10EBest interests of child

### 10E Best interests of child > [*\[Section 10E Inserted by No. 64 of 2013, s. 6, Applied:01 Jul 2016\]*](/view/html/inforce/2016-07-01/act-2013-064#GS6@EN) > > > (1)  In performing functions or exercising powers under this Act, the best interests of the child must be the paramount consideration. > > > (2)  Without limiting the matters that may be taken into account in determining the best interests of a child, the following matters are to be taken into account for that purpose: > > > > > > (a) the need to protect the child from physical, psychological and other harm and from exploitation; > > > > > > > (b) the views of the child, having regard to the maturity and understanding of the child; > > > > > > > (c) the capacity and willingness of the child's parents or other family members to care for the child; > > > > > > > (d) the nature of the child's relationships with his or her parents, other family members and other persons who are significant in the child's life, including siblings; > > > > > > > (e) the child's need for stable and nurturing relationships with his or her parents, other family members, other persons who are significant in the child's life and the community; > > > > > > > (f) the child's need for stability in living arrangements; > > > > > > > (g) the child's physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, developmental and educational needs; > > > > > > > (h) the attitude to the child, and to the responsibilities of parenthood, demonstrated by each of the child's guardians; > > > > > > > (i) the need to provide opportunities for the child to achieve his or her full potential; > > > > > > > (j) the child's age, maturity, sex, sexuality and cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds; > > > > > > > (k) any other special characteristics of the child; > > > > > > > (l) the likely effect on the child of any changes in the child's circumstances; > > > > > > > (m) the least intrusive intervention possible in all the circumstances; > > > > > > > (n) the opportunities available for assisting the child to recover from any trauma experienced – > > > > > > > > > > (i) in relation to being separated from his or her parents, family and community; or > > > > > > > > > > > (ii) as a result of abuse or neglect; > > > > > > > (o) any persuasive reports of the child being harmed or at risk of harm and the cumulative effects of such harm or risk.