- Who it's for
- Outside Caregiver, Inside Parent, Whole Family
- Child / youth age
- All ages
- Geography
- National
- Action type
- Learn
- Reading time
- About 4 min
- Last verified
- August 2026
What this is
Educational definitions of custody, guardianship, and kinship care, and how they generally differ.
Why it matters
These words carry different legal weight, and using the wrong one in a system conversation slows everything down.
What you should know
- Custody generally refers to legal decision-making authority and physical care of a child.
- Guardianship is typically a court-recognized arrangement giving an adult authority to act for a child.
- Kinship care describes a relative or close family friend raising a child, formally or informally.
- Definitions and procedures differ by jurisdiction — confirm locally.
Your next step
Write down which term describes your family's arrangement today.
The information provided through The #FKLM Family Blueprint is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws and policies differ by jurisdiction and may change. Families needing advice about their individual circumstances should consult an appropriately qualified attorney or legal-services organization.
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