In re E.L.

E.L. appeals from a family court order that denied his motion for a protective order sought under 33 V.S.A. § 5534(2). E.L. claims that the court erred in concluding that it had no authority to issue a protective order to prevent the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) from placing him at a residential facility. We reverse and remand.

In November 1999, the family court terminated the parental rights of E.L.’s mother and father and transferred custody of E.L. to the Commissioner of SRS without limitation as to adoption. At that time, E.L. was placed with his paternal aunt and…