Problem:
The goal of the juvenile court is to balance the best interests of the child with the claim of parental rights. Parents have a right to direct the upbringing of their children, including the right to exclude others from that function. They also have procedural rights to contest custody, visitation, and adoption. The assertion of any of these rights may conflict with the child's best interests as determined by the juvenile court.
What factors or standards would a juvenile social worker believe to be essential when a court determines what is in the best interest of a child?