About guardianship/custody
About guardianship/custody
Guardianship/custodity is a family form of upbringing where a child who has been left without parental care receives a new home and support. Most often, it is with relatives, although other caring people who have undergone special training can also become guardians.
This is an opportunity for a child to grow up in a safe family environment, where they are cared for, their interests are protected, and they are helped to fully develop their potential.
Key facts
Guardianship and custody involve caring for children in the guardian’s or custodian’s family
Guardianship is applicable for children younger than fourteen
Custody is for children aged 14-17
Guardians and custodians may be blood relatives of the child, or have a family relationship with the child (e.g., a stepfather, a stepmother), or be another adult who has passed the training course to become a prospective guardian/custodian
Eligible children: Guardianship and custody are for care of children who are orphaned or deprived of parental care
Living arrangements: The child resides in the guardian’s or custodian’s family
Duration: until the child reaches adulthood (eighteen years of age)
Children’s rights: Children maintain their status, rights to all benefits and housing, and the right to communicate with their biological family
Decision-making authority: The Guardianship and Custody Authority at the child’s, guardian’s or custodian’s place of residence
Who can be a guardian or a custodian?
The child’s guardian or custodian may be any legally capable adult. Several factors are considered, such as the individual’s willingness and ability to provide proper care, and the child’s perspective of being cared for by the candidate.
Who may not be a guardian or a custodian?
- Persons legally incapacitated or with limited legal capacity
- Individuals deprived of parental rights unless those rights have been restored
- Those who have already adopted or hosted the child, but the process has been cancelled through their fault
Children eligible for guardianship or custody?
Guardianship may be granted for children who are:
- Orphaned — children whose parents are deceased, as confirmed by a death certificate;
- Deprived of parental care due to circumstances such as:
Care line
How can you welcome a child into your family?
— Write to find out more!
If you have additional questions, our experts can help you develop a better understanding of the adoption procedure, and of family-based care of children.
