A state agency removes a 10-year-old male child from the home of parents who abused him. What is the name of the legal doctrine that allows the state to act in the best interest of the child?

A. safe haven law
B. no hassle provision
C. best interest of the child concept
D. res ipsa loquitur
E. parens patriae

E. parens patriae

Parens patriae is a legal doctrine that gives the state the authority to act in a child's best interest. When alternatives are available for child placement or for determining medical treatment for minor children, the common standard is the "best interest of the child." Safe haven laws allow abandonment of a baby at a fire station, police station, or hospital. Some say that the "no hassle" provisions for baby abandonment discourage mothers from using established adoption and child welfare policies, while encouraging irresponsible and destructive behavior.