A. The purpose of guardianship is to provide a permanent placement for children when the court has found that adoption is not in the children’s best interest and the children cannot be safely reunified with their parents within a reasonable time; to encourage stability and permanence in the lives of children who have been adjudicated to be in need of care and have been removed from the custody of their parent; and to increase the opportunities for the prompt permanent placement of children, especially with relatives, without ongoing supervision by the department.

            B. This Chapter is intended to ensure that the fundamental needs of children are met and the constitutional rights of all parties are recognized and enforced.

            Acts 2011, No. 128, §1; Acts 2024, No. 92, §1.