What is a ward of the court?

A ward of the court is a legal term used to describe a child or incapacitated adult who has been placed under the protection of the court. This typically occurs when the individual's parents or guardians are unable or unwilling to care for them, or when the individual is found to be in danger or at risk.

Wards of the court are placed under the supervision of a guardian ad litem, who is appointed by the court to act in the best interests of the ward. The guardian ad litem is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the ward, such as where they will live, what medical treatment they will receive, and what educational opportunities they will have.

Being a ward of the court can be a temporary or permanent situation, depending on the circumstances of the individual case. The goal of placing someone under the court's protection is to ensure their safety and well-being, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive.