Definitions
We are well aware that we are using NON-STANDARD language. That is, we are using terms or word combinations that either do not exist, or we are using them with understandings which are different from regular, standard dictionary meanings.
We feel the need to create these terms / word combinations to describe real life facts and objects that we have observed to be related to the decision making and raising of children in our society.
We claim neither perfection, nor absolute knowledge. We will be happy to adapt our language if incongruences, or superior alternatives are pointed to us. As we will be happy to give credit where it belongs if similar definitions already exist.
The following explains our definitions/understanding of terms repeatedly used throughout these pages that we are not aware of being clearly explained anywhere. We expect to expand, refine, and change these definitions. As we hope that anyone using them will consider giving us credit.
CUSTODIAL ENTITY = Any entity empowered by the Law to influence in substantive, and often in impossible to oppose ways the evolution of a child.Of particular importance are those entities directly involved in decision making concerning children, taking actions on children, requiring actions from children.
Examples for any child:
- A custodial parent is probably the most important custodial entity
- Courts of Law may become very significant custodial entities
- Officers (Judges, Magistrates, Lawyers ...) and Experts (Psychologists, Social Workers, ...) involved in evaluations and channeling of decisions are significant custodial entities as soon as a Court of Law becomes a custodial entity
- Physicians and teachers are significant custodial entities
- A non-custodial biological parent may become a custodial entity or share a part of being a custodial entity
- A step-parent may become a custodial entity or share a part of being a custodial entity
- There are other examples that we are aware of as there may be many that we did not discern yet
NON-CUSTODIAL ENTITY = An entity either biologically related to a child, or in some way legally, materially or spiritually responsible toward, or interested in a child, that has little or no power to initiate or change decisions or actions concerning a child.
Examples: For any child:
- A non-custodial biological parent is probably the most typical non-custodial entity
- Physicians, teachers, and coaches are some other significant potential non-custodial entities
- Grandparents, other relatives often are non-custodial entities
BEST INTEREST OF A CHILD = A principle often invoked by both CUSTODIAL and NON-CUSTODIAL ENTITIES, often in meaningless, self serving ways, having very little to do with improving any objective, measurable parameter. Some of the most egregious CUSTODIAL ABUSES are perpetrated by CUSTODIAL ENTITIES declaring themselves sole proprietors of a child's BEST INTEREST.
CUSTODIAL ABUSE = Any action performed on a child, by a CUSTODIAL ENTITY, that would be considered abusive if performed on an unrelated human being. Or the coercion of a child, by a CUSTODIAL ENTITY to perform actions that are unacceptable under regular societal rules and Laws.
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS = We strongly feel that CHILDREN'S RIGHTS need to be defined, understood, and followed by those who quote, and especially by those who have the power to act in "THE BEST INTEREST OF A CHILD". For now, we will leave this definition open. We expect to clarify it as we collect and discuss real life cases.
