Child Welfare Terms

noun the fact or condition of being adopted

• The process of adoption involves legal procedures to establish parental rights.
• My cousin just finalized the adoption of a baby girl.
• Dude, did you hear about the celebrity adoption scandal?
• The adoption of new technology in the workplace has greatly improved efficiency.

noun the position or duties of a guardian, or the state of being under the protection of a guardian

• The court granted her guardianship over her younger siblings after their parents passed away.
• She took on guardianship of her niece when her sister went to rehab.
• I'm basically in charge of babysitting my little brother, it's like I have guardianship or something.
• The wise old man was seen as the guardianship of tradition in the small village.

noun the state of being under the protection or care of a guardian

• The court granted the aunt legal wardship over her niece after the parents passed away.
• The school took wardship of the students during the field trip.
• I'm in charge of wardship for my little sister while our parents are away.
• The CEO took wardship of the company's finances to ensure their success.

noun a legal guardian appointed to act on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person in legal matters

• The court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the child in the custody case.
• My friend's mom is acting as the guardian ad litem for her little brother in the court case.
• The guardian ad litem is like the kid's legal bodyguard in court.
• The guardian ad litem serves as a beacon of protection and guidance for the child amidst the legal proceedings.

adjective relating to or involving adoption

• The couple decided to start the process of becoming adoptive parents.
• My friend's adoptive sister is coming to visit next week.
• She's like my adoptive mom, always looking out for me.
• The new CEO took on an adoptive approach to managing the company.