Custody of Eleanor

Here we are required to determine the proper standard of review for appellate courts in child custody cases. A judge in the Juvenile Court found two minor children, Eleanor and Carol, in need of care and protection and placed them in the permanent custody of the Department of Social Services (department). See G. L. c. 119, §§ 24 and 26 (1990 ed.). The Appeals Court reversed the judgment. Custody of Eleanor, 32 Mass. App. Ct. 668 (1992). We granted the department’s application for further appellate review, and reverse the judgment of the Juvenile Court.

We summarize the relevant facts as found…