Determining the Best Interests of the Child - Wyoming

Guiding Principles

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 14-3-201

The purpose of §§ 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 is to delineate the responsibilities of the State agency, other governmental agencies or officials, professionals, and citizens to intervene on behalf of a child suspected of being abused or neglected, to protect the best interests of the child, to further offer protective services when necessary in order to prevent any harm to the child or any other children living in the home, to protect children from abuse or neglect that jeopardize their health or welfare, to stabilize the home environment, to preserve family life whenever possible, and to provide permanency for the child in appropriate circumstances. The child's health, safety, and welfare shall be of paramount concern in implementing and enforcing this article.

Best Interests Factors

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Other Considerations

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 14-3-201

If a child suspected of being abused or neglected is an Indian child as defined by § 14-6-702, the State agency and other governmental agencies or officials charged with implementing and enforcing this article shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. If any provision of this article conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of abuse or neglect of an Indian child, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control.