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

Residual parental rights and responsibilities refer to the rights that remain with a biological parent after legal custody has been transferred to another party, such as the state or a foster family. When parental rights are terminated or when a child is removed from their home, the biological parents may still retain certain rights and responsibilities regarding their child. These can include the right to maintain relationships, attend school functions, or access medical information.

Transferring legal custody does not mean that all parental rights are permanently severed; rather, it indicates a shift in the day-to-day responsibilities and decision-making powers concerning the child's welfare. This means that residual rights ensure parents still hold some level of involvement in their child's life, even if they are not the primary caregivers.

Understanding this concept is crucial in child welfare practice, as it balances the need for the child's safety and well-being with the preservation of family connections where appropriate.