Decision Making – legal authority for making day-to-day decisions affecting the child. Similar to joint custody, can be court ordered. If not addressed in an Order, the guardians usually both have rights and responsibilities for this.
Delegation of Authority / Powers & Duties (to a Child Caregiver) – implicit sub-allocation of powers and duties by the Director of Child and Family Services, or their delegate (i.e., the social worker), under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. Done by the social worker for a child in protective custody – either Temporary Guardianship Order (TGO) or Permanent Guardianship Order (PGO).
Joint / Shared Custody / Parenting – more than one guardian may exercise the powers, responsibilities and entitlements of guardianship, unless the court orders otherwise; shall use best efforts to co-operate with one another in exercising their powers, responsibilities and entitlements of guardianship. Can be court ordered, or presumed if the parents were married and are now separated but have not been to court.
Sole Custody / Parenting – allocation, generally or specifically, of the powers, responsibilities and entitlements of guardianship exclusive to one individual. Usually court ordered.