Child Welfare Information Gateway2016-11-152016-11-152016Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2016). Determining the best interests of the child. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/best-interest/http://hdl.handle.net/11212/3049This factsheet discusses State laws that present the factors that courts need to consider when making decisions about a child's appropriate custody and care. Factors to be considered include parental capacity to provide adequate care, sibling and other family relationships, and the child's wishes. The factsheet also addresses the definition of best interests and guiding principles of best interest determinations. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.en-UScourtsstate statuteschild welfareplacementArticle