Section 327.3  Acceptance of Children

a)         When the Guardianship Administrator is appointed as guardian of the person or the child's custodian in Juvenile Court proceedings on behalf of children served by the Department, the following distinctions apply:

1)         The Guardianship Administrator is appointed as guardian of the person or legal custodian of a dependent or neglected child or a minor under age 13 years in need of other supervision or a delinquent child under 13.

2)         The Guardianship Administrator may, at the Department's discretion except for those children also adjudicated neglected or dependent, be appointed as legal custodian or guardian of a minor in need of other supervision or of a delinquent child over the age of 13 years.

b)         The Guardianship Administrator is designated by the Department as guardian to accept a child for the purpose of adoption on surrender by the parent(s) of their parental rights.  Acceptance shall be given on a form furnished by the Department in accordance with The Adoption Act.

c)         The Guardianship Administrator is the designated custodian of children accepted by the Department on the basis of voluntary placement agreements made between the Department and parents, guardians, or custodians.

d)         The Guardianship Administrator shall be the designated custodian of children served by the Department whose parents, guardian or custodian cannot be located or of children taken in temporary protective custody until proper court proceedings are commenced.