Mental Health Services
Guardianship for Children under 18
Parents are deemed to be the guardians of their children under age 18.
Mental Health Services 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 Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), a private individual, or a private child placement agency.
For more information, call the SRS District Office or go to the SRS website [www.state.vt.us/srs].
Laws relating to guardianship for children are at 14 V.S.A. Chapter 111.