With a custody order, a judge awards guardianship of a minor to a Certified Institution. This may be imposed following a termination of custody or in the case of children whose parents have died (if no guardian is recorded in the custody register or will, or if this person does not accept guardianship of the child). The custody termination measure is imposed if a child grows up in such a way that his or her development is seriously at risk and the parent is deemed unable to take responsibility for his or her care and upbringing in the future or if the parent abuses custody. In many cases, a supervision order and an out-of-home placement have already been tried before a custody termination measure is ordered by a judge. In principle, the custody termination measure is definitive and applies until the child reaches the age of 18. It concerns only cases in which the guardianship is awarded to the Certified Institution itself, with the child being raised in a foster family or home. Situations in which a foster parent (foster parent guardian) or someone else who is closely involved with the child (citizen guardian) is awarded guardianship from the Certified Institution are not covered.
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