Power of Attorney for Children

What is a Power of Attorney for Children?

These forms (available at the end of the page) can be used to give another person the power to care for your child in a crisis. With this document, another person will have legal authority for health, medical and other major decisions, within limits, when you're absent.

A Power of Attorney for Children is most often used by parents to allow a short-term caretaker to make decisions. This is often used when they're gone for work, vacation or otherwise out of town.

You can limit what powers are given. Simply fill in the right spaces and drop the parts you don't need.

When to use it?

• It should be used if you will be leaving your child in the care of someone else for more than just a day.
• It may also be useful to give to a daycare or pre-school in case of an emergency.

Choosing the right person

An agent can be any adult of your choosing. Consider the following factors when deciding whop to appoint:

• Someone you trust
• Some your child knows and feels at ease around
• Make sure your agent is able to act on behalf of your child's best interest
• Agent’s experience with kids
• Time commitment involved

Agent’s powers

Depending on the reason you're creating your Power of Attorney for Children, you may want to give your agent specific duties. You can limit what powers are given.

→ In the attached document, simply fill in the proper spaces and leave blank the parts you don't need.

Changing your mind

If you change your mind after signing your Power of Attorney for Children, you may cancel it by using the Revocation section of the forms attached.