In December 2022, the Bronx County Family Court terminated a mother's parental rights to her children, M.V. and H.V., due to “permanent neglect.” The judge found that despite the agency's efforts to support the mother, she failed to comply with her service plan, which included substance abuse treatment, mental health services, parenting skills programs, maintaining sobriety, and consistent visitation with the children. Apparently, the woman repeatedly tested positive for drugs, did not engage consistently in mental health services, and failed to complete a parenting skills program or visit the children regularly.
On appeal, the Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the Family Court's decision to terminate the mother's parental rights and allow the foster mother to adopt H.V., as it was in the child's best interests.
For M.V., although the court initially determined that adoption by the foster parent was in the youngster’s best interests, the order terminating the mother's parental rights was vacated, and sent back for a new hearing due to changed circumstances, including M.V.'s relocation from the pre-adoptive foster home and her lack of consent to adoption.
Think the Family Court will adopt a different decision there?
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DECISION