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Termination of Parental Rights

Each state and the District of Columbia have laws stating specific grounds for the termination of parental rights, a process that ends the parent-child relationship from a legal standpoint. A termination of parental rights petition is brought to permanently end the legal rights of the natural parents of a child, thereby "freeing" the child for adoption.While states differ slightly on the exact grounds for termination, most statutes hinge on the consideration of a child's best interests. For example, parents who are unable to provide a safe home, or who have been convicted of serious acts of child abuse, may have their parental rights terminated. The following articles and resources cover the process of terminating parental rights, reinstatement of parental rights after termination, and related matters.

Learn About Termination of Parental Rights

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