Parens patriae is Latin for "parent of the people." Under parens patriae, a state or court has a paternal and protective role over its citizens or others subject to its jurisdiction.

What is the parens patriae concept?

The cornerstone of juvenile justice philosophy in America has been the principle of parens patriae; under this principle, the State is to act as a substitute parent to a child whose parents, for one reason or another, cannot properly raise the child.

What is an example of parens patriae?

One example of parens patriae in modern juvenile courts is when custody of a child is temporarily taken from the parents. The child is placed in the care of social services or foster parents until the court determines what is in the best interest of the child.