In loco parentis literally means "in place of the parents." It's a legal term referring to an individual or organization—such as a school or a guardian—that assumes parental rights and duties for a minor without formal adoption.
This Latin phrase, used primarily in legal and educational contexts, usually refers to a person or institution that has parent-like responsibility for a minor. For example, an orphanage or a school often carries out duties in loco parentis. A foster parent may provide care in loco parentis until a permanent solution is found. In Batman comics and movies, Alfred Pennyworth takes care of young Bruce Wayne in loco parentis following the death of Bruce's parents. Generally, this status is only invoked when a legal parent is unavailable or has temporarily delegated their authority.