The best interests of the child are determined by factors that provide stability and the best environment for the child. Determining whether a parent is fit or not is a critical part of the judge's role and is the deciding factor on how the divorce decree sets ⦠One factor that courts consider when making child custody and visitation decisions is a parent's living accommodations. It is the job of the judge in your divorce case to determine whether you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are fit to be parents. Some factors that a court may use to determine a personâs fitness as a parent include: A history of child abuse. If raised in a stable environment, your child will have less anxiety and a higher threshold of security. You would need to modify visitation, contact CPS, or both. One thing that is NOT grounds to declare a parent unfit is neglecting child support. Many aspects of the child's physical, mental, emotional, and moral well-being have been considered in deciding whether there has been a material change of circumstances affecting the child's welfare, including: Whether a party has provided for the child's particular health needs, handicaps, hygiene habits, and dietary and ⦠A parent may also be found âunfitâ if they have a recent or long-standing history of drug abuse or mental illness. Being âUnfitâ In Florida, there are several things that may make a parent unfit. § 68-111-102 says that the state department of health shall establish and distribute to each county and public health department of the state minimum health standards in the rental of any premises; these standards shall establish living and building conditions of a dwelling that render it unfit for human ⦠If a parent is behind on child support, there are ways to enforce the order and make sure they pay. Therefore, your child will approach everything with a stronger sense of self... and a strong central core. If the court deems one parent âunfit,â the other parent will likely receive custody. How to Prove a Parent Unfit in Child Custody Cases By Travis Gray, J.D. Failure to do so can have adverse impact on the child, and possibly ⦠Itâs extremely important to note that a court will not accept hearsay or a personâs word alone as ⦠Acceptable living accommodations are those that allow a child to live safely, be comfortable, and thriveâbut determining whether a parentâs living situation fits that bill depends on a number of things. However, itâs sometimes easy to underestimate or overlook the little things we can do to offer an open and supportive emotional environment. The infant and toddler child care environment is â ⦠never determined once and for all. According to Florida Statute 751.05, in order for a parent to be found unfit, they must have abused, neglected, or abandoned the child. It is very difficult to overcome any type of child ⦠Planning, arranging, evaluating, and rearranging is an ongoing process as caregivers strive for quality and find what works best for them and for the children as they grow and changeâ (Gonzalez-Mena & Eyer, 2012, p. 285). Food and shelter form the foundation essential for nurturing a child. Any court will look unfavorably on a parent with a history of abusing his or her children. A well-bonded child is secure and does better at everything. The key to creating a safe and open home environment for your child is about more than just meeting their fundamental needs for survival. Exposing the child to emotionally harmful or psychologically damaging situations; A parent is more likely to be considered unfit if the court also concludes that these types of factors and conditions will continue in the future without any change. 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