Family & Safety

Short-term guardianship allows a parent or legal guardian to give another adult temporary authority to care for a child and make day-to-day decisions for them without going to court. It is often used for short-term situations, such as illness, travel, or other times when a parent is temporarily unable to care for their child.

A short-term guardian may make decisions about the child’s daily care, including medical care, education, and personal needs. However, a short-term guardian does not have the authority to manage the child’s money or property or make major legal or financial decisions for the child. Short-term guardianship is created using a written form, can last for up to a year, and may be ended at any time by either parent or a legal guardian. It is sometimes used as part of an emergency plan, including situations where a parent may be detained or deported, but it does not affect a child’s immigration status.

Learn more about getting short-term guardianship of a child.