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IN RE: MALIK J. (Anonymous). St. Christopher Ottilie, respondent; Donna F. (Anonymous), appellant. (Proceeding No. 1). In the Matter of “Female” G. (Anonymous). St. Christopher-Ottilie, respondent; Donna F. (Anonymous), appellant. (Proceeding No. 2).
In two related proceedings pursuant to Social Services Law § 384-b to terminate the mother's parental rights to two of her children, the mother appeals from two orders of disposition (one as to each child) of the Family Court, Queens County (Hunt, J.), both dated April 22, 2003, which, upon a fact-finding order of the same court dated March 10, 2003, made after a hearing, finding that the mother was unable to care for the children by reason of mental illness, terminated her parental rights and committed the children to the joint custody and guardianship of the petitioner and the Commissioner of Social Services of the City of New York for the purpose of adoption. The appeal brings up for review the fact-finding order dated March 10, 2003.
ORDERED that the orders of disposition are affirmed, without costs or disbursements.
The Family Court's determination that the mother is now and for the foreseeable future unable, by reason of mental illness, to provide proper and adequate care for the two subject children (see Social Services Law § 384-b [4] [c]; [6][a] ) was supported by clear and convincing evidence. The evidence at the hearing included, inter alia, the testimony of a court-appointed psychiatrist and mental health treatment records documenting the mother's extensive history of mental illness (see Matter of Michelle H., 228 A.D.2d 440, 643 N.Y.S.2d 646; Matter of Denise Emily K., 154 A.D.2d 596, 546 N.Y.S.2d 424; Matter of Sean S.S., 143 A.D.2d 836, 533 N.Y.S.2d 141). Accordingly, the Family Court properly granted the petitions seeking termination of the mother's parental rights (see Matter of Winston Lloyd D., 7 A.D.3d 706, 777 N.Y.S.2d 175; Matter of Virginia Denise R., 249 A.D.2d 400, 671 N.Y.S.2d 133; Matter of Juliana V., 249 A.D.2d 314, 671 N.Y.S.2d 105).
The Family Court providently exercised its discretion in denying the mother's application for an adjournment of the fact-finding hearing (see Matter of Anthony M., 63 N.Y.2d 270, 283-284, 481 N.Y.S.2d 675, 471 N.E.2d 447; Matter of Alexa Ray R., 276 A.D.2d 703, 714 N.Y.S.2d 347; Matter of Atiba Andrew B., 275 A.D.2d 320, 712 N.Y.S.2d 560).
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Decided: December 27, 2004
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, New York.
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Get help with your legal needs
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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