Determining the Best Interests of the Child - American Samoa

Guiding Principles

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.0102

The legislature declares that the purposes of this title are to do the following: 

• Secure for each child subject to these provisions such care and guidance, preferably with their own family, as will best serve their welfare and the interests of Samoan society
• Preserve and strengthen aiga (extended family) ties whenever possible
• Remove a child from the custody of their parents only when their welfare and safety or the protection of the public would otherwise be endangered
• Secure for any child removed from the custody of their parents the necessary care, guidance, and discipline to assist them in becoming a responsible and productive member of society

To carry out these purposes, the provisions of this title shall be liberally construed.

 Best Interests Factors

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Other Considerations

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.