AI Generated Opinion Summaries

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 Da’Zhua F. (Mother) to her four children, A.S., J.S., K.S., and N.S. (Children). The Children, Youth, & Families Department (CYFD) took custody of the children following allegations of them living in an inadequate shelter without basic necessities, substance abuse by both parents, the home being known as a "dope house," and allowing two children to be sexually abused by a relative (para 4).

Procedural History

• [Not applicable or not found]

Parties' Submissions

• Appellant (Mother): Argued that CYFD presented insufficient evidence to support the termination of her parental rights to the children (para 2).
• Appellee (CYFD): Argued that the evidence presented was sufficient for the termination of Mother's parental rights, citing the children's living conditions, substance abuse by the parents, and failure to protect the children from sexual abuse (para 4).

Legal Issues

• Whether the Children, Youth, & Families Department (CYFD) presented sufficient evidence to support the termination of the Mother's parental rights to the children.

Disposition

• The Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of the Mother's parental rights to the children (para 1).

Reasons

• The Court, consisting of Judges J. Miles Hanisee, Kristina Bogardus, and Katherine A. Wray, found that CYFD presented sufficient evidence to terminate the Mother's parental rights. The evidence included the children's living conditions, substance abuse by the parents, and the sexual abuse of two children in the home by a relative. The district court had previously adjudicated the children as abused and neglected and adopted CYFD's proposed treatment plan for the Mother, which she failed to comply with fully. Despite the Mother's claims that CYFD did not make reasonable efforts to treat her substance abuse, the Court concluded that CYFD satisfied its burden by preparing a treatment plan, scheduling appointments, and making multiple efforts to assist the Mother, who did not complete her psychological evaluation, moved to Texas for a few months without participating in drug tests, and tested positive for drug use upon her return. The Court also noted the Mother's lack of compliance with supervised visits and her failure to provide a stable environment for the children. Based on these findings, the Court affirmed the termination of the Mother's parental rights, citing precedents that support the decision when reasonable efforts have been made by CYFD and the parent has not cooperated (paras 3-7).