Deprivation of parental rights and "the best interest of the child"

Abstract

In contemporary times, children are recognized as holders of their own rights, which is a departure from past practices. The state delegates authority to participate in and intervene in family matters through designated guardianship bodies and local courts. The deprivation of parental rights carries significant and enduring consequences for both parents and children, with the entire process governed by the legal principle of the best interest of the child. Unfortunately, the "best interest of the child," while a widely used concept, lacks precise legal definition, potentially leading to adverse effects on the child's psychological and physical development.