Child Welfare License (CWEL) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Private guardianship refers to a legal arrangement where a non-parent assumes legal responsibility for a child. This arrangement allows the non-parent, often referred to as a guardian, to make decisions about the child's welfare, such as education, healthcare, and living situation. Unlike foster care, which is generally managed by state agencies, private guardianship typically involves a private agreement and can provide a stable and nurturing environment for children who are unable to live with their biological parents due to various circumstances.

This concept contrasts with parental rights termination, where a biological parent's legal rights are completely severed, and it differs from adoption, which is a permanent placement where parental rights are relinquished. Similarly, private guardianship does not function within a foster care framework, which is generally temporary and managed by governmental entities. Thus, the definition aligns correctly with the understanding of legal custody arrangements by non-parents.