best interests of the child standard

The "best interests of the child" standard is a guiding principle used by courts and authorities to make decisions about a child's care, custody, and well-being. It involves considering what will most effectively promote the child's safety, health, emotional development, education, and overall happiness. Factors include the child's needs, relationships with parents or guardians, stability of their environment, and their views, depending on their age. The goal is to act in a way that benefits the child's growth and ensures their rights and welfare are protected in any legal or administrative process.