

The point of making a child a ward of the state is to protect them from further trauma and to try and facilitate the resolution of the issues that lead to the court order. This alternative guardian will retain custody until the situation is resolved or permanent guardianship is successfully applied for and granted. If the child’s wellbeing or safety is deemed to be at risk, the court will remove them from the custody of their current parent or guardian and place them with an alternative guardian or family member where possible. The most common reasons for being placed under the care of the state include neglect, abuse, or other immediate danger to the child’s wellbeing or safety. The process of becoming a ward of the state can be traumatic for a child, therefore, the trauma and danger of remaining in their current situation must outweigh the damage that can be done by implementing the order. How Does A Child Become A Ward Of The State?īecoming a ward of the state is not something that happens quickly or is done lightly by the courts. It is typically a condition that is imposed on an adult who is disabled or incapacitated in some way.īecoming a ward of the state is something that is achieved through a court order and the courts will remain involved for the duration of the order. More commonly, the phrase ward of the state refers to an individual, either adult or child, who has been placed in the care of the state.

In some states it can be used to refer to someone who is incarcerated, however, that is the less common usage of the phrase. What Does It Mean To Be A Ward Of The State?īeing a ward of the state is something that can have a slightly different meaning depending on which state you are in. In this article, we will look in closer detail at what being a ward of the state entails and why it is an important option in some cases. These can include financial, medical, and other decisions. When placed under the care of the state, certain important decisions are placed in the hands of the appointed guardian. A ward of the state is essentially someone who is placed under the care of the state through the use of an appointed guardian.
