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Child Protection and Family Justice

Relative Values ….. The best interests of the child

Thu, 10 March 2005

On 17 February the Grandparents’ Association and Children Law UK publication Relative Values ….. The best interests of the child was launched by Mr Hilton Dawson MP at an event held at the Nuffield Foundation.

Following an earlier report by the Grandparents' Association and Children Law UK, Relative Values….Missing out on Contact, two seminars were held to discuss what might be meant by “the best interests of the child”. This publication is the result.

The report considers a number of areas where the readers are asked to think about what they would assume to be in the best interests of that individual child. Two areas were covered – private law and public law – and in both cases the question was asked, "From whose perspective?". The various speakers identified many aspects of both private and public law where checklists, though helpful, could not be used alone to make a judgement. The report also discusses how judgements of “best interests” are necessarily affected by what we know and by social understanding. Yet again, it points to the importance of training and having a well-educated, well-rounded professional workforce of those involved in making these decisions. It also shows the importance of thinking not only of the best interests of the child in isolation but also of the context of those who would be supporting him or her.

To order a copy of the publication contact the Grandparents' Association on 01279 428040 or order online from the Grandparents' Association website. Information may also be obtained by e-mailing info@grandparents-association.org.uk or info@childrenlawuk.org

Last Updated Fri, 11 March 2005