447u

In any proceeding initiated to protect a minor who has been the victim of abuse and/or neglect, as defined in this chapter, or when the circumstances described in § 634b of Title 31 are present, the Department may petition, through a written motion, for the termination, restriction or suspension of parental rights over the father or mother of those minors under legal or physical custody of the Department, without having to initiate a termination suit. In such cases, a hearing must be compulsorily held, to be conducted within a term of not more than fifteen (15) days from the notice of the petition for termination, restriction or suspension of parental rights. In said motion, the parties shall be notified of their right to legal counsel. The father and/or mother may only relinquish his/her parental rights pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of § 447v of this title. History —Aug. 1, 2003, No. 177, § 52; Dec. 18, 2009, No. 186, § 29, eff. 30 days after Dec. 18, 2009.

In any proceeding initiated to protect a minor who has been the victim of abuse and/or neglect, as defined in this chapter, or when the circumstances described in § 634b of Title 31 are present, the Department may petition, through a written motion, for the termination, restriction or suspension of parental rights over the father or mother of those minors under legal or physical custody of the Department, without having to initiate a termination suit. In such cases, a hearing must be compulsorily held, to be conducted within a term of not more than fifteen (15) days from the notice of the petition for termination, restriction or suspension of parental rights. In said motion, the parties shall be notified of their right to legal counsel. The father and/or mother may only relinquish his/her parental rights pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of § 447v of this title. History —Aug. 1, 2003, No. 177, § 52; Dec. 18, 2009, No. 186, § 29, eff. 30 days after Dec. 18, 2009.