The legal doctrine of parens patriae defines the role of the District of Columbia juvenile justice system. Confusions, however, can occur when two branches of government assume the parental role in the disposition of a delinquency case, as is illustrated by In re A.A.I., a case discussed in detail. The issue on appeal in In re A.A.I. was whether the Family Division of the D.C. Superior Court had the authority to issue a second commitment order after DHS failed to carry out the conditions of the original commitment order placing a juvenile in the legal custody of DHS. The appellate court held that the Family Division of the Superior Court relinquishes its custody over a child once legal custody vests in the DHS. Legal vesting can only occur, however, when the DHS executes the conditions of the Family Division's initial disposition order. Other cases detailing the limitations on judicial authority and the transfer of custody are discussed. Bureaucratic in-fighting over custody does not help to rehabilitate delinquents. Concern for the child's liberty interest would help to rid the system of in-fighting. 47 footnotes.