M. A. v. Dept of Children and Families

The Guardian ad Litem appeals the trial courts order placing three dependant children, M.A., N.S., and S.S., in the custody of their relatives in Massachusetts. The Guardian ad Litem argues that (1) the trial court utilized an erroneous preference for relatives in determining that the children, who had previously been adjudicated dependant and placed with a foster family, should be placed with the relatives and (2) even if the trial court did utilize the correct standard, the trial court erred in finding that placement with the relatives was in the best interests of the children. We disagree and, therefore, affirm the trial courts order.