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Preferred term

parens patriae  

Definition

  • Parens patriae is the philosophy that the state should serve as a surrogate parent for neglected, dependent, and delinquent children. It stems from the belief that the state or government has both the right and the responsibility to substitute its own discretion and control over children whose parents fail to meet their responsibilities. [Source: Encyclopedia of Prisons & Correctional Facilities; Parens Patriae]

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URI

https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/parens_patriae

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