Who is considered a caregiver?

A caregiver is specifically someone who is responsible for the welfare and well-being of a child. This role entails providing physical care, emotional support, supervision, and guidance to ensure the child's safety and development. The responsibilities of a caregiver can include managing daily activities, addressing the child's needs, and making critical decisions regarding their health and education. This definition is crucial in contexts such as child protection laws and social services, where identifying who qualifies as a caregiver can influence the resources and support available to children and families.

Other choices, while they may include individuals who interact with children, do not encapsulate the structured responsibilities that define a caregiver. For instance, an adult in the community might be supportive but does not have the direct responsibility for a child's care. Similarly, a child's friend could provide companionship but lacks the duties typically associated with caregiving. A teacher or school staff member has a role in the education and welfare of children but is not the primary caregiver absent a further parental or custodial relationship.