(a) For purposes of this subchapter, the term:
- (1) "Guardian" means a person designated by the court pursuant to this subchapter as the guardian of a vulnerable youth.
- (2) "Guardianship order" means the court document that establishes legal guardianship and enumerates the guardian's rights and responsibilities concerning the care and custody of the vulnerable youth.
- (3) "Noncitizen" means a person who is not a United States citizen.
- (4) "Proposed guardian" means a person seeking to be appointed guardian of a vulnerable youth. The term "proposed guardian" includes a business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity whether or not a citizen or domiciliary of the District of Columbia and whether or not organized under the laws of the District of Columbia.
- (5) "Similar basis" means conditions that have an effect on a vulnerable youth comparable to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, including the death of a parent.
- (6) "Vulnerable youth" means an unmarried noncitizen who is at least 18 but younger than 21 years old.
- (b) Except when inconsistent with this subchapter, the terms found in this subchapter shall have the same meaning as provided in §16-2301.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 16-2399.01 of Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 (D.C. Act 25-203, Aug. 1, 2023, 70 DCR 10758).
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 16-2399.01 of Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 (D.C. Act 25-260, Oct. 25, 2023, 70 DCR 14434).
For temporary (90 days) creation of this section, see § 16-2399.01 of Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Emergency Amendment Act of 2024. (D.C. Act 25-492, June 26, 2024, 71 DCR 7595).
History
July 19, 2024, D.C. Law 25-188, § 3(b)
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) creation of this section, see § 16-2399.01 of Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Temporary Amendment Act of 2023 (D.C. Law 25-81, Nov. 28, 2023, 70 DCR 13754).