Children are so innocent and precious, and the highest quality of care should be just as important as the child themselves. 

The definition of “best interest’ really begins with the definition of best. 

Best is simply the highest quality or excellence that is suitable for the situation. 

When it comes to the “best interest” of the child the best definition will include the results of deliberation over what orders, actions and services might be presented on behalf of the child. 

Child abuse and neglect are very serious matters. 

Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation or an imminent risk of serious harm could be and would be considered child abuse and neglect. 

To help prevent these acts from happening or to help the healing, both parents and children have legal rights. The legal rights of parents and children help govern the process upon which a child may be taken out of a home. 

The parent has rights from birth to the grave. 

These rights will help to shape the dreams of the child while the child has the right to have a family life. 

The courts, while keeping all of this in mind must now take into consideration: 

(1) the relationship between the child and those in their immediate circles, 

(2) the ability for the parent/guardian to provide a stable home environment, food clothing shelter and medicine, 

(3) the stability of the child either physical, emotional and mental 

(4) the stability of the parents physical, mental and emotional 

(5) any we would have noticed and 

(6) does the threat of direct violence exist in the home. 

Unless we are talking about sexual abuse, mental abuse and neglect would be the toughest to determine. 

A mental beat down can and in most cases is the worst beating than that of the physical nature. The physical can leave a bruise or a scar. But mental abuse shows no exterior busing and thus makes it had to treat. 

No amount or type of abuse or neglect is a good thing. 

We need to ensure that our babies are safe and they will have an opportunity to select what they are going to be, not just what they desire to be.

 

Demetrius Moffett is Senior Pastor of Orange Church of God-Embassy of Grace, 1911 North 16th Street in Orange.