Parents are deemed to be the guardians of their children under age 18.

The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living and its designated agencies do not take children or adolescents into custody; they provide services on a voluntary basis.

A parent may voluntarily relinquish guardianship of a child under age 18 and grant guardianship to another adult; this is done in Probate Court. The Probate Court may also grant guardianship to an adult other than the parent when requested by the child or by a person other than the parent.

A child who is abandoned, neglected, or beyond parental control may be placed under guardianship by the Family Court. If the Family Court finds that a child is in need of care and supervision for his physical, mental or moral welfare, the court can grant guardianship to the Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families (DCF), a private individual, or a private child placement agency.

For more information, call the DCF District Office or go to the DCF website [www.dcf.state.vt.us].

Laws relating to guardianship for children are at 14 V.S.A. Chapter 111.