1. (a) The General Assembly hereby declares that there is a need for a clear statutory framework for the proper procedures and requirements for when the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families [DSCYF] is granted custody of a dependent, neglected or abused child.
2. (b) This chapter shall be liberally construed so that these purposes may be realized.
3. (c) For the purposes of applicable state and federal law, any dependent, neglected or abused child in DSCYF custody shall be considered a ward of the State.

77 Del. Laws, c. 43, § 10