"I have never seen any evidence that North Korea wanted to become a permanent ward of the international community," Mr. Linton said by telephone.

Foster children in Canada are known as permanent wards, (crown wards in Ontario).

Once in care, First Nations children stay in care longer than non-aboriginal children and are more likely to become permanent wards.

Once a major segment of society becomes a permanent ward of the state, democracy must swiftly die.

The Unknown Shadows could not find a way past the glass and the Protector's permanent wards.

Originally visualized as a 200-bed hospital, permanent wards in reality had a total capacity of 380 beds.

All permanent wards were completed and occupied with the exception of the psychopathic ward which was completed within the next ten days.

With resettlement abroad now less and less likely, many desperate people seem to be becoming permanent wards of international agencies and private charities.

He will decide March 7 whether to make the child a permanent ward.

"Move to declare you incompetent and make you a permanent ward of whoever the Clan deems appropriate," Brill explained.