Decree

Every order of the court terminating the parent-child relationship or transferring legal custody or guardianship of the person of the child or providing for protective supervision of the child shall be in writing and shall recite the findings upon which such order is based. Such order shall be conclusive and binding on all persons from the date of entry.

(a)If the court finds grounds for the termination of the parent-child relationship it shall terminate such relationship and:

(1)appoint an individual as guardian of the child's person; or

(2)appoint an individual as guardian of the child's person and vest legal custody in another individual or in the Division; or

(3)where it is alleged in the petition that the termination is in contemplation of adoption, appoint an official of the COL 6/21/2023 CH. 4 PARENT AND CHILD Division as guardian of the child's person and vest legal custody in such agency. The court shall also make an order fixing responsibility for the child’s support. The parent-child relationship may be terminated with respect to one parent without affecting the relationship between the child and the other parent.

(b)Where the court does not order termination of the parentchild relationship, it shall dismiss the petition; provided, however, that where the court finds that the best interest of the child requires substitution or supplementation of parental care and supervision, it shall make an order placing the child under protective supervision, or vesting temporary legal custody in the Division and fixing responsibility for temporary child support, and shall certify the case to an appropriate court for such further action as may be necessary.