This contribution aims at highlighting principles as well as recommended practice to guide states in ensuring a cross-border kafāla placement is in the best interests of a child. These principles stem from the ISS’ conviction that, from a child rights perspective, both public international and private international law provisions must inform approaches concerning cross-border kafāla. This joint approach is based on ISS’ long-standing casework experience in working daily and across the globe on complex cross-border child protection cases.