Social Work Terms

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 confined in prison; imprisonment

• The judge sentenced him to a year of incarceration for his crimes.
• He's going to jail for a year, that's his incarceration.
• He got locked up, facing some serious incarceration time.
• Her self-doubt was like a mental incarceration, holding her back from pursuing her dreams.

noun the provision of a service or aid

• The ministration of justice is a crucial aspect of a functioning legal system.
• The ministration of medical care is essential for maintaining good health.
• I appreciate your ministration in helping me fix my car.
• The ministration of love and support from friends can help heal a broken heart.

noun a person who has been released from prison on parole

• The parolee was required to check in regularly with their parole officer.
• The parolee had to report to their parole officer on a regular basis.
• The parolee had to keep in touch with their PO.
• The parolee walked a fine line between freedom and incarceration.