are among the most frequently stated guiding principles: The importance of family integrity and preference for avoiding removal of the child from his/her home (approximately 24 States, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) 1 The health, safety, and/or protection of the child (16 States and the Northern Mariana Islands) 2 The importance of timely permanency decisions (16 States and the U.S. Virgin Islands) 3 The assurance that a child removed from his/her home will be given care, treatment, and guidance that will assist the child in developing into a self-sufficient adult (9 States, American Samoa, and Guam) 4 Best Interests Factors Approximately 16 States and the District of Columbia list in their statutes specific factors for courts to consider in making determinations regarding the best interests of the child. 5 While the factors vary considerably from State to State, some factors commonly required include: The emotional ties and relationships between the child and his or her parents, siblings, family and household members, or other caregivers (13 States and the District of Columbia) 6 The capacity of the parents to provide a safe home and adequate food, clothing, and medical care (eight States) 7 The mental and physical health needs of the child (five States and the District of Columbia) 8 The mental and physical health of the parents (six States and the District of Columbia) 9 In six of these States and the District of Columbia, all the factors listed in the statute must be considered.