Uniform Unregulated Transfer of Child Custody Act of 2025

As introduced, Bill 26-71 would prohibit a parent from transferring custody of a child to someone beyond family members and certain other specified categories of individuals, if the parent intends to abandon the parent’s responsibilities regarding the child. The act gives authority to the state child protection agency (the Child and Family Services Agency) and the Attorney General for the District of Columbia to investigate and enforce violations.

Source: Legistar · DC Council · fetched June 10, 2026

• Parent / guardiandirectMajor impactHigh certainty

  Prohibits parents from transferring custody of a child to non-family members if the intent is to abandon parental responsibilities.

  “prohibit a parent from transferring custody of a child to someone beyond family members and certain other specified categories of individuals, if the parent intends to abandon the parent’s responsibilities regarding the child.”· As introduced

• childindirectModerate impactHigh certainty

  Children may be protected from abandonment by parents transferring custody to unspecified individuals.

  “prohibit a parent from transferring custody of a child to someone beyond family members and certain other specified categories of individuals, if the parent intends to abandon the parent’s responsibilities regarding the child.”· As introduced