The concept of parens patriae is a Latin term that can loosely be translated to mean “parent or guardian of his or her nation or country”. In a broad context, the term parens patriae is applied to imply that the state has the power to take the role of parents or guardians for the citizens who cannot provide for themselves. Such people may include the disabled, destitute and children. It is worth noting, therefore, that this concept empowers a judge, when necessary, to take action and make decisions that may change the situation and location of child support, or child custody, when acting for the state, and irregardless of what the parents or guardians of the said minor may feel or want (Alarid, Cromwell and Carmen 308).
In reality, the concept of parens patriae mandates the state to take care of all the people who have been registered under the state as her citizens. This consideration is particularly true of the legally disabled individuals and children. This concept is a very interesting aspect of the law, when looked at in totality at the level of the federal government versus a child born in the United States, or anybody who has a birth certificate issued by the state (Alexander and Alexander 258). The document allows for a complete entitlement of the child to the properties held by the state as “the father”.
Works Cited
Alarid, Leanne Fiftal, Paul F Cromwell and Rolando V Del Carmen. Community- based Corrections. Belmont: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008.Print
Alexander, Kern and M David Alexander. American Public School Law. Belmont, CA: Thomson/West, 2005. Print
