RICHARD RESPONDENT AND TIFFANY RESPONDENT APPELLANT v. << (2014)

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

DAVID C. SCHOPP, ATTORNEY FOR THE CHILD, THE LEGAL AID BUREAU OF BUFFALO, INC., BUFFALO (CHARLES D. HALVORSEN OF COUNSEL).

It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is unanimously affirmed without costs.

Memorandum:  In this proceeding pursuant to Family Court Act article 10, respondent mother appeals from an order that, insofar as appealed from, adjudged that she neglected the subject child.   Contrary to the mother's contention, Family Court's finding of derivative neglect is supported by a preponderance of the evidence (see Family Ct Act § 1046[b][i];  Matter of Brandon T. [Guillaume T.], 114 AD3d 950, 950–951).   Petitioner established that “the neglect ․ of the child's older siblings was so proximate in time to the derivative proceeding that it can reasonably be concluded that the condition still existed” (Brandon T., 114 AD3d at 950;  see Matter of Jamarra S. [Jessica S.], 85 AD3d 803, 804), and that the mother failed to address the problems that led to the neglect findings with respect to her other children (see Matter of Krystal J., 267 A.D.2d 1097, 1098).   To the extent that the mother challenges the testimony of petitioner's psychologist, it is well settled that the court's “determination regarding the credibility of witnesses is entitled to great weight on appeal, and will not be disturbed if supported by the record” (Matter of Kanterakis v. Kanterakis, 102 AD3d 784, 785, lv denied 21 NY3d 864;  see Matter of Merrick T., 55 AD3d 1318, 1319).   We conclude that the court properly credited the psychologist's report and opinion, which were based upon numerous visits with the mother and an extensive review of documentation.

Frances E. Cafarell

Clerk of the Court