Answer: guardians

AnswerCrossword Clue
GUARDIANSParental substitutes
guardiansA defender, protector, or keeper
guardiansThe superior of a Franciscan convent
guardiansA person who looks after and is legally responsible for someone who is unable to manage their own affairs, esp. an incompetent or disabled person or a child whose parents have died
guardiansGUARDIAN, one that guards (to protect (to shield from harm, attack or injury))