{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2351","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 16-2351","heading":"Purpose of the subchapter; construction of provisions.","body":"(a)\nThe general purposes of this subchapter are to:\n(1)\nencourage stability in the lives of certain children who have been adjudicated neglected and have been removed from the custody of their parent by providing judicial procedures for the permanent termination of the parent and child relationship in the circumstances set forth in this subchapter;\n(2)\nensure 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\n(3)\nincrease the opportunities for the prompt adoptive placement of children for whom parental rights have been terminated.\n\n(b)\nThis subchapter shall be liberally construed to promote the general purposes stated in this section.","path":["Title 16. Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]","Chapter 23. Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings.","Subchapter III. Proceedings Regarding the Termination of Parental Rights of Certain Neglected Children."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-2351","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"fb3b178e60053a6f2756c2b8851f76fe45e553f6e806b49fa7e26486ae9f36c2","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2349.01","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2352"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}