Who is appointed as the guardian of a child under court order?

The role of a guardian appointed under court order is to provide legal authority and responsibility for the care and welfare of a child. When a court designates someone as a guardian, it means that this individual is entrusted with the legal rights to make decisions on behalf of the child, including matters related to education, healthcare, and overall well-being. This appointment typically comes in circumstances where the biological parents are unable to care for the child, and it is meant to ensure that the child's best interests are prioritized and protected.

In contrast, a social worker may be involved in child welfare cases but does not have the legal authority to make decisions for a child unless explicitly granted this role by the court, which is not the standard function of a social worker. A custodian may refer to someone temporarily looking after a child but doesn’t convey the long-term legal responsibilities that come with guardianship. Similarly, while a foster parent cares for children in need, they do not have the same legal standing as a guardian, who has a more permanent and responsible role sanctioned by the court. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the specific legal framework that defines the duties and authority of a guardian.