In loco parentis

An in loco parentis means a relationship where one person takes on a caring role for a child instead of a parent. For example, a school will have an in loco parentis relationship with students while the children are at the school.

In some circumstances, where a parent is absent, another adult or family member will have formed a relationship with a child that the law will consider as legally being the same as a parent to a child. For example, a person who has formed an in loco parentis relationship with someone who is not their biological or adopted child may be entitled to family leave to care for the child despite them not being the actual parent of the child.