Can parental responsibility be transferred?

A person with parental responsibility cannot transfer his or her responsibility to another person. Parental responsibility can be shared with another person, but not completely transferred. It is possible to delegate the responsibility of looking after a child to a child minder, teacher, friend or relative, but the person with parental responsibility is still liable and responsible to ensure that proper arrangements are made for the child.

Temporary carers will not have parental responsibility but may do what is reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare.

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