Citizenship

Guardianship concerns children and young people who have been removed from their homes by the juvenile court. Parents no longer have authority over them. This has been terminated by the juvenile court in the interests of the child. These children and young people usually live in a foster family, family home, or institution and do not return to their parents. 

The juvenile court appoints a guardian to exercise authority over the child. This may be a certified youth protection agency, but also a private individual, such as a family member or close friend. 

When a foster parent assumes guardianship, we refer to this as foster parent guardianship. If someone else assumes guardianship, this is called civic guardianship. 

Would you like more information about guardianship? Please see the detailed information on the Haaglanden Youth Services website.