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IN RE: DYLAN L. and Logan L. Erie County Department of Social Services, Petitioner-Respondent; Charles L., Respondent-Appellant.
Respondent appeals from an order of disposition that, inter alia, placed him under petitioner's supervision upon a finding that he neglected his two sons by exposing them to pornographic videos. Family Court did not find that respondent had sexually abused the children inasmuch as there was evidence of the possible involvement of another perpetrator, but the court ordered respondent to undergo a mental health evaluation to address the court's concerns that he may be in need of sex offender treatment. Contrary to respondent's contention, the mental health evaluation is not a “subsequent action or proceeding” and thus does not constitute a re-litigation of the allegations of sexual abuse that would be barred by the doctrine of collateral estoppel (Staatsburg Water Co. v. Staatsburg Fire Dist., 72 N.Y.2d 147, 152, 531 N.Y.S.2d 876, 527 N.E.2d 754). Also contrary to respondent's contention, the court did not abuse its discretion in ordering respondent to undergo the mental health evaluation. The record establishes that, although there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations of sexual abuse, the court had a well-reasoned basis for ordering respondent to undergo the mental health evaluation because of his conduct in exposing his sons to pornographic videos (see Matter of Sean K., 50 A.D.3d 1220, 1222-1223, 855 N.Y.S.2d 301; Matter of Charlene TT., 217 A.D.2d 274, 277-278, 634 N.Y.S.2d 807; see also Matter of Selena L., 289 A.D.2d 35, 37, 734 N.Y.S.2d 123).
It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is unanimously affirmed without costs.
MEMORANDUM:
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Decided: October 03, 2008
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, New York.
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