Affido

Affido is a term with Latin and Italian linguistic roots. In Latin, affido is the first-person singular present active indicative of the verb affīdere, meaning “I entrust” or “I confide.” In Italian, affido exists as a noun and a verb form. As a noun, affido denotes the act or result of entrusting someone or something, and it is closely related to the broader concept of entrustment, such as custody or guardianship. The related verb affi dare means “to entrust.”

In social and child welfare contexts in Italy, affido refers to a temporary guardianship arrangement in which a minor is entrusted to an approved caregiver or family by the judicial or child protection authorities. The aim is to safeguard the child’s welfare while ensuring appropriate care and maintaining connections with the birth family. Variants include affido familiare, or foster care with a family, and other supervised placements. Durations and conditions are determined by law and local authorities and are subject to periodic review, with possible transitions to reunification with the birth family or, in some circumstances, to adoption.

Outside Italian usage, affido is primarily encountered in linguistic, legal, or welfare contexts related to Italian law, Latin philology, or discussions of foster-care systems. It is not a common term in general English-language usage, where more general words like “trust” or “custody” are typically used.

See also: affidare; affīdere; affido in Italian law and Latin philology.