What are the differences between adoption and guardianship?

Adoption and guardianship are two different legal processes in Pennsylvania. Adoption is a legal action in which a parent or parents are replaced by new parents, who take over the legal right to make decisions and assume the responsibilities of parenting the child. Guardianship, on the other hand, is a legal action where an adult other than the parent is appointed by the court to have the authority to make decisions and assume the responsibilities of parenting a minor. Adoption is a lifetime commitment, and the adoptive parents have the same legal rights and obligations that biological parents have. The adoptive parent must also provide the child with support, including food, clothing, and medical care. The adoption process in Pennsylvania includes a home study, in which social workers assess the suitability of the home, as well as an application, a background check, financial disclosure, and an assessment of the adoptive parents’ abilities to provide a stable home. Guardianship, on the other hand, is intended to be a temporary arrangement, until a child is able to be returned to the custody of their parent or another relative. The guardian can make decisions regarding the child’s health, education, extracurricular activities, and other matters. The court decides the duration and limits of the guardianship, and during the guardianship the child remains the legal responsibility of the parent. The guardian must provide the same necessities as an adoptive parent and also report to the court periodically on the child’s progress.

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What are the differences between adoption and guardianship?

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