District Of Columbia § 16-2389 - Effect of guardianship order.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-2389 — Effect of guardianship order., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-2389. Effect of guardianship order.
16-2389Unless 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:
Protect, nurture, discipline, and educate the child;
Provide food, clothing, shelter, education as required by law, and routine health care for the child;
Consent 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;
Authorize a release of health care and educational information;
Authorize a release of information when consent of a parent is required by law, regulation, or policy;
Consent to social and school activities of the child;
Consent to military enlistment;
Obtain representation for the child in legal actions; and
Determine the nature and extent of the child’s contact with other persons.
The permanent guardian is not liable to third persons by reason of the relationship for acts of the child.
Entry of a guardianship order does not terminate the parent and child relationship, including:
The right of the child to inherit from his or her parents;
The parents’ right to visit or contact the child (except as limited by the court);
The parents’ right to consent to the child’s adoption;
The parents’ right to determine the child’s religious affiliation; and
The parents’ responsibility to provide financial, medical, and other support for the child.
The 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.
Except 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.
The 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.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-2389
What does D.C. Code § 16-2389 cover?
Section 16-2389 ("Effect of guardianship order.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 16-2389?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-2389" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 16-2389 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.