2012 Delaware Code
Title 29 - State Government
CHAPTER 90A. OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE
§ 9002A. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context indicates differently:

(1) "Abuse" or "abused child" is as defined in § 901 of Title 10.

(2) "Adult" means a person who has reached his or her 18th birthday;

(3) "Best interests" as defined in § 722 of Title 13;

(4) "Child" or "children" means persons who have not reached their 18th birthday;

(5) "Child welfare proceeding" means any Family Court proceeding and subsequent appeal therefrom involving custody, visitation, guardianship, termination of parental rights, adoption and other related petitions that involve a dependent, neglected or abused child or a child at risk of same as determined by a Family Court judge;

(6) "Commission" means the Child Protection Accountability Commission;

(7) "Court" means the Family Court;

(8) "Department" means the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families of the State;

(9) "Dependency" or "dependent child" is as defined in § 901 of Title 10.

(10) "Division" means the Division of Family Services of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families;

(11) "Guardian ad litem" means an individual appointed by the Court to represent the best interests of a child whether or not that reflects the wishes of the child, who by his or her appointment shall be a party to the child welfare proceeding. The guardian ad litem is charged with obtaining a clear understanding of the situation and needs of the child, and making recommendations to the Court as to what is in the best interests of the child.

(12) "Neglect" or "neglected child" is as defined in § 901 of Title 10.

(13) "Office" means the Office of the Child Advocate.

(14) "Permanency" means the safe, stable, custodial environment in which a child is raised and the life-long relationship that child establishes with a nurturing caregiver.

72 Del. Laws, c. 167, § 2; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 72 Del. Laws, c. 451, § 6; 76 Del. Laws, c. 136, §§ 17-20.;