IN RE: KAYLINA DESIRE SHONTE J. (2008)

Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, New York.

IN RE: KAYLINA DESIRE SHONTE J., A Dependent Child Under the Age of Eighteen Years, etc., Jessica Isabella T., Respondent-Appellant, Children's Aid Society, Petitioner-Respondent.

Decided: December 18, 2008

MAZZARELLI, J.P., GONZALEZ, CATTERSON, McGUIRE, ACOSTA, JJ.

Lisa H. Blitman, New York, for appellant. Rosin Steinhagen Mendel, New York (Douglas H. Reiniger of counsel), for respondent. Tamara A. Steckler, The Legal Aid Society, New York (Susan Clement of counsel), Law Guardian.

Order, Family Court, New York County (Jody Adams, J.), entered on or about February 15, 2007, which terminated respondent's parental rights and committed the subject child's guardianship and custody to the petitioner agency and the Commissioner of Social Services for the purpose of adoption, unanimously affirmed, and the appeal from the underlying fact-finding determination of permanent neglect dismissed, without costs.

There can be no review of the finding of permanent neglect, made upon respondent's default at the fact-finding hearing (Matter of Baby Girl F., 17 A.D.3d 224, 793 N.Y.S.2d 376 [2005] ). Termination of parental rights is amply supported by the record, which reveals diligent efforts by the agency to encourage the parental relationship and provide numerous services, despite respondent's noncooperation and indifference (Matter of Byron Christopher Malik J., 309 A.D.2d 669, 765 N.Y.S.2d 874 [2003] ). Respondent failed to plan for the future or maintain visitation (Social Services Law § 384-b[7][a] ), and was thus unable to assume responsibility for a child who is now thriving in her pre-adoptive environment.

Was this helpful?

Why was this helpful?

Easy to understand

Solved my problem

Other

Why was this not helpful?

Missing the information I need

Too complicated / too many steps

Out of date

Other

Thank you for your feedback!

Trusted by Consumers. Recognized by AI.

As the largest network of trusted legal brands, we help firms build authority across the platforms consumers and AI systems rely on most. Our network helps attorneys strengthen visibility, credibility, and preference where legal decisions begin.

Explore the Network