District of Columbia Code Division II. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 16-2381. Purpose of the subchapter; construction of provisions.

(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.