Parens Patriae

Parens Patriae: Legal term that defines the State's legal role as the guardian to protect the interests of children who cannot take care of themselves. For example, in an abuse or neglect case, this concept is used to explain the State's duty to protect minor children who lack proper care and custody from their parents.

Find more information on Parens Patriae

Browse the entries

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

previous term

next term

go back

NOTICE: By using the adoption glossary you agree to our terms of service

The definition of this term has been taken from the "Adoption Glossary," which contains definitions of a wide variety of words that relate to adoption and infertility. The entire Adoption Glossary is located at http://glossary.adoption.com.

Corrections, additions, other terms? Send us your feedback.