In The Interest Of J.e., Minor Child, R.e., Mother Vs. State Of Iowa

I write separately to emphasize the “best interests of the child” standard has taken on a new meaning, within the last decade, which must be considered by courts in using the standard to make decisions to terminate parent-child relationships.

A child’s safety and the need for a permanent home are now the primary concerns when determining a child’s best interests. See In re K.M., 653 N.W.2d 602, 608 (Iowa 2002) (noting “the child’s safety and need for a permanent home” are “the concerns that clearly impact a child’s best interests”). This has not always been the case, and reflects a broader…