§ 63-1-40 — Definitions.

When used in this title and unless otherwise defined or the specific context indicates otherwise: (1) "Child" means a person under the age of eighteen. (2) "Court" means the family court. (3) "Guardian" means a person who legally has the care and management of a child. (4) "Judge" means the judge of the family court. (5) "Parent" means biological parent, adoptive parents, step-parent, or person with legal custody. (6) "Status offense" means any offense which would not be a misdemeanor or felony if committed by an adult, such as, but not limited to, incorrigibility (beyond the control of parents), truancy, running away, playing or loitering in a billiard room, playing a pinball machine or gaining admission to a theater by false identification. (7) "Child caring facility" means a campus with one or more staffed residences and with a total population of twenty or more children who are in care apart from their parents, relatives, or guardians on a continuing full-time basis for protection and guidance. (8) "Foster home" means a household of one or more persons who are licensed or approved to provide full-time care for one to five children living apart from their parents or guardians. (9) "Residential group care home" means a staffed residence with a population fewer than twenty children who are in care apart from their parents, relatives, or guardians on a full-time basis.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 361, SECTION 2; 2023 Act No. 23 (S.342), SECTION 1, eff May 16, 2023. Effect of Amendment 2023 Act No. 23, SECTION 1, reenacted the section with no apparent change.