Permanent Guardianship (family court)

Permanent guardianship provides legal permanence for a child/youth who has been the subject of a juvenile court proceeding without requiring the termination of parental rights. To establish one, the judge must find that:

• Neither parent can assume or resume parental duties within a reasonable period.

• The child has lived with the permanent guardian for at least six months.

• Permanent guardianship is in the child’s best interests (based on factors such as the child’s age and relationship with the birth parents).

• The proposed guardian is suitable, able, and willing to provide a safe, nurturing home for the child until they turn 18.

If you become a child’s permanent guardian:

• DCF will no longer be involved.

• You will be responsible for the child’s care, protection and education.

• The parents cannot petition the court to end the guardianship or get custody back.

• The court sets the plan for parent-child contact.

• The parents retain certain parental rights and responsibilities (e.g., the right to have contact with the child and the responsibility to pay child support).