(a) In appointing a guardian of the person of a minor pursuant to section 45a-616 or at any time following such appointment, the Court of Probate may establish a permanent guardianship if the court provides notice to each parent that the parent may not petition for reinstatement as guardian or petition to terminate the permanent guardianship, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, or the court indicates on the record why such notice could not be provided, and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the establishment of a permanent guardianship is in the best interests of the minor and that the following have been proven by clear and convincing evidence:

(1) One of the grounds for termination of parental rights, as set forth in subparagraphs (A) to (H), inclusive, of subdivision (2) of subsection (g) of section 45a-717 exists, or the parents have voluntarily consented to the appointment of a permanent guardian;

(2) Adoption of the minor is not possible or appropriate;

(3) (A) If the minor is at least twelve years of age, such minor consents to the proposed appointment of a permanent guardian, or (B) if the minor is under twelve years of age, the proposed permanent guardian is a relative or already serving as the permanent guardian of at least one of the minor’s siblings;

(4) The minor has resided with the proposed permanent guardian for at least one year; and

(5) The proposed permanent guardian is suitable and worthy and committed to remaining the permanent guardian and assuming the rights and responsibilities for the minor until the minor reaches the age of majority.

(b) If a permanent guardian appointed under this section becomes unable or unwilling to serve as permanent guardian, the court may appoint a successor guardian or permanent guardian in accordance with this section and sections 45a-616 and 45a-617, or may reinstate a parent of the minor who was previously removed as guardian of the person of the minor if the court finds that the factors that resulted in the removal of the parent as guardian have been resolved satisfactorily, and that it is in the best interests of the child to reinstate the parent as guardian.

(June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 275; P.A. 17-136, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 17-136 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by replacing “subparagraphs (A) to (G)” with “subparagraphs (A) to (H)”, effective June 30, 2017.