What is a Parental Authorization for Temporary Care?
This document allows a parent or legal guardian to authorize another trusted adult — such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or close family friend — to care for their child on a temporary basis. It grants the caregiver authority to make day-to-day decisions on behalf of the child, including consenting to medical treatment in an emergency, communicating with schools, and managing the child's routine while the parent is away.
This is not a court document and does not transfer legal custody or guardianship. It is a practical tool for situations where a parent will be temporarily unavailable and wants to ensure the child is properly cared for and that institutions will respond to the caregiver.
When Would You Use This?
- You are travelling outside Canada and leaving your child in the care of a relative or trusted adult
- You are hospitalized or otherwise temporarily unable to care for your child
- You want a grandparent or other caregiver to be able to authorize medical treatment or communicate with your child's school
- Your child is staying with another family for an extended period and you want that family to have authority to act in emergencies
What This Template Covers
- Identification of the parent/guardian, the child, and the authorized caregiver
- A defined period of authorization (start and end date)
- Authorization for medical and dental consent, school decisions, and day-to-day care
- Emergency contact information for the parent
- Parent signature block affirmed before a notary public
Important Notes
- This document does not override any existing custody order or parenting agreement. If there is a court order or separation agreement governing custody of your child, this template cannot expand or override those rights — consult a lawyer if you are unsure
- This document should be signed before a notary public to maximize its acceptance by hospitals, schools, and other institutions. A commissioner of oaths may be acceptable for some purposes
- Individual institutions (hospitals, schools, border services) are not legally required to accept this document — but having it is far better than having nothing
- For international travel involving only the caregiver and the child, a separate Travel Consent Letter is also recommended
- This document covers one child — use a separate copy for each child if you have more than one
How to Use This Template
Click the button below to open a copy in Google Docs. Fill in all the details, including the precise start and end dates of the authorization. Print the completed document and sign it in the presence of a notary public before the caregiver takes over. Give a signed copy to the caregiver and keep one for yourself. Consider also providing copies to the child's school and family doctor.
Opens a personal copy in Google Docs. A Google account is required to access and save your copy. If you request access to the original file instead, it will be denied — please use the button above to get your own copy.