IN RE: JOYCE MARIE B. (Anonymous). (2003)

In three related proceedings pursuant to Social Services Law § 384-b to terminate parental rights on the ground of permanent neglect, the mother appeals from three orders of fact-finding and disposition (one as to each child) of the Family Court, Kings County (Staton, J.), all dated May 17, 2001, which, after a hearing, found that she permanently neglected the children, terminated her parental rights, and transferred the guardianship and custody of the children to the petitioner and the Commissioner of Social Services, for purposes of adoption.

ORDERED that the orders are affirmed, without costs or disbursements.

 Contrary to the mother's contentions, the evidence presented at the joint fact-finding hearing established that the agency made diligent efforts to assist her in maintaining substantial contact with and planning for her children's futures (see Social Services Law § 384-b[7][a];  Matter of Jamie M., 63 N.Y.2d 388, 482 N.Y.S.2d 461, 472 N.E.2d 311;  Matter of Sheila G., 61 N.Y.2d 368, 474 N.Y.S.2d 421, 462 N.E.2d 1139).   The agency, inter alia, provided the mother with parenting skills classes, domestic violence programs, psychiatric evaluation, and counseling, scheduled regular biweekly visits with the children, and informed her of the children's progress (see Matter of Luno Scott A., 292 A.D.2d 602, 740 N.Y.S.2d 94;  Matter of Alicia Shante H., 245 A.D.2d 509, 666 N.Y.S.2d 682;  Matter of Sonia H., 177 A.D.2d 575, 576 N.Y.S.2d 165).   Despite its encouragement, and notwithstanding the fact that the mother made laudable attempts to improve herself (see Matter of Diana L., 299 A.D.2d 359, 749 N.Y.S.2d 167), the mother failed to maintain contact with her children on a regular basis and failed to plan for their future (see Matter of Charlene Lashay J., 280 A.D.2d 320, 720 N.Y.S.2d 469;  Matter of Travis Taylor W., 275 A.D.2d 374, 712 N.Y.S.2d 416;   Matter of Ashley E., 271 A.D.2d 764, 706 N.Y.S.2d 223).

 The finding that it was in the children's best interests to be adopted by their foster mother, with whom they have lived for most of their lives, is supported by a preponderance of the evidence (see Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 N.Y.2d 136, 481 N.Y.S.2d 26, 470 N.E.2d 824;  Matter of Luno Scott A., supra;  Matter of Sarah Jean R., 290 A.D.2d 511, 736 N.Y.S.2d 410).

The mother's remaining contentions are without merit.