The following definitions apply to these rules:
(1) "Affidavit" means a written declaration or statement of facts signed under oath or affirmation of the person making it.(2) "Child" means any person under the age of 18.(3) "Contested adoption" means a case in which:(A) two or more parties have filed competing actions for the adoption, permanent guardianship, or custody of the same child; or(B) the case has been certified as contested under Rule 9.(4) "Court-appointed guardian" means the person who has been appointed guardian of the prospective adoptee under D.C. Code § 21-103 or -2044 (2012 Repl. & 2018 Supp.) or a comparable statute in another jurisdiction.(5) "Final Report" means the report and recommendation submitted to the court by the reporting agency in accordance with D.C. Code § 16-307 (2012 Repl.).(6) "Parent" means a parent whose parental rights have not been terminated or who has not relinquished parental rights under D.C. Code § 4-1406 (2018 Supp.).(7) "Putative parent" means a person who claims to be or is identified as a possible parent but whose parentage has not been established.(8) "Reporting agency" means the Mayor or the child-placing agency, designated by the court under Rule 3(c)(1) to investigate and prepare the Final Report.(9) "Section-304 Hearing" means a hearing to determine whether, under D.C. Code § 16304 (d) (2012 Repl.), a parent's consent is no longer required or whether, under D.C. Code § 16-304 (e) (2012 Repl.), consent is being withheld contrary to the best interests of the prospective adoptee.COMMENT
"Court-appointed guardian" does not include a permanent guardian appointed under D.C. Code §§ 16-2381 to -2399 (2012 Repl. & 2018 Supp.).