DMR.1.6.040 Petition for Voluntary or Involuntary Termination

(a) A termination of parental rights, whether voluntary or involuntary, may only be granted upon a petition as provided for in this section.

(b) A petition for termination of parental rights may only be filed by a child's parent, by the Child Welfare Director or the Assistant Child Welfare Director.

(c) The petition commencing a proceeding for termination of parental rights shall set forth the following facts:

(1) The name, birth date, and address of the child or children.

(2) The names, birth dates, and addresses of the child's parents, and the names and addresses of any guardian or custodian. If any item is unavailable, the petition shall state that the information could not be determined after a diligent search.

(3) A statement that consent to termination of parental rights will be given as provided by this subchapter, or a statement that consent will not be given, a statement of the specific section and grounds for involuntary termination under this subchapter, and a statement of facts which petitioner alleges establish the grounds.

(4) A history of all minor in need of care petitions filed regarding the child and a summary of the custody and placement of the child since the filing of the first such petition, or for the past 24 months, whichever is longer.

(d) The Children's Court, upon motion of any party, or upon its own motion, may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child, and for any minor parent, in any proceedings for termination.