{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2389","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 16-2389","heading":"Effect of guardianship order.","body":"(a)\nUnless the court specifies otherwise, the permanent guardian shall maintain physical custody of the child and shall have the following rights and responsibilities concerning the child:\n(1)\nProtect, nurture, discipline, and educate the child;\n(2)\nProvide food, clothing, shelter, education as required by law, and routine health care for the child;\n(3)\nConsent to health care without liability by reason of the consent for injury to the child resulting from the negligence or acts of third persons unless a parent would have been liable in the circumstances;\n(4)\nAuthorize a release of health care and educational information;\n(5)\nAuthorize a release of information when consent of a parent is required by law, regulation, or policy;\n(6)\nConsent to social and school activities of the child;\n(7)\nConsent to military enlistment;\n(8)\nObtain representation for the child in legal actions; and\n(9)\nDetermine the nature and extent of the child’s contact with other persons.\n\n(b)\nThe permanent guardian is not liable to third persons by reason of the relationship for acts of the child.\n\n(c)\nEntry of a guardianship order does not terminate the parent and child relationship, including:\n(1)\nThe right of the child to inherit from his or her parents;\n(2)\nThe parents’ right to visit or contact the child (except as limited by the court);\n(3)\nThe parents’ right to consent to the child’s adoption;\n(4)\nThe parents’ right to determine the child’s religious affiliation; and\n(5)\nThe parents’ responsibility to provide financial, medical, and other support for the child.\n\n(d)\nThe guardianship order may specify the frequency and nature of visitation or contact between relatives and the child. The court may determine whether the visitation or contact is in the child’s best interest.\n\n(e)\nExcept as required by a motion under subsection (f) of this section, upon entry of a guardianship order, and during the period of time such an order remains in effect, the requirements of sections 16-2322 and 16-2323 shall be suspended.\n\n(f)\nThe court shall make a permanency determination and close the neglect case upon motion by any party to the permanent guardianship proceeding if the court finds that such a determination is in the child’s best interest.","path":["Title 16. Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]","Chapter 23. Family Division [Family Court] Proceedings.","Subchapter V. Permanent Guardianship."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-2389","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"a6d8669d5e662f39f73e787f6cc80b2e7b818f296c2700c4fce9990a2e5e0143","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2388","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-2390"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}