Under what condition can the court place a minor with a suitable relative?

The court can place a minor with a suitable relative if the parents are deemed unfit for specific reasons that jeopardize the well-being and safety of the child. This encompasses various issues such as abuse, neglect, or inability to provide necessary care, but is not limited to financial challenges. The main concern is the child's welfare and the ability of the parents to adequately fulfill their parental responsibilities. In situations where the parents cannot ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the minor, the court may assess relatives who can provide a more stable and supportive home.

Factors like the minor's desire to live with a relative, the relative’s willingness to take custody, or the minor's behavior, although they may influence a decision, do not independently determine the court's authority to place the minor with a relative. The priority remains centered on the parental fitness and the child's best interests as per the legal standards.