Final answer:
By law, both parents are generally required to provide for their child until the age of 18, which is the age of majority in the United States for many purposes. There can be exceptions where other family members or guardians take over the caregiving role under certain circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: By law, both parents of a child are required to provide for the child until the child reaches the age of 18. This statement is generally true, as parents are typically legally obligated to care for their children. The age of majority may vary by locality, but in the United States, a child is mostly considered an adult at 18 for many purposes, including military service.
While biological or adoptive parents are the primary individuals responsible for a child's upbringing, there are circumstances where other family members or even state-appointed guardians may take on the role of caregiver. This might occur due to various reasons such as parental mental health issues, drug use, incarceration, or abuse. In such cases, around half of these children live with grandparents, and others might live with other relatives or with non-related guardians.
It is important to note that parental consent is required on behalf of children who are minors because they are not legally competent to provide such consent for themselves. The commitment to provide for the child includes ensuring the child's well-being and education, a principle reflected in laws such as the federal law passed in 1938 that restricted child labor and encouraged schooling.