The state, as parent; the state as guardian and protector of all citizens (such as juveniles) who cannot protect themselves, is described by which term?

• A. Parens patriae
• B. Juvenile guardianship
• C. State guardianship
• D. Parental statute

Answer: (A)

Parens patriae is the principle that the state acts as the parent of those who cannot protect themselves, especially children. This concept justifies the government’s authority to step into family matters to safeguard welfare—such as intervening in unsafe homes, removing a child to protective custody, or providing foster care and other protections through child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The term comes from Latin, meaning “father of his country,” and captures the idea of the state’s sovereign responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens.

Other terms like juvenile guardianship, state guardianship, or parental statute aren’t the formal label for this established doctrine. They might describe related ideas, but parens patriae specifically names the state’s guardian role for those who cannot care for themselves.