Termination of parental rights (TPR) is a legal process where a court ends the legal relationship between a parent and child, often due to severe neglect, abuse, abandonment, or when it's deemed in the child's best interest. This action can be initiated by state child welfare agencies, the other parent, or sometimes relatives or guardians. Grounds for TPR vary by state but typically include chronic substance abuse, failure to support or communicate with the child, or conviction of certain crimes against children. The process is rigorous, involving multiple hearings, with the parent usually having the right to legal representation, and courts require clear and convincing evidence that termination is necessary. Once rights are terminated, the parent loses all legal claims to the child, including custody and visitation, essentially freeing the child for adoption or another permanent placement.