Definitions

As used in the Office of Child Advocate Act: A. "child in custody" means a minor who is placed by the department in custodial or residential care, including foster care, kinship care or care within a group home, a residential treatment center, a juvenile justice facility, a semi-independent living program or an emergency shelter, pursuant to a court order or otherwise sanctioned by the court and does not live with either of the child's birth parents; B. "committee" means the state child advocate selection committee; C. "department" means the children, youth and families department; D. "near fatality" means an injury or condition caused by abuse or neglect that results in a child: (1) being placed in serious or critical condition, as certified by a licensed physician; and (2) receiving critical care for at least twenty-four hours following the child's admission to a critical care unit; and E. "office" means the office of child advocate. History: Laws 2025, ch. 13, § 2.