What does 'Parent' mean in this context?

• A. A guardian
• B. The mother or father of a child, but does not include a parent whose parental rights have been terminated
• C. A non-offender
• D. An adult who cares for a child but has no parental rights

Answer: (B)

In this context, a parent is the mother or father of a child who still has legal parental rights that have not been terminated. This matters because the person with the authority to make medical decisions or arrange care for a minor is the parent who retains those rights. A guardian or caregiver without those parental rights isn’t considered the parent for these purposes, and an adult who cares for a child but has no parental rights does not have the same legal standing. A non-offender is not relevant to defining who counts as a parent.