Laura W., Respondent-Appellant. v. << (1999)

Family Court properly determined that petitioner met its burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that respondent, by reason of mental illness, is presently and for the foreseeable future unable to provide proper and adequate care for her children (see, Social Services Law § 384-b [4] [c];  Matter of Hime Y., 52 N.Y.2d 242, 247, 437 N.Y.S.2d 286, 418 N.E.2d 1305).   The court-appointed psychiatrist diagnosed respondent as suffering from chronic schizophrenia after interviewing respondent, her caseworker and a counselor, and after reviewing her medical reports from several treatment centers.   He concluded that her prognosis for recovery was poor because of her failure to recognize the need for psychiatric treatment and medication (see, Matter of Bryant S., 188 A.D.2d 1078, 591 N.Y.S.2d 672).   The psychiatrist concluded that, if the children were returned to respondent, they would “most certainly be neglected” (see, Social Services Law § 384-b [6][a];  Matter of Jarred R., 236 A.D.2d 888, 654 N.Y.S.2d 64;  Matter of Joseph R., 191 A.D.2d 1034, 595 N.Y.S.2d 153).   Thus, the court properly terminated respondent's parental rights (see, Matter of Jarred R., supra ).

Order unanimously affirmed without costs.

MEMORANDUM: