CHILD'S RIGHT TO A CHILD-CENTERED DISPOSITION

• NCJ Number: 15551
• Journal: Juvenile Justice Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (AUGUST 1974) Pages: 10-13
• Author(s): W F AIKMAN
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 4 pages
• Corporate Author: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

ARTICLE WHICH EXAMINES THE NEED FOR A DIFFERENT JUVENILE COURT'S APPROACH TO NEGLECT AND DEPENDENCY CASES.

Abstract

THE AUTHOR DISCUSSES THE NEED FOR A REVISION OF THE STANDARD FOR DECISION IN NEGLECT AND DEPENDENCY CASES. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE TRADITIONAL 'BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD' STANDARD BE REPLACED BY THE 'LEAST DETRIMENTAL ALTERNATIVE AVAILABLE' STANDARD. THIS STANDARD WOULD BE MORE REALISTIC AS TO WHAT THE COURT CAN ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISH, WOULD FOCUS MORE CLEARLY ON THE CHILD, AND NOT THE PARENT, AND WOULD PUT THE COURT'S DECISION-MAKING FUNCTION AND THE WORK OF SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE. OTHER SUGGESTIONS INCLUDED APPOINTING FOR THE CHILD AND FOR THE PARENT AND ADOPTING A POLICY OF LEAVING THE CHILD IN THE HOME UNLESS IT IS VERY SERIOUSLY DEFICIENT IN ORDER TO SERVE THE CONTINUITY NEED OF THE CHILD.