Permanency Planning Vermont

Best Interests of the Child

Statute: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 15A, § 3-504(c) (Supp. 1998)

Law:

At the time of the hearing under this section the court shall consider the best interests of the child in accordance with the following criteria:

The likelihood that the respondent will be able to assume or resume his or her parental duties within a reasonable period of time;

The child's adjustment to his or her home, school, and community;

The interaction and interrelationship of the
child with his or her parents, siblings, and any
other person who may significantly affect the
child's best interests; and

Whether the parent or alleged parent has played
and continues to play a constructive role,
including personal contact and demonstrated love
and affection, in the child's welfare.

Statute: Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, § 5540 (Supp. 1998)

Law:

At the time of the review for permanency, a modification hearing, or at any time a petition is filed by the department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for custody of a minor without limitation as to adoption, the court shall consider the best interests of the child in accordance with the following:

The interaction and interrelationship of the
child with his natural parents, his foster
parents if any, his siblings, and any other
person who may significantly affect the child's best interests;

The child's adjustment to his home, school, and
community;

The likelihood that the natural parent will be
able to resume his parental duties within a
reasonable period of time; and

Whether the natural parent has played and
continues to play a constructive role, including
personal contact and demonstrated love and
affection, in the child's welfare.

Concurrent Planning

Law:

Not addressed in statutes reviewed