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| | Contents of I. CURRENT ADOPTION LAWS AND STANDARDS (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-09) |
 | | With the “best interests” standard, the needs and interests of the child are considered paramount in determining whether to award custody to the adoptive parents or biological parent. |
 | | One of the major criticisms is that “best interests” is a vague standard, often defined from an adult perspective that focuses on the socioeconomic status of the parties involved. |
 | | Critics of this standard are concerned that under a “best interests” determination, judges may let their prejudices regarding, for example, class, race, or sexual orientation, guide their decision, rather than a real “best interests” analysis. |
| www.law.upenn.edu /conlaw/issues/vol2/num1/labarge/node3_ct.html (954 words) |
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