8-101. Definitions


In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:


1. "Adult" means a person eighteen years of age or older.


2. "Agency" means a person other than the division licensed by the division to
place children for adoption, including an attorney or law firm.


3. "Agency placement adoption" means an adoption proceeding in which one or more of
the requisite consents are given to an agency pursuant to section 8-107, subsection D,
paragraph 1.


4. "Child" means any person under eighteen years of age.


5. "Custody" means a status embodying all of the following rights and
responsibilities:


(a) The right to have the physical possession of the child.


(b) The right and the duty to protect, train and discipline the child.


(c) The responsibility to provide the child with food, shelter, education and
health care, and the authority to consent to surgery or other extraordinary medical care
in an emergency.


6. "Direct placement adoption" means an adoption proceeding in which one or more of
the requisite consents are given to a particular person pursuant to section 8-107,
subsection D, paragraph 2.


7. "Division" means the department of economic security.


8. "Juvenile court" or "court" means the juvenile division of the superior court.


9. "Permanent guardian" means a legal guardian appointed by the court pursuant to
section 8-525.


10. "Petitioner" includes both petitioners under a joint petition.