foresatte

Foresatte is a term used in several Nordic languages to denote a guardian or custodian who has legal responsibility for a minor or protected person. The term can refer to a parent or relative acting as guardian, a foster parent, or an institution or individual appointed by public authorities to care for a child placed outside the home. In practice, foresatte arrangements are most common within child welfare systems, foster care, and related care settings.

Responsibilities typically include ensuring the ward's safety, housing, education, health care, and financial matters within the limits of the law; representing the ward in legal actions; and coordinating with social services and other professionals. Guardians are generally expected to act in the best interests of the child and to support the ward's development and well-being.

Legal arrangements vary by jurisdiction. In some Nordic contexts, foresatte status is officially designated by a court or child welfare agency, with ongoing oversight, regular reviews, and the possibility of modification or termination if the ward's circumstances change or welfare is at risk.

Terminology and use differ by country. The English equivalents are guardian, custodian, or foster parent, depending on the specific arrangement. The word often appears in policy documents and legal texts describing child welfare, foster care, and guardianship mechanisms in Nordic language areas.

See also: Guardian; Foster care; Child welfare; Legal guardianship.