Termination of Parental Rights


Definition of Termination of Parental Rights

Termination of parental rights is the stripping of the legal parental authority and privileges from a parent, in regards to his or her child. Termination of parental rights can happen if a parent, or a set of parents, has demonstrated a serious incapacity for parenting. Following the termination of parental rights, the custody of the child will either be given to relatives, to foster parents, or even into state custody.



Termination of Parental Rights Explained

Termination of parental rights is an extreme measure taken by the state in cases where parents simply are either negligent, or otherwise pose a threat to the child. For example, termination of parental rights may occur if the parents have abandoned their child, or if they are abusing him or her. Other forms of unfitness, such as a severe drug addiction, could lead to termination of parental rights. The purpose of terminating parental rights is to try to help the child and to protect him or her from harm.