13. 	 Custody of one's child is one of the most precious of all rights, and "perhaps the oldest  of the fundamental liberties recognized by [the Supreme] Court." Troxel v. Granville, 530  U.S. 57, 65 (2000). "The bonds between a parent and child are, in a word, sacrosanct"  and protected by federal law. Swipies v. Kofka, 419 F.3d 709, 715 (8th Cir. 2005).   14. 	 The right of parents and children to maintain their relationship without unnecessary  interference by the state is a constitutionally protected liberty interest. Stanley v. Illinois,  405 U.S. 645, 649-58 (1972). "Both parents and children have a liberty interest in the  care and companionship of each other." Whisman v. Rinehart, 119 F.3d 1303, 1309 (8th  Cir.1997).   15. 	 Every constitutionally protected liberty (or property) interest is protected against loss  by the Due Process Clause. See Board of Pardons v. Allen, 482 U.S. 369, 371, 381  (1987). That Clause requires the state to afford certain procedural safeguards whenever it  seeks to limit or withhold a liberty or property interest. See Boddie v. Connecticut, 401  U.S. 371 (1971); Swipies, 419 F.3d at 713-14; Whisman, 119 F.3d at 1309. 