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Information for Non-Parents [Video]

Child Protective Services (CPS)

When a child is living with someone who isn’t their parent, this person may need to do things that usually only a parent would be able to do.

This video explains how a nonparent can do things that usually only a parent would be able to do for a child, such as:

  • take the child to the doctor,  

  • enroll them in school,  

  • apply for benefits for the child,  

  • get identification documents like a birth certificate or social security card,  or

  • make other important decisions for the child.   

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How can a non-parent legally act on behalf of a child?

This video explains how a parent can authorize someone else to temporarily make decisions about a child and take care of the child.

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