A child is an important part of the society, and their interest should be observed accordingly for they are the future of the community. Their best interests mainly include the provision of the basic needs which include; shelter, clothing and food. Apart from basic needs factors such as psychological comfort and proper education are also critical. There are legal classifications of child abuse and mistreatment. Child abuse is the act of causing harm to a child by neglect, sexual abuse, parental substance abuse, emotional abuse, abandonment and physical abuse (Butler-Sloss, 1988).
In a situation where one has to go to court, there are factors that the court will use to determine the best interest of a child. They include the age of the child, a parent's living situation, continuity and stability. It may be difficult to determine continuity and stability because it is a relevant factor that varies. There is situation where the child’s environment is conducive only for it to change at some point which may be later after the court’s decision (Corby, 2006).
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The most of the critical factor to be considered is the age and parent’s living situation because they will determine the child’s physical and emotional well-being which will determine a child’s proper growth. Age is critical because of the type of care and attention they require. Parents living situation also is essential because of the kind of care they will provide to the child. Continuity and stability are difficult to identify because they are factors that change with time (Corby, 2006). A situation at home may be conducive and comfortable for long, but circumstances can change and therefore making it difficult for the court to do its follow-up. During the decision-making process, the environment may prove to be stable and possess continuity, but with time it may change.
References
Butler-Sloss, E. (1988). Report of the inquiry into child abuse in Cleveland 1987 (Vol. 412). HM Stationery Office.
Corby, B. (2006). Child abuse . McGraw-Hill International.
