This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
The case involves the termination of parental rights of a mother, referred to as Respondent Angelica P., concerning her two minor children. The Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) took custody of the children due to neglect, and the mother failed to comply with her treatment plan, including substance abuse treatment and drug testing (paras 1-5).
Procedural History
- District Court, August 12, 2024: Terminated the mother's parental rights, finding that the conditions of neglect were unlikely to change in the foreseeable future despite CYFD's reasonable efforts (para 5).
Parties' Submissions
- Appellant (Mother): Argued that CYFD failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the conditions of neglect were unlikely to change and claimed she was improving her life to regain custody (paras 2-3).
- Appellee (CYFD): Asserted that the mother did not fully engage with her treatment plan and that the conditions of neglect were unlikely to change despite reasonable efforts to assist her (paras 2-5).
Legal Issues
- Whether CYFD proved by clear and convincing evidence that the conditions and causes of neglect were unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
- Whether CYFD made reasonable efforts to assist the mother in adjusting the conditions that led to the children's neglect.
Disposition
- The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's decision to terminate the mother's parental rights (para 7).
Reasons
Per Hanisee J. (Bogardus and Duffy JJ. concurring): The court found that the evidence supported the district court's findings that the mother had not maintained sobriety or engaged in required treatment services. The court emphasized the importance of permanency and stability for the children and noted that parents do not have unlimited time to rehabilitate. The mother's partial compliance with her treatment plan did not demonstrate error in the district court's judgment, and the evidence was sufficient to support the termination of parental rights (paras 4-6).