Who can be served if a minor's parent or guardian cannot be found?

When a minor's parent or guardian cannot be located for the purpose of serving legal documents, it is acceptable to serve an adult who is responsible for the minor's care and control. This is because such an individual is likely to have a direct and ongoing relationship with the child and could provide the necessary information or support in the legal proceedings.

Serving an adult who has care and control over the minor ensures that the minor's interests are still represented, as this adult has a vested interest in the minor's well-being. This approach is in line with legal principles that emphasize ensuring that any action taken regarding a minor is done with regard to their best interests and is likely to allow for effective communication and resolution of the legal issue at hand.

In contrast, serving a teacher or any family member may not guarantee that these individuals have the authority or appropriate relationship to act on behalf of the minor in legal matters. Similarly, a court-appointed representative typically involves a more formal relationship, which may not be necessary in all cases and would depend on the specifics of the situation. The focus remains on ensuring that the adult served is directly involved in the child's care, thus making the first choice the most suitable option.