The 'best interests of the child thesis': some thoughts from Australia

Hansen, Patricia, and Ainsworth, Frank (2009) The 'best interests of the child thesis': some thoughts from Australia. International Journal of Social Welfare, 18 (4). pp. 431-439.

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Abstract

In the 36 years since the 1973 publication of 'Beyond the Best Interests of the Child' by Goldstein, Freud and Solnit, the phase 'the best interests of the child' has achieved biblical standing and is now embedded in childcare and protection legislation worldwide. It also resonates through clinical reports and other materials that form the basis for proceedings in Children's Courts and in Family Law Courts. Such is the power of the phrase that it is to be found in Article 18 of the Convention on the Rights of Children that was adopted by the United Nations in September 1989. In 1996, Goldstein, Solnit and Goldstein, with Freud, indicated a preference for the phrase 'least detrimental alternative' rather than 'the best interests of the child'. For this reason, and because the world in 2009 is a far different place from that which existed 36 years ago, we think it is time to re-examine this classic phrase both in terms of its underlying thesis and how it is used in present-day childcare and protection proceedings and practice.

Item ID: 7988
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1468-2397
Keywords: best interests of the child, least intrusive intervention, least detrimental alternative, mandatory reporting, risk assessment, surveillance society.
Date Deposited: 27 Jan 2010 03:06
FoR Codes: 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160702 Counselling, Welfare and Community Services @ 100%
SEO Codes: 94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940105 Childrens/Youth Services and Childcare @ 100%
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