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IN RE: DAVIONE RASHAUN H., a Dependent Child Under the Age of Eighteen Years, etc., Sharon H., etc., Respondent-Appellant, Leake & Watts Services, Inc., Petitioner-Respondent.
Order of disposition, Family Court, Bronx County (Douglas E. Hoffman, J.), entered on or about May 8, 2007, which, upon a finding of permanent neglect, terminated respondent mother's parental rights to the subject child and committed custody and guardianship of the child to petitioner agency and the Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services for the purpose of adoption, unanimously affirmed, without costs.
The finding of permanent neglect is supported by clear and convincing evidence (Social Services Law § 384-b[7][a] ). The record shows that the agency made diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the parental relationship by providing referrals for individual counseling and parenting skills training, scheduling regular supervised visitation and monitoring the treatment programs in which respondent stated she was enrolled (see Matter of Kimberly C., 37 A.D.3d 192, 829 N.Y.S.2d 84 [2007], lv. denied 8 N.Y.3d 813, 836 N.Y.S.2d 553, 868 N.E.2d 236 [2007]; Matter of Israel Zacarias G., 306 A.D.2d 106, 761 N.Y.S.2d 644 [2003]; Social Services Law 384-b[7] [f] ). Despite these diligent efforts, respondent was incarcerated on several occasions, inconsistent in her visitation, failed to complete the substance abuse program during the statutorily relevant time period and otherwise failed to meaningfully address the problems that led to the placement of her child (see Matter of Lady Justice I., 50 A.D.3d 425, 856 N.Y.S.2d 64 [2008]; Matter of Tashona Sharmaine A., 24 A.D.3d 135, 805 N.Y.S.2d 331 [2005], lv. denied 6 N.Y.3d 715, 823 N.Y.S.2d 356, 856 N.E.2d 920 [2006] ).
A preponderance of the evidence demonstrated that termination of respondent's parental rights was in the child's best interests. The child has been the same stable and caring pre-adoptive home for several years where he has bonded with his foster family (see Matter of Racquel Olivia M., 37 A.D.3d 279, 830 N.Y.S.2d 96 [2007], lv. denied 8 N.Y.3d 812, 836 N.Y.S.2d 551, 868 N.E.2d 235 [2007] ). Contrary to respondent's contention, the circumstances presented do not warrant a suspended judgment.
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Decided: October 28, 2008
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, New York.
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FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
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