What is legal guardianship?

A guardianship is a court-ordered relationship establishing the guardian with legal and physical custody of a child. This means you, as the guardian, can make the decisions that a parent can about the child’s care, control, where to live, education, religion and medical choices.

Who can be a legal guardian?

A guardian can be more than just a relative of the child. Guardians can be:

• Grandparents

• Sisters and brothers

• Aunts and uncles

• Other relatives

• Foster parents

• Friends of the family

• Someone else who knows the child.

What does this mean for a child’s education?

You can choose the child’s school and learning program. Pay attention to how the child does in school and meet with the teacher. If the child needs special education, work with the school to write an individualized education program (IEP).

Remember…

Special education decisions follow your child from entrance into the public school system until they reach the age of 22.

What does this mean for you?

You as a parent or guardian have the right to approve or deny your child’s participation in special education programs and/or public schooling in general. Legal guardian or parental consent is needed for any involvement toward special education, even any assessments that are used to monitor progress. Parents and guardians have the right to argue for or against changes on an IEP.

How can I obtain legal guardianship?

You can find information on California Courts website or contact Canyon Children’s Legal Services for help with advice, resources, and court information.

For more information please contact Canyon Children’s Legal Services serving the Inland Empire: 951-777-4510. “We strive so your children can thrive”

Made possible in part by a grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation