, or both. A violation of this section shall be prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 281(e), 60 DCR 2064.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2364. 1973 Ed., § 16-2364. Effect of Amendments The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01]” for “not more than two hundred and fifty dollars ($250)”. Emergency Legislation For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 281(e) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300). Editor's Notes Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
DC Code § 16-2365 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter III - Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children|§ 16-2365. Termination decrees of other jurisdictions

If the parent and child relationship has been terminated by judicial decree in another jurisdiction that decree, unless it is against the public policy of the District of Columbia, shall have the same force and effect in the District of Columbia as to matters within the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia court.  (Sept. 23, 1977, D.C. Law 2-22, title IV, § 410, 24 DCR 3341.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2365. 1973 Ed., § 16-2365.
DC Code § 16-2371 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter IV - Court-Appointed Special Advocates|§ 16-2371. Definitions

For the purpose of this subchapter, the term “advocate” means a court-appointed special advocate and the term “program” means the court-appointed special advocate program established under this subchapter.  (Mar. 16, 1995, D.C. Law 10-228, § 2(b), 42 DCR 7.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2371.
DC Code § 16-2372 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter IV - Court-Appointed Special Advocates|§ 16-2372. Court-appointed special advocate program

(a) There is established a court-appointed special advocate program to provide trained volunteers whose primary purpose is to ensure that children who are the subject of certain family division proceedings of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia are provided with appropriate service and case planning that is in their best interest. (b) The court, in any appropriate action, may appoint an individual provided by the court-appointed special advocate program. (c) The program shall be administered by the Family Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. (d) The Family Division shall report annually to the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, who shall report to the Council of the District of Columbia regarding the operation of the program. (e) The Board of Judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia may adopt rules governing the implementation and operation of the program, including, but not limited to, training, selection, and supervision of volunteers. (f) An advocate or a member of the administrative staff of the program is not liable for acts or omissions in providing services or performing duties on behalf of the program, unless the act or omission constitutes reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct or intentionally tortious conduct. (g) A court-appointed special advocate shall have access to and the use of the court record in a proceeding in which the advocate has been appointed.  (Mar. 16, 1995, D.C. Law 10-228, § 2(b), 42 DCR 7.)  Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 16-2372. Emergency Legislation For temporary (90-day) addition of §§ 16-2381 1981 Ed. to 16-2399 1981 Ed., see § 3 of the Foster Children’s Guardianship Emergency Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-433, August 14, 2000, 47 DCR 7467).
DC Code § 16-2381 (2021)
2021 District of Columbia Code|Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]|Chapter 23 - Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings|Subchapter V - Permanent Guardianship|§ 16-2381. Purpose of the subchapter; construction of provisions

The general purpose of this subchapter is to: (1) Encourage stability in the lives of certain children who have been adjudicated to be neglected and have been removed from the custody of their parent by providing judicial procedures for the creation of a permanent guardianship in the circumstances set forth in this subchapter; (2) Ensure that the constitutional rights of all parties are recognized and enforced in all proceedings conducted pursuant to this subchapter while ensuring that the fundamental needs of children are not subjugated to the interests of others; and (3) Increase the opportunities for the prompt permanent placement of children, especially with relatives, without ongoing government supervision.  (Apr. 4, 2001, D.C. Law 13-273, § 3(c), 48 DCR 1637.)  Emergency Legislation For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3(b) of the Foster Children’s Guardianship Legislative Review Emergency Act of 2000 (D.C. Act 13-490, December 18, 2000, 48 DCR 63). For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3(c) of Foster Children’s Guardianship Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-4, February 13, 2001, 48 DCR 2254). Temporary Legislation For temporary (225 day) addition of subchapter V, “Permanent Guardianship”, consisting of §§ 16-2381 to 16-2399., see § 3(b) of the Foster Children’s Guardianship Temporary Act of 2000 (D.C. Law 13-208, April 4, 2001, law notification 48 DCR 3239). Delegation of Authority Delegation of Authority Pursuant to the Foster Children’s Guardianship Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2001, Effective 2-13-01, DC Act 14-4, and Any Substantially Identical Successor Legislation, Including the Foster Children’s Guardianship Act of 2000, see Mayor’s Order 2001-38, March 20, 2001 ( 48 DCR 3438).