Child Welfare License (CWEL) Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

To terminate parental rights, it is essential to demonstrate that the parents are unfit. This criterion is rooted in the legal and ethical responsibilities to ensure the child's welfare. Unfitness can encompass a range of issues, including neglect, abuse, substance abuse problems, or an inability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child. The law prioritizes the best interest of the child, so establishing parental unfitness is crucial in protecting the child's rights and ensuring they grow up in a healthy environment.

While the other considerations, such as the child's desire to be adopted or the availability of a foster care placement, may be relevant aspects of the case, they are not the primary requirement for termination of parental rights. The mere fact that parents have disappeared does not necessarily relate to their fitness as caregivers and may not be sufficient grounds for termination either. The focus remains on the parents' ability to fulfill their parental responsibilities adequately.