Permanency Planning Kansas

Best Interests of the Child

Statute: Kan. Stat. Ann. § 38-1584(a), (b)(4) (WESTLAW through End of 2000 Reg. Sess.)

Law:

The purpose of this section is to provide stability in the life of a child who must be removed from the home of a parent, to acknowledge that time perception of a child differs from that of an adult and to make the ongoing physical, mental and emotional needs of the child the decisive consideration in proceedings under this section. The primary goal for all children whose parents' parental rights have been terminated is placement in a permanent family setting.

In making an order under this section, the court shall give preference, to the extent that the court finds it is in the best interests of the child, first to granting such custody to a relative of the child and second to granting such custody to a person with whom the child has close emotional ties.

Concurrent Planning

Law:

Not addressed in statutes reviewed