Which term refers to a person or agency awarded legal custody of a juvenile?

The term that refers to a person or agency awarded legal custody of a juvenile is "Custodian." A custodian is someone who has been granted legal authority to care for and make decisions on behalf of a juvenile. This legal custody can be awarded through a court process, typically involving a determination that it is in the best interest of the juvenile, which can arise from situations where the juvenile cannot safely reside with their biological parents due to various reasons.

In contrast, while the terms "Parent" and "Guardian" may seem relevant, they do not fully capture the legal context of custody as specifically as "Custodian." A parent is a natural or adoptive individual who has a biological or legal relationship with the child but may not necessarily have custody at a specific point. A guardian typically refers to someone appointed by a court to have care and control over the juvenile, which overlaps with the role of a custodian, but the term "Custodian" is often used in legal contexts to denote explicit custody arrangements.

The term "Caregiver," while it can describe someone who provides daily care and support for a juvenile, does not imply the legal authority or status that a custodian holds. Caregivers may include relatives or non-relatives who may not have