IN RE: JADEN S. also known as “No Given Name” S. (2024)

Orders of fact finding and disposition (one paper), Family Court, New York County (Maria Arias, J.), entered on or about October 27, 2023, which, upon findings of permanent neglect, terminated respondent mother's parental rights to the subject children and transferred custody of the children to petitioner agency and the Commissioner of Social Services for the purpose of adoption, unanimously affirmed, without costs.

The findings of permanent neglect were supported by clear and convincing evidence.  The record shows that the agency expended diligent efforts by offering the mother frequent visitation, attempting to engage her in planning, discussing with her the importance of compliance with her service plan, referring her for random toxicology screens and providing her with transportation, referring her to free therapy through the agency, and repeatedly attempting home visits of her apartment (see Matter of Messiah G. [Giselle F.], 168 A.D.3d 420, 421, 91 N.Y.S.3d 43 [1st Dept. 2019], lv dismissed in part, denied in part, 32 N.Y.3d 1212, 98 N.Y.S.3d 755, 122 N.E.3d 553 [2019]).

Despite these diligent efforts, the mother repeatedly failed to submit to toxicology screens, instead offering a multitude of excuses, despite understanding that her refusal was a barrier to the children's return (see Matter of Aniya Evelyn R. [Yolanda R.], 77 A.D.3d 593, 593–594, 909 N.Y.S.2d 455 [1st Dept. 2010]).  The mother also refused to allow the agency to visit her home, last allowing the agency access in 2020, despite understanding her refusal was an issue.  Moreover, the mother continued to consume alcohol, on and off, and failed to visit the children consistently, despite understanding what was expected of her (see Matter of Alexis Alexandra G. [Brandy H.], 134 A.D.3d 547, 548, 23 N.Y.S.3d 13 [1st Dept. 2015];  Matter of Alford Isaiah B. [Alford B.], 107 A.D.3d 562, 562, 968 N.Y.S.2d 36 [1st Dept. 2013])

A preponderance of the evidence supported Family Court's determination that it was in the children's best interests to terminate the mother's parental rights and free them for adoption by their respective, long-term foster parents, who wish to adopt them, and have been providing appropriate care and meeting their special needs (see Matter of Taaliyah Simone S.D., 28 A.D.3d 371, 813 N.Y.S.2d 87 [1st Dept. 2006]).  A suspended judgment was not appropriate here because there was no evidence that further delay would result in family reunification, and the children deserved permanency (see Matter of Felicia Malon Rogue J. [Lena J.], 146 A.D.3d 725, 726, 46 N.Y.S.3d 66 [1st Dept. 2017]).

Furthermore, to the extent the mother takes issue with the agency's presentation of its case by introduction of the case record, her argument is both unpreserved and unavailing.  Even if the agency relied solely on its progress notes, instead of offering the testimony of the agency caseworker, the progress notes were not the sole evidence supporting the permanent neglect finding, which was amply supported by the mother's testimony (see Matter of Elizabeth E.R.T. [Alicia T.], 168 A.D.3d 448, 449, 91 N.Y.S.3d 404 [1st Dept. 2019]).

We have considered the mother's remaining arguments and find them unavailing.