J - A20041 - 19

NON - PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37 IN RE: ADOPTION OF: G.W. - S., A MINOR APPEAL OF: E.M.W., MOTHER : : : : : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA No. 415 MDA 2019 Appeal from the Decree Entered February 11, 2019 In the Court of Common Pleas of York County Orphans' Court at No(s): 2018 - 0088a, 2018 - 0089a, CP - 67 - DP - 0000306 - 2017, CP - 67 - DP - 0000307 - 2017 IN RE: ADOPTION OF: A.M.W. - S., A MINOR APPEAL OF: E.M.W., MOTHER : : : : : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA No. 417 MDA 2019 Appeal from the Decree Entered February 11, 2019 In the Court of Common Pleas of York County Orphans' Court at No(s): 2018 - 0088a IN THE INTEREST OF: G. W . - S., A MINOR APPEAL OF: E.M.W., MOTHER : : : : : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA No. 434 MDA 2019 Appeal from the Order Entered February 11, 2019 In the Court of Common Pleas of York County Juvenile Division at No(s): CP - 67 - DP - 0000306 - 2017 IN THE INTEREST OF: A.M.W. - S., A MINOR APPEAL OF: E.M.W., MOTHER : : : : : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA No. 436 MDA 2019 Appeal from the Order Entered February 11, 2019 In the Court of Common Pleas of York CountyJ - A20041 - 19

- 2 - Juvenile Division at No(s): CP - 67 - DP - 0000307 - 2017 BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J.E., McLAUGHLIN, J., and FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E. MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.E.: FILED SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 Appellant, E.M.W. (“Mother”), appeals from the decrees entered in the York County Court of Common Pleas, which granted the petitions for involuntary termination of her parental rights to G.W. - S. (born in March 2016) and A.M.W. - S. (born in June 2017) (“Children”) 1 and the concurrent orders which changed the go al s to adoption. 2 We affirm. The trial court opinions accurately set forth the relevant facts and procedural history of this case. Th us , we have no reason to restate them. Mother raises three issues for our review: WHETHER THE TRIAL CO URT ERRED IN CHA NGING THE GOAL OF THIS CASE FR OM REUNIFICATION WIT H A PARENT TO PLACEM E NT FOR ADOPTION ?

_________________ ____________________ _______ 1 The court was not required to appoint separate legal - interests counsel for Children due to their young ages. See In re T.S. , ___ Pa. ___, 192 A.3d 1080 (2018) , cert. denied , ___ U.S. ___, 139 S.Ct. 1187, 203 L.Ed.2d 220 (2019) (establishing presumption that child three years of age or younger cannot form subjective, articulable preference that would necessitate appointment of separate legal counsel to advocate during termination proceeding). 2 The termination decrees and goal change orders are dated February 7, 2019, time stamped February 8, 2019, and entered on the docket on February 11, 2019. Mother properly filed four separate notices of appeal, one for each child regardin g the goal change and one for each child regarding the termination of parental rights . See Commonwealth v. Walker , ___ Pa. ___, 185 A.3d 969 (2018) (requiring as of June 1, 2018, separate notices of appeal from single orders which resolve issues arising o n separate trial court docket numbers). This Court subsequently consolidated the appeals.J - A20041 - 19

- 3 - WHETHER THE TRIAL CO URT ERRED IN INVOLUN TARILY TERMINATING THE PARE NTAL RIGHTS OF THE N ATURAL MOTHER PURSUANT TO SECTION 2511(A)(1), 2511(A)( 2), AND 2511(A)(5) OF TH E ADOPTION ACT ? WHETHER THE TRIAL CO URT ERRED IN CONCLUD ING THAT AN INVOLUNTARY TERMI NATION OF PARENTAL R IGHTS OF THE NATURAL MOTHER WOULD BEST SERVE THE NEED S AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD REN PURSUANT TO SECT ION 2511(B) OF THE ADOPTION ACT ? (Mother’s Brief at 5). The standard and scope of review applicable in goal change and termination of parental rights cases are as follows:

On appeal, goal change decisions are subject to an abuse of discretion standard of review. In re N.C. , 909 A.2d 818, 822 (Pa.Super. 20 06). In order to conclude that the trial court abused its discretion, we must determine that the court’s judgment was “manifestly unreasonable,” that the court did not apply the law, or that the court’s action was “a result of partiality, prejudice, bia s or ill will,” as shown by the record. We are bound by the trial court’s findings of fact that have support in the record. The trial court, not the appellate court, is charged with the responsibilities of evaluating credibility of the witness[es] and re solving any conflicts in the testimony. In carrying out these responsibilities, the trial court is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence. When the trial court’s findings are supported by competent evidence of record, we will affirm, “even if the record could also support an opposite result.” Id. at 822 - 23 (internal citations omitted). In re R.M.G. , 997 A.2d 339, 345 (Pa.Super. 2010), appeal denied , 608 Pa. 648 , 12 A.3d 372 (2010). Additionally:J - A20041 - 19

- 4 - When reviewing an appeal from a decree term inating parental rights, we are limited to determining whether the decision of the trial court is supported by competent evidence. Absent an abuse of discretion, an error of law, or insufficient evidentiary support for the trial court’s decision, the decr ee must stand. Where a trial court has granted a petition to involuntarily terminate parental rights, this Court must accord the hearing judge’s decision the same deference that it would give to a jury verdict. We must employ a broad, comprehensive revie w of the record in order to determine whether the trial court’s decision is supported by competent evidence. Furthermore, we note that the trial court, as the finder of fact, is the sole determiner of the credibility of witnesses and all conflicts in t estimony are to be resolved by the finder of fact. The burden of proof is on the party seeking termination to establish by clear and convincing evidence the existence of grounds for doing so. The standard of clear and convincing evidence means testimony that is so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitation, of the truth of the precise facts in issue. We may uphold a t ermination decision if any proper basis exists for the result reached. If the trial court’s findings are supported by competent evidence, we must affirm the court’s decision, even though the record could support an opposite result. In re Adoption of K. J. , 936 A.2d 1128, 1131 - 32 (Pa.Super. 2007), appeal denied , 597 Pa. 718, 951 A.2d 1165 (2008) (internal citations omitted).

Before filing a petition for the termination of a parent’ s rights, the Commonwealth is required to make reasonable efforts to prom ote reunification between a child and [his] parents. The Commonwealth’ s obligation in this regard is not indefinite, however, bec ause in addition to the parents’ interests the Commonwealth must also respect the ch ild’ s right to a stable, safe, and healthy environment . When reasonable efforts at reunification have failed, then the child welfare agency must work towards terminating parental rights and placing the child with adoptive parents. As weJ - A20041 - 19

- 5 - have repeatedly acknowledged, [a] child’ s life simply canno t be put on hold in the hope that the parent will summon the ability to handle the responsibilities of parenting . * * * Under s ection 2511, the trial court must engage in a bifurcated process. The initial focus is on the conduct of the parent. The party seeking termination must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the parent’s conduct satisfies at least one of the ... statutory grounds delineated in section 2511(a). If the trial court determines that the parent’s conduct warrants terminati on under section 2511(a), then it must engage in an analysis of the best interests of the child...under section 2511(b), taking into primary consideration the developmental, physical, and emotional needs of the child. * * * [A] best interest of the child analysis under [section] 2511(b) requires consideration of intangibles such as love, comfort, security, and stability. To this end, this Court has indicated that the trial court must also discern the nature and status of the parent - child bond, paying close attention to the effect on the child of permanently severing the bond. Moreover, in performing a “best interests” analysis[, t]he court should also consider the importance of continuity of relationships to the child, becau se severing close parental ties is usually extremely painful. The court must consider whether a natural parental bond exists between child and parent, and whether termination would destroy an existing, necessary and beneficial relationship. Most importan tly, adequate consideration must be given to the needs and welfare of the child. In re I.J. , 972 A.2d 5, 9 - 1 2 (Pa.Super. 2009 ) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). Section 2511 outlines certain irreducible minimum requirements of care tha t parents must provide for their children , and a parent who cannot or willJ - A20041 - 19

- 6 -

not meet the requirements may properly be considered unfit and have her parental rights terminated. In re B.L.L. , 787 A.2d 1007 (Pa.Super. 2001).

There is no simple or easy defin ition of parental duties. Parental duty is best understood in relation to the needs of a child. A child needs love, protection, guidance, and support. These needs, physical and emotional, cannot be met by a merely passive interest in the development of the child. Thus, this [C]ourt has held that the parental obligation is a positive duty which requires affirmative performance. * * * Parental duty requires that the parent act affirmatively with good faith interest and effort, and not yield to every problem, in order to maintain the parent - child relationship to the best of ...her ability, even in difficult circumstances. A parent must ut ilize all available resources to preserve the parental relationship, and must exercise reasonable firmness in resisting obstacles placed in the path of maintaining the parent - child relationship. In re B.,N.M. , 856 A.2d 847, 855 (Pa.Super. 2004), appeal denied , 582 Pa. 718, 872 A.2d 1200 (2005) (internal citations omitted). Accordingly, “a parent’s basic constitutional right to the custody and rearing of...her child is converted, upon the failure to fulfill...her parental duties, to the child’s right to have proper parenting and fulfillment of his... potential in a permanent, healthy, safe environment.” Id. at 856. “Above all else[,] adequate consideration must be given to the needs and welfare of the child. A parent’s own feelings of love and affection for a child, alone, do not prevent termination of parental rights.” In re Z.P. , 994 A.2d 1108, 1121 (Pa.Super. 2010) (internal citations omitted).J - A20041 - 19

- 7 -

After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the applicable law, and the well - reasoned opi nions of the Honorable Todd Russell Platts, we conclude Mother’s issue s merit no relief. The trial c ourt opinion s comprehensively discuss and properly dispose of the question s presented. ( See Rule 1925(a) Opinion, filed April 5 , 2019, at 1 - 2 ; Adjudication Decision, filed February 11 , 2019, at 8 - 22 ) (examining all aspects of case in light of relevant statutes and concluding Agency proved by clear and convincing evidence that termination of Mother’s parental rights , and goal changes from reunif ication to adoption , are in Children’s best interests). 3 Accordingly, we affirm on the basis of the trial court opinions. Decrees and o rders affirmed.

_________________ ____________________ _______ 3 Throughout her brief, Mother complains the court failed to consider and essentially sanctioned the Agency’s decision not to increase Mother’s visitation with Children after the Agency had filed its petitions for goal change and termination. Mother did no t specify this complaint in her Rule 1925(a)(2)(i) statements, so it is waived. See Lineberger v. Wyeth , 894 A.2d 141 (Pa.Super. 2006) (providing issues not raised in Rule 1925 concise statement will be deemed waived); In re L.M. , 923 A.2d 505 (Pa.Super. 2007) (applying Rule 1925 waiver standards in family law context). Moreover, a t the conclusion of the November 16, 2018 goal change/termination hearing, the court expressly stated it disagreed with the Agency’s decision to deny increased visitation solely because the Agency had filed its petitions . The court made clear the Agency should move forward consistent with reuni fication until the court change s the goal to adoption. Thus, the record belies Mother’s claim.J - A20041 - 19

- 8 -

Judgment Entered. Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq. Prothonotary Date: 09/25/2019Circulated 09/10/2019 11:57 AM

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### c o n:fi nn e d w i th th e A g e n c y . e . T h e r e c o nti nu e d t o b e a n e e d fo r p l a c e m e nt o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n o ut s i d e th e c ar e an d c u s t o dy o f M o th e r an d F ath e r . 1 5 . I n a P e rm an e n c y Re v i e w O r d e r d at e d J anu ary 8 , 2 0 1 9 , th e C o urt m a d e c e rt a i n fi n d i n g s an d c o n c lu s i o n s i n c lu d i n g , b ut n o t li m i t e d t o : a . T h e r e h ad b e e n m o d er at e c o mp li an c e w i th th e P e rm an e n c y P l an . 

### b y M o th e r an d th e r e h a d b e e n m i ni m a l c o mp li an c e 

### wi th th e 

### P e rm an e n c y P l an b y 

### F ath e r . 

### . . b . Re a s o n ab l e e ff

o rt s h ad b ee n m ad e b y th e A g e n c y t o fi n al i ze th e P e rman e n c y P l an . c . M o th e r 

### h ad m a d e m o d e r at e p r o gr e s s t o w ar d a ll e v i ati n g th e c i r c um s t an c e s whi c h n e c e s s i t at e d th e o ri g i n a l p l a c e m e nt an d F ath e r h a d m a d e m i n i m a l p ro g r e s s t o w ar d a ll e v i ati n g th e c i r c um s t an c e s wh i c h n e c e s s i t at ed th e o ri g i n al p l a c e m e nt. · d . . L e g a l . an d p hy s i c al c us t o dy o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n w e r e co n fi rm e d w i th th e A g e n c y . 6

### e . T h e r e c o nti nu e d t o b e a n e e d fo r p l ac e m e nt o f th e m i n o r . c h il dr e n. o ut s i d e th e c ar e an d c u s t o dy o f M o th e r an d F ath e r . 1 6 . A C ath o li c C h ari ti e s I nt e n s i v e F am il y S e rv i c e T e am ' o p e n e d fo r s e rv i c e s 

### wi th M o th e r o n O c t o b e r 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 , an d c l o s e d un s u c c e s s ful l y o n Jun e 8 , 2 0 1 8 . T h e t e am c l o s e d o ut wi th 

### s e rv i c e s d

u e to 

### a l a c k o f p ro g r e s s an d c o n s i s t e n c y a s w e ll a s n o n - c o mp li an c e 

### b y M o th e r . 1 7 . M o th e r w a s a dm i tt e d t o th e Ro xb ury T r e atm e nt C e nt e r o n Au gu s t 1 8 , 2 0 1 7 , an d wa s di s c h arg e d o n Au gu s t 2 5 , 2 0 1 7 . At th e ti m e o f di s c h arg e , M o th e r h a d b e e n d i a gn o s e d w i th m a j o r d e p r e s s i v e d i s o r d e r , r e c urr e nt s e v e r e wi th o ut p s y c h o ti c f e at ur e s ; s e d ati v e ! 

### u s e di s o rd e r ; a l c o h o l u s e di s o rd e r ; o p i o i d u s e di s o rd e r ; r / o b o rd e rl i n e i nt e ll e c tu a l fun c ti o ni n g . 1 8 . M o th e r i s c urre ntly un d e r s u p e rv i s i o n b y A d am s C o unty A d u l t P r o b ati o n an d P aro l e . 1 9 . Th e fi r s t I nt e r s t at e C o mp a c t wa s p e rf o rm ed o n F ath e r b ut w as d e n i e d . 2 0 . T h e m i n o r c h i l d , G . W . S . , i n i ti al l y p art i c ip at e d in p hy s i c al th e r a p y b ut n o l o n g e r r e c e i v e s s u c h th e r a

p y . T h e mi n o r c h il d , A. W . S . , c urr e ntl y p art i c ip at e s i n p hy s i c a l th e r a p y . 2 1 . A p r e - a d o p t i v e r e s o ur c e h as b e e n i d e nt i fi ed fo r th e m i n o r 

### c hi l dr e n .

7

### D I S C U S S I O N I. . P e t i t i o n f

o r C h a n g e o f G o a l B e fo r e th e C o urt c an c h an g e th e g o al fo r a c h i l d i n a j uv e n il e d ep e n d e n c y a c t i o n , jh e A g e n c y mu s t p r o v e b y 

### cl e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at th e c h an g e o f g o a l w o u l d b e in th e c h il d ' s b e s t i nt e r e s t. I n re I nt e r e s t o f M . B . , 

### 6 7 4 A . 2 d 

### 7 0 2 ( P a . S u p e r . 

### 1 9 9 6 ) . In m aki n g a d i s p o s i t i o n , th e C o urt s h o u l d co n s i d e r wh at i s b e s t s u it e d t o th e p ro t ec ti o n an d p hy s i c a l , m e nt a l , an d m o r a l w e l f

ar e o f th e c hi l d . 

### 4 2 P a . C . S . A 

### § 6 3 5 1 ; In r e D av i s , 

### 5 0 2 P a . 1 1 0 , 1 2 1 , 

### 4 6 5 A. 2 d 

### 6 1 4 , 6 1 9 ( 1 9 8 3 ) . I n r e n d e ri n g a d i s p o s i t i o n " b e s t s ui t e d t o th e p ro t e c ti o n an d p hy s i c al , m e ntal , an d m o r al w e l f

ar e 

### o fth e 

### c h i l d , " th e h e ari n g 

### c o urt mu s t 

### t ak e i nt o a c c o unt " any an d al l f a c t o r s whi c h b ear u

p o n th e c hi l d ' s w e l f

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### ai d th e c o urt ' s n e c e s s ari l y i mp r e c i s e p r e d i c t i o n ab o ut th at c hi l d ' s futur e w e ll - b e i n g . " l_ n

_r e D av i s , 

### 5 0 2 P a . 

### 1 10 , 1 2 2 , 4 6 5 A . 2 d 

### 6 1 4 , 6 2 0 

### ( 1 9 8 3 ) . T h e p urp o s e 

### o f

th e Juv e n il e A c t i s t o p r e s e rv e 

### f am ii y uni ty an d t o p ro v i d e 

### fo r th e 

### c ar e , p r o t ec t i o n , s af

e ty 

### an d wh o l e s o m e m e nt al 

### an d p hy s i c al d e v e l o p m e nt 

### o fth e c hi l d . 

### 4 2 P a . C . S . A. 6 3 0 U � X l ) - ( l. i ) . T h e Juv e ni l e A c t w a s n o t i nt e n d e d to p l a c e c h il dr e n i n a m o r e p e r f e c t h o m e ; i n s t e a d , th e A c t g i v e s a c o urt 

### th e auth o ri ty t o " i nt e rv e n e t o e n s ur e th at 

### p ar ent s m e e t c e rta i n l e g i s l at i v e l y d e t e rm i n ed 

### i rre d u c i b le m in im u m s t

a n d a rd s i n e x e c ut i n g th e i r p ar e nt a l ri ght s . " 

### I n r e J . W . , 5 7 8 A. 2 d 9 5 2 , 9 5 8 ( P a . S u p e r . 1 9 9 0 ) ( e mp h a s i s a d d e d) . Wh e n a c h il d i s p l a c e d i n fo s t e r c ar e , th e p ar e nt s hav e an a ffi rm ati v e d uty t o m ak e th e c h an g e s i n th e ir li v e s th at w o u l d a ll o w th e m t o b e c o m e a p p r o p ri at e p ar e nt s . In r e D i az , 6 6 9)

") A. 2 d 3 72 , 3 7 7 ( P a . S u p e r . 1 9 9 5 ) . A f

am il y s e rv i c e p l an i s c r e at e d t o h e lp g i v e th e p ar e nt s s o m e gu i d e li n e s 

### as t o 

### th e v ari o u s ar e as th at n e e d t o b e i mp r o v e d . . In 

### th e Int e r e s t o f 

### M . B . , 5 6 5 A. 2 d 8 0 4 , 8 0 6 ( P a . 

### S u

p e r . 1 9 8 9 ) , a

p p . D e n i ed , 5 8 9 

### J\ . 2 d 6 9 2 ( P a . 1 9 9 0 ) . B y a s s e s s i n g th e p are nt s ' c o mp li an c e 

### an d s u c c e s s w i th th i s f am il y s e rv i c e 

### p l an , th e C o urt c an 

### d e t e rm i n e i f th e p ar e nt s h av e fu lfi ll e d th e i r af fi rm ati v e d

uty . 

### I n r e J . S . W . • 6 5 1 A. 2 d 1 6 7 , 1 7 0 

### ( P a . S u p e r . 1 9 9 4 ) . Un d e r S e c ti o n 6 3 5 1 o f th e A d o p ti o n A c t , th e A g e n c y h a s th e b ur d e n t o s h o w a g o a l c h an g e w o u l d s e rv e th e c h il d ' s b e s t i nt e r e s t s an d th e " s a f e ty , p e rm an e n c y , an d w e ll - b e i n g o f th e c h il d mu s t t ak e p r e c e d e n ce o v e r al l o th e r c o n s i d e r at i o n s . " I n r e 

### D . P u 9 72 A. 2 d 1 2 2 1 , 1 2 2 7 ( P a . S u p e r . 2 0 0 9 ) , a

p p e a l d e n i e d , 9 7 3 A . 2 d 1 0 0 7 ( P a . 2 0 0 9 ) . T hu s , e v e n wh e r e th e p ar e nt m ak e s e arn e s t e ff

o rt s , th e " c o urt c ann o t an d wi ll n o t s ub o r d i n at e i n d e fi n i t e l y a c hi l d ' s n e e d fo r p e rm an e n c e an d s t ab ili ty t o a p ar e nt ' s c l a i m s o f p r o gr e s s an d h o p e fo r th e futur e . " 

### Jn r e A d o p t i o n o f

R .J . S . , 9 0 1 A. 2 d 5 0 2 , 5 1 3 (P a . S u p e r . 2 0 0 6 ) . I n th e p r e s e nt m att e r , th e A g en c y h a s pr o v e n b y c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n ce th at i t i s i n th e m i n o r c h il dr e n ' s b e s t i nt e r e s t s t o c h an g e th e g o a l t o p l a c e m e nt fo r a d o p t i o n . F r o m S e p t e mb e r · 8 , 2 0 1 7 , wh e n th e m i n o r c h il dre n w e r e a d j u dic at e d d e p e n d e nt , unt il th e A g e n c y ' s fil i n g o f th e P e t i t i o n fo r IT P R o n Ju l y 1 6 , 2 0 1 8 , a p p r o x i m at e l y t e n ( 10 ) m o nth s l at e r , M o th e r an d F ath e r h a d m a d e o n l y m i n i m al p r o gr e s s t o w ar d al l e v iat i n g th e c i r c um s tan c e s wh i c h n e c e s s i t at e d th e m i n o r c h il dr e n ' s p l a c e m e nt .

9T h e A g e n c y i n i ti a ll y b e c am e i nv o l v e d wi th th e f am il y i n D e c e mb e r 2 0 1 6 , d u e t o c o n c e rn s r e g ar d i n g M o th e r ' s m e nt al h e a l th an d e nv i r o nm e nta l c o n d i t i o n s o f th e h o m e . A Ju s ti c e W o rk s T e am o p e n e d fo r s e rvi c e s wi th M o th e r o n J anu ary 1 1 , 2 0 1 7 , t o e n s ur e th at th e f am il y ' s r e s i d e n c e w as s ta

b l e an d w o u l d n o t p ut th e m i n o r c h il d , G . W . S . , at 

### ri s k . M o th e r m a d e m o d e r at e p r o gr e s s i n m ai nt a i n in g an a p p r o p ri at e li v i n g e nv i r o nm e nt fo r th e m i n o r c h il d b ut fa il e d t o c h an g e li tt e r b o x e s . wh i c h c au s e d th e c at s t o uri n at e an d d e fe c at e o n th e c arp e t s an d fl o o r s . M o th e r al s o e xp e ri e n c e d a b ri e f p e ri o d o f ti m e d uri n g Ju s t i c e W o rk ' s i nv o l v e m e nt wh e r e h e r r e s i d e n c e ' s e l e c tri c i ty w a s turn e d o ff d u e t o n o n - p aym e nt. Th e Ju s ti ce W o rk s T e am c l o s e d uns u c c e s s fu ll y d u e t o M o th e r ' s n o n c o mp li an c e an d i n c o n s i s t e n c y w i th a p p o i ntm e nt s an d v i s i t s . A C ath o li c C h ari t i e s I nt e n s i v e F am il y S e rv i c e s T e am o p e n e d fo r s e rv i c e s wi th M o th e r o n O c t o b e r 1 3 , 2 01 7 , b ut c l o s e d un s u c c e s s fu ll y o n Jun e 8 , 2 0 1 8 , d u e t o a l a c k o f

p ro g r e s s an d c o n s i s t e n c y a s w e ll as n o n - c o mp li an c e b y M o th e r . A P re s s l e y" Ri d g e T e am o p e n ed fo r s e rv i c e s wi th M o th e r o n Ju l y 2 6 , 2 0 1 8 , an d w as p r o v i d i n g s e rv i c e s t o M o th e r at th e ti m e o f th e h e ari n g s o n th e P e t i ti o n s fo r C O G an d I T P R. D e s p i t e re c e i v i n g s e rv i c e s o v e r a p p ro x i m at e l y tw e nty - fi v e ( 2 5 ) m o nth s , i n c lu d i n g fo r a p p ro x i m at e l y e i g ht ( 8 ) m o nth s p ri o r t o th e D e p e � d e n c y P e ti ti o n b e i n g fil e d , M o th e r n e v e r p r o gr e s s e d t o un s u p e rv i s e d v i s i tati o n wi th th em i n o r c hi l dr e n d

uri n g th e c o ur s e o fth e a d

j u d i c at i o n o f

d e p e n d e n c y . M o th e r r e c e i v e d ' a P ar e nti n g C a p a c i ty As s e s s m e nt (h e r e i na ft e r , " th e A s s e s s m e nt " ) b y D r . Jo nath an · Gr an s e e , d at e d O c t o b e r 10 , 2 0 1 8 , t o p r o v i d e i n f o rm ati o n r e g ar d i n g h e r IO

### p s y c h o l o gi c al fun c ti o n i n g an d t o d e t e rm i n e h e r c a p a c i ty

_t o p ar e nt th e m i n o r c h il dre n . D r . Gr an s e e i n d i c ate d i n th e A s s e s s m e nt th at M o th e r ' g av e b i rth t o th e y o un g e s t o f th e m i n o r c h il dre n , A. W . S . , 

## 1 · ; , . Jun e . 2 0 1 7 , an d fi v e ( 5 ) 

### d ay s l at e r , o v e r d o s ed a s a r e s u l t o f t akin g t o o m any p ill s . T h e A g e n c y w a s a dv i s e d o � Au gu s t 1 6 , 

### 2 0 1 7 , th at M o th e r h a d a g a i n o v e r d o s e d o n p ill s , w as h o s p i t al i z e d , an d i n a c o m a . M o th e r o v e r d o s e d a thi r d ti m e i mm e di at e l y p ri o r t o a P e rm an e n c y R e v i e w H e ari n g be fo r e th i s C o urt o n M ay 3 , 2 0 1 8 . D r . Gran se e s t at e d in 

### th e A s s e s s m e nt th at M o th e r se l f - r ep o rt e d a h i s t o ry o fd e p r e ss i o n a s w e ll as v ari o u s s ymp t o m s th at ar e r e l at e d t o a tr aum a d i s o rd e r . H e s t ate d th at M o th e r c o m e s fr o m an ab u s i v e b a c k gr o un d an d s e e m s t o h av e e m o ti o n al . an d b e h av i o r a l i s s u e s s t e mm i n g fro m a c h a o ti c h o m e e nv i r o nm e nt d uri n g h e r c h il dh ood . D r . Gran s e e s tat e d th at M o th e r " s e e ms t o h av e gro wn i nt o an a d ul t w i th an g e r m an a g e m e nt i s s u e s , v i o l e nt t e n d e n c i e s , an d p e rv a s i v e p r o b l e m s i n r e l ati o n s h ip s . " M o th e r h a s al s o b e e n b o th a p e rp e tr at o r an d vi c ti m o fd o m e s ti c v i o l e n c e o n s e v e ral o c c as io n s . M o th e r h a s b e e n arr e s t e d thr e e ( 3 ) 

### tim e s s in c e th e a d j u di c at i o n o f d e pe n d e n c y an d w as i n c ar c e r at e d i n M ar c h 2 0 1 8 fo r a c o nv i c ti o n o f h ar as s m e nt wh e r e h e r m o th e r (h e r e i n a ft e r , " M at ern al Gr an dm o th e r " ) w as th e v i c ti m . At th e ti m e o f th e h e ari n g s o n th e A g e n c y ' s P e ti ti o n fo r IT P R, M o th e r i ns i s t e d th at M at e rn a l Gr an dm o th e r an d s h e n o l o n g e r J i v e i n th e sam e re s i d e n ce ; h o w e v e r , th e c as e w o rk e r , D o r o thy M il es , ( h e r e i n aft e r , " th e C as e w o rk e r " ) r ep o rt e d t o D r . Gr an s e e an d t e s ti fi e d at th e h e ari n g s th at s h e b e li e v e s M o th e r an d M at e rn al Gr an dm o th e r ar e i n fa c t li v i n g t o g e th e r , 11)

) D r . G r an s e e s t at e d i n th e A s s e s s m e nt th at " at th i s p o i nt .. . [ M o th e r) d o e s n o t h av e

th e c a p 2 c i ty 

### t o m an a g e h e r s e l f , l e t a l o n e an o th e r li v i n g b e i n g , · an d a s s u c h , h e r c a p a ci ty t o p ar e nt a c h il d i s i mp a i r e d . " H e s u g g e st e d th at M o th e r g e t h e r s e l f s tab l e b y a d dr e s s i n g h e r e m o t io nal i s s u e s an d i s s u e s wi th h e r e mp l o ym e nt , fi nan c e s . an d h o u s i n g . H e furth e r r e c o mm e n d e d th at M o th e r atte n d th e r a p y t o a d dr e s s h e r e m o t i o n a l an d b e h av i o ra l · i s s u e s at l e a s t o n c e p e r w e e k an d t o p art i c ip at e i n a d o m e s t i c v i o l e n c e p r o g r am , wh i c h w o u l d i nv o l v e tr e ati n g M o th e r fo r b e i n g b o th a p e rp etr at o r an d a vi c t i m . At th e fi n a l d ay o f th e h e ari n g o n th e I T P R P e ti t i o n , M o th e r h a d n o t y e t s c h e d u l e d h e r p art i c ip at i o n i n s u c h a p ro g r am . S i n c e th e ad

j u d i c at i o n o f d e p e n d e n c y , M o th e r h as n o t p e r f o rm e d any p are ntal d

uti e s o n b e h al f o fth e m i n o r c h il dr e n o th e r th an wh at h as o c c urre d d ur i n g s u p e rv i s e d v i s i t s . M o th e r h a s n o t s e nt th e m i n o r c h il dr e n an y b i rth d ay g i ft s o r c ar d s thr o u gh o ut th e c o ur s e o f d e p e n d e n c y , an d th e C as e w o rk e r s t at e d th at M o th e r " n e v e r c al l s t o c h e c k o n th e ki d s . " Wh e n M o th e r w a s n o t i fi ed th at s h e h a d gi ft e d th e wr o n g s i ze o f c l o th i n g fo r th e c hi l dre n , s h e fa: i l e d t o r ep l a c e th o s e i t e m s w i th p r o p e r fi tt i n g c l o th e s . T h e y o un g e s t o f th e m i n o r c hi l dre n h a s b e e n o ut o f

M o th e r ' s c u s t o dy s i n c e s h o rt l y a fte r th e c h il d ' s b i rth , wh il e th e o l d e r o f th e mi n o r c h il dr e n w as p l a c e d wi th th e ki n s h ip m o th e r wh e n h e w as a p p ro x i m at e l y s i xt e e n ( 1 6 ) m o nth s o l d . At th i s ti m e , th e o l d e s t c h il d , G . W . S . , h as li v e d m o r e th an h al f o f h i s li f e wi th ki n s h ip m o th e r an d th e y o un g e s t c h il d , A. W . S . , h a s li v e d a l m o s t th e e nti r e ty o fh e r li f e wi th ki n s h ip m o th e r .

1 2J S i n c e th e a d j u d ic ati o n o f d e p e n d e n c y , F ath e r h as m a d e . m i n i m a l p ro g r e s s t o w ar d a ll e v i ati n g th e c i r c um s tan c e s wh i c h n e c e s s i t at e d th e m i n o r c h il dre n ' s p l a c e m e nt. · . F ro m th e b e gi nn i n g o f th e A g e n c y ' s i nv o l v e m e nt w i th th i s f am il y , F ath e r s tat e d th at h e w as _ n o t a re s o ur c e fo r th e m i n o r c h il dr e n . Wh e n th e fi r s t Int e r s tat e C o mp a c t o n th e P l a c e m e nt o f C hi l dr e n ( h e r e i n a ft e r , " I C P C " ) r e fe rr a l w a s m a d e , F ath e r r e i t e r at e d hi s unwi lli n gn e s s t o b e a r e s o ur c e an d th e fi r s t I C P C w a s d e n i e d at F ath e r ' s re qu e s t. A s e c o n d I C P C r e f e rr a l w as m a d e b ut w a s n e v e r c o mp l e t e d d u e t o n o n - c o o p e r at i o n 

### b y F ath e r . F ath e r h as b e e n h o s p i t al i z ed fo r m e ntal h e a l th r e as o n s tw o ( 2 ) t i m e s s i n c e th e a d j u d i c ati o n o fd e p e n d e n c y an d h a s n o t b e e n fu ll y c o mp li ant w i th p r o v i d i n g d o c um e ntati o n t o th e A g e n c y r e g ar d i n g h i s m e nt a l h e a l th tr e atm e nt. 

### F urth e rm o r e . . F ath e r h as n o t v i s i t e d w i th th e m i n o r c h il dr e n s i n c e S e p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8 , an d h e o nl y vi s i t e d w i th th e mi n o r c hi l dr e n a t o t a l o f s e v e n ( 7 ) t i m e s b e tw e e n O c t o b e r 2 0 1 7 an d S e p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8 . 'S i n c e th e a d j u d i c ati o n o f d ep e n d e n c y , F ath e r h as n o t p e rf o rm e d any p ar e nt a l d

ut i e s o n b e h al fo fth e m i n o r c h il dr e n an d h as n o t att e n d e d any o f

th e m i n o r c hi l dr e n ' s m e d i c al a p p o i ntm e nt s . F ath e r d o e s n o t h av e any typ e o f b o n d wi th th e m i n o r c hi l dr e n . L as t l y , F ath e r c h o s e n o t t o att e n d th e tw o ( 2 ) d ay s o f t e s t i m o ny o n th e P e t i t i o n fo r I TP R i n p e r s o n b ut r ath e r p art i c ip at e d b y p h o n e . F ath e r fa il e d t o o ff e r any t e s t i m o ny i n o p p o s i ti o n o f h i s p ar e nt a l ri g ht s to th e m i n o r c h il dr e n b e i n g t e rm i n at e d . Whi l e p art i c ip ati n g b y p h o n e o n th e fi r s t 

### d ay o f t e s t i m o ny , F ath e r w a s i n a d ep artm e nt s t o re an d w as c l e arl y d i s tr a c t e d b y h i s s h o p p i n g i n s t e ad o f att e nti v e l y p art i c i p atin g i n th e h e ari n g . 1 3O v e r a ll , M o th e r h as m a d e m i n i m a l t o m o d e r at e p r o g r e s s t o w ar d s a ll e vi at i n g th e c i r c um s t an c e s wh i c h c au s e d th e mi n o r c hi l dr e n t o b e p l ac e d an d F ath e r h as m a d e m i n i m a l p r o g r e s s t o w ar d s al l e vi at i n g th e c i r c um s tan c e s wh i c h . c au s e d th e m i n o r c h il dr e n t o b e p l a c e d . · N e i th e r M o th e r n o r F ath e r h av e as s um e d any m a j o r p ar e nt a l d

ut i e s fo r th e m i n o r c h il dr e n s i n c e a p p ro x i m at e l y Au gu s t 2 0 1 7 , a p p r o x i m at e ly e i g ht e e n ( 1 8 ) m o nth s a g o . T h e m i n o r c hi l dr e n h av e b e e n i n p l a c e m e nt fo r a p p r o x i m at e l y e i ght e e n ( 1 8 ) m o nth s an d a d j u d i c at e d d e p e n d e nt fo r a

p p r o x i m ate l y s e v e nt e e n ( 1 7 ) m o nth s . Th e m i n o r c h il dr e n n e ed a p e rm an e nt , s a fe an d s t ab l e e nv i r o nm e nt . A s s u c h , th e C o urt fi n d s th at th e m i n o r c hi l dre n ' s b e s t i nt e r e s t s d e m an d th at th e g o a l b e c h an g e d fr o m r e un i fi c ati o n w i th a p ar e nt t o p l a c e m e nt fo r ad o p t i o n . II . P e t i ti o n f

o r I nv o lunt ary T e r

m i n at i o n o f P ar e nt a l Ri g ht s T h e A g e n c y argu e s th at M o th e r ' s an d F ath e r ' s p ar e nt a l r i g ht s t o th e mi n o r c hi l dr e n s h o ul d b e t e rm i nat e d p ur s u ant t o 2 3 P a . C . S . § 2 5 ll ( a) ( l ) , ( 2 ) , an d ( 5 ) o f th e A d o p ti o n A c t. Th e A g e n c y h as th e b ur d e n o f e s tab li s h i n g b y c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at s tatut o ry gr o un d s e x i s t t o j u s ti fy th e i nv o lunt ary t e rm i n at i o n o f p ar e ntal ri g ht s . I n r e . C h il d M . , 6 8 1 A. 2 d 7 9 3 , 7 9 7 ( P a . S u

p e r . 1 9 9 6 ) . T h e c le ar an d c o nv i n c i n g s tan d ar d m e an s th at th e e v i d e n c e p r e s e nt e d 

### b y th e · A g e n c y i s s o " c l e ar , d i r e c t , w e i g hty , an d c o nv i n c i n g " th at o n e c an " co m e t o a c l e ar c o nv i c t i o n , wi th o ut h e s i t an c y , o f th e truth o f th e p r e c i s e f ac t s i n i s s u e . " M att e r o f ,S_ v l v e s t e r , 5 5 5 A . 2 d 1 2 0 2 , 1 2 0 2 - 0 4 (P a . 1 9 8 9 ) . T h e A g e n c y mu s t a l s o p r e s e nt e v i d e n c e p r o v i n g th at th e t e rm i n ati o n of p ar e nt a l ri g ht s wi ll s e rv e th e c h il d ' s b e s t i nt e r e s t s . I n th e M att e r o f A d o p ti o n o f C h arl e s E . D . M . 11 , 7 0 8 A. 2 d 8 8 , 9 2 - 3 ( P a . 1 9 9 8 ) . T o d e t e rm i n e 1 4) .

) ) 

### · wh e th e r t e rm i n ati o n i s wi thi n th e b e s t i nt e r e s t o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n , th e c o urt mu s t e x am i n e

th e p o s s ib l e e f

fe c t th e t e rm i n at i o n w o u l d h av e o n th e c h il dr e n ' s n e e d s an d g e n e r al w e l f ar e . I n r e . A d o p ti o n o fG o dz ak , 7 1 9 A. 2 d 3 6 5 , 3 6 8 ( 1 9 9 8 ) . T H E A G EN C Y H A S P RO VEN B Y C L E A R AN D C O NVIN C IN G E V ID EN C E T H A T P A REN T A L RI G H T S T O T HE MIN O R C H I L D M U S T: B E T E RM INA T E D

P U R S U � N T T O '.2 3 · P a . C . S . § 2 S ll ( a) ( l ) 

### T o t e rm i n at e p ar e nt al ri ght s un d e r 2 3 P a . C . S . § 2 5 1 l ( a) ( l ) o f th e A d o p ti o n A c t , th e A g e n c y mu s t e s tab li s h b y c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at th e p ar e nt h as e i th e r d e m o n s tr at e d a s e tt l e d p urp o s e o f r e li n qu i s h i n g p ar e nt al c l aim t o th e c h il d o r h as f ai l e d t o p e r f o rm p ar e nta l d

uti e s . I n th e M aue, r o f A d o p ti o n o f C h ar l e s E . D . M . III , 7 0 8 A. 2 d 8 8 ( P a . 1 9 9 8 ) . O n c e o n e ( 1 ) o f th e tw o ( 2 ) fa c t o r s h a s b e e n p ro v e n , th e C o urt mu s t e x am i n e th e fo ll o wi n g f

ac t o r s : 1 . P ar e nt ' s e xp l an ati o n fo r th e c o n d u c t ; 2 . P o s t - ab an d o nm e nt c o nt a c t b etw e e n p are nt an d c hi l d ; an d 3 . E ff

e c t o fte rm i n ati o n o n c h il d . 

### I d . T h e A g e n c y h as p r o v e n b y c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n ce th at b o th M o th e r an d F ath e r · h av e · fa il e d t o tak e r e s p o n s ib ili ty fo r th e c i r c um s t an ce s wh i c h n e c e s s i t at e d th e m i n o r c h il dr e n ' s p l a c e m e nt. S i n c e th e m i n o r c h il dr e n ' s p l a c e m e nt in 

### Au gu s t 2 0 1 7 , F ath e r h a s c o n s i s t e ntl y s t at e d h i s unw ill in gn e s s t o b e a r e s o ur c e fo r th e c h il dr e n , an d M o th e r re m a i n e d un c o o p e r at i v e wi th th e s e rv i c e s d e p l o y e d u p unt il a p p r o x i m at e ly Jul y 

### 2 0 1 8 , at whi c h ti m e th e A g e n c y fil e d i t s P e ti t i o n t o C h an g e C o urt O r d e r ed G o al an d i t s P e ti ti o n fo r I T P R . 1 5

### Wh il e th e C o urt n o t e d i n i t s J anu ary 8 , 2 0 1 9 P e rm an e n c y Re v i e w H e ari n g O rd e r th at M o th e r h a d m a d e m o d e r at e p r o g r e s s , s u c h p ro gr e s s w as s i n c e th e fi li n g o f th e P e ti ti o n fo r IT P R , an d th e C o urt c anno t s tatut o ri l y tak e s u c h p r o gr e s s int o c o n s i d e r ati o n un d e r 2 3 P a . C . S . § 2 5 1 l ( a)( l ) . E v e n wi th s u c h p ro g re s s , M o th e r i s n o t i n a p o s i t i o n t o r e s um e c u s t o dy o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n at th i s ti m e , an d i t i s unkn o wn a s t o wh e n M o th e r w o u l d b e i n s u c h a p o s i ti o n t o r e g ai n c u s t ody o fth e min o r c h il dre n . T h e A g e n c y h a s p r o v e n b y c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at M o th e r an d F ath e r h av e f ai l ed t o p e r f

o rm 

### any s i gni fi c ant p are nt a l d uti e s fo r th e m i n o r c h il dr e n s i n c e a p p ro x i m at e l y Au gu s t 2 0 1 7 . · S i n ce th at ti m e , th e y hav e n e i th e r att e n d e d any s c h o o l fun c ti o n s o r d o c t o r / d e nt al a p po i ntm e nts fo r th e m i n o r c h il dre n n o r h av e th e y s e nt th e m i n o r c h il dr e n any g i fts , c ar ds o r l e tt e rs . Th e A g e n c y h as p ro v e n b y 

### c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g ev i d e n c e that th e t e rm i nati o n o f M o th e r ' s an d F ath e r ' s p ar e ntal ri ght s wi ll h av e a p o s i ti v e e ff ec t o n th e mi n o r c h il dre n . T h e m i n o r c h il dr e n are s tr o n g ly bo n d e d wi th th e kin s h ip m o th e r an d l oo k t o th e ki n s h ip m o th e r as a p o s i ti v e an d l o v i n g p ar e nt a l fi gur e . T h e C as e w o rk e r s t at e d th at th e m i n o r c h il dr e n c a ll th e ki n s hip m o th e r " M o m " an d a p p e ar s a f e an d l o v e d i n th e kin s h i p m o th e r ' s c ar e . O v e ra l l , th e C o urt fi n d s th at th e t e rm i n ati o n o f M o th e r ' s an d F ath e r ' s p ar e nt a l ri ght s wi ll p ro v i d e a b e n e fi t t o th e m i n o r c h il dr e n i n th at th e c hi l dr e n wi ll a c hi e v e s tab ili ty , s af e ty an d pe rm an e n c y i n a l o v i n g an d nurturi n g h o m e . Th e r e fo re , fo r al l th e r e a s o n s s tat e d ab o v e ,

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### th e A g e n c y h a s p r o v e n b y 

### c l e ar an d c o nv i n ci n g e v i d e n c e th at t e rm i n ati o n o f p ar e nt a l ri ght s t o th e m i n o r c h il dr e n i s j u s ti fi e d p ur s uant t o S e c ti o n 2 5 1 l ( a) (l ) o f th e A d o p ti o n A c t. T HE A G EN C Y H A S P R O V EN B Y C L E A R A N D C O NV IN C IN G E V I D EN C E T HA T P A REN T A L RI G H T S T O T HE M IN O R C H I L D M U S T B E T E RM INA T E D

. P U R S UAN T T O 2 3 

### P a . C . S . § 2 S ll ( a) ( 2 � 5 ) 1 ) , 

### T h e A g e n c y h as ai s o p r o v e n b y 

### c l e ar an d c o nv i n c i n g e v i d e n c e th at th e p ar e nt al ri g ht s t o th e m i -n o r c hi l dr e n s h o ul d b e t e rmi n at ed p ur s u ant t o 2 3 P a . C . S . § 2 5 1 1 ( a) ( 2 ) an d ( 5 ) o fth e A d o p ti o n A c t . Th e m an d at e s o f th e s e s ec ti o n s ar e as fo ll o w s : ( 2 ) T h e rep e at ed an d c o nti nu e d i n c a p a c i ty , ab us e , n e g l e c t o r re fu s a l o f th e p ar e nt h a s c au s e d th e c h il d t o b e wi th o ut e s s e nti a l p ar e nt a l c are , c o ntro l o r s ub s i s t e n ce · n e c e s s ary fo r h i s o r h e r p hy s i c a l o r m enta l w e llb e i n g an d th e c o n di ti o n s an d c au s e s o f th e in c a p ac i ty , ab u s e , n e g l e c t o r r e fu s a l c ann o t o r w ill n o t b e r e m e d i e d b y th e p ar e nt. ( 5 ) T h e c h il d h as b e e n r e m o v e d fr o m th e c ar e o f th e p ar e nt 

### b y th e c o urt o r un d e r a v o luntary a gr e e m e nt w i th an a g e n c y fo r a p e ri o d o f at l e as t s i x ( 6 ) m o nths , th e c o n di ti o n s whi c h l e d. t o th e r e m o v a l o r p l a c e m e nt o f th e c h il d c o nti nu e t o e x i s t , th e p ar e nt c ann o t o r wi ll n o t r e m e dy th o s e c o n di ti o n s wi th i n a r e a s o n ab l e p e ri o d o f ti m e , th e s e rv i c e s o r as s i s t an c e r e as o n ab ly av a il ab l e t o th e p ar e nt ar e n o t li k e l y t o r e m e dy th e c o n d i t i o n s wh i c h l e d t o re m o v a l o r p l a c e m e nt o f th e c h il d wi th in a r e a s o n ab l e p e ri o d o f ti m e an d te rm i n ati o n o f th e p ar e nta l ri ght s w o u l d b e s t s e rv e th e n e e d s an d w e l f ar e o f th e c h i l d . T h e C o urt fi n d s th at th e c o n d i ti o n s wh ic h l e d t o th e m i n o r c hi l dr e n ' s p l a c e m e nt o ut s i d e th e c ar e an d c u s t o dy o f M o th e r an d F ath e r c o nt i nu e t o e x i s t. Th e m i n o r c h il dr e n h av e b e e n i n p l a c e m e nt fo r a

p p r o x i m ate l y e i g ht e e n ( 1 8 ) m o nth s an d a d j u d i c at e d d e p e n d e nt fo r

. a p p ro x i m at e l y s e v e nt e e n { 1 7 ) m o nth s . T h e m i n o r c h il dre n ar e s af e , l o v e d , an d w e ll - b o n d e d t o th e ki n s h ip m o th e r . 1 7> . F ath e r h a s c o n s i s t e ntl y s tat e d h i s unwi lli n g n e s s t o b e a r e s o ur c e fo r th e m i n o r c h il dr e n thr o u gh o ut th e e nt i r e ty o f th e A g e n c y ' s i nv o l v e m e nt w i th th e 

### f am i l y . F ath e r h a s n o t p e rf o rm e d any p ar e nt a l d

ut i e s o r o b li g at i o n s 0 11 b e hal f o f th e m i n o r c hi l dr e n s i n c e th e a d j u d i c ati o n o f d e p e n d e n c y , an d h e h a s n o t m ad e 

### any p ro g r e s s i n al l e v i ati n g th e c i r c um s t an c e s wh ic h n e c es s i tat e d th e o ri g i n al p l a c e m e nt o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n . S ub s e qu e nt t o th e fi li n g o f th e P e t i t i o n fo r I T P R o n J ul y 1 6 , 2 0 1 8 , M o th e r b e c am e m o r e c o o p er at i v e w i th th e A g e n c y an d , as h e r att o rn e y s tat e d t o D r . Gr an s e e , M o th e r b e g an w o rki n g " v e ry d ili g e nt l y " o n th e P e rm an e n c y P l an . T h e C o urt a c kn o w l e d g e s th at , i n w o rki n g w i th th e c urr e nt P r e s s l e y Ri d g e T e am , M o th e r h as b e e n m o r e d ut i fu l i n att e n d i n g v i s i t s an d r e qu i r e d a

p p o i ntm e nt s , an d h as b e gun fanni n g a b o n d wi th th e m i n o r c hi l dr e n . At thi s t i m e , M o th e r a

p p e ar s t o h av e a s ta

b l e h o u s i n g s i t

u at i o n , a l th o u g h th e C as e w o rk e r . p r o v i d ed t e s ti m o ny th at d i r e c tl y c o n fl i c ts w i th M o th e r ' s t e s ti m o ny , n am e l y th at th e C as e w o rk e r b e li e v e s that M o th e r i s s ti ll r e s i d i n g 

### wi th M at e rn al Gr an dm o th e r . M o th e r p r o v i d ed t e s t i m o ny r e g ard i n g h e r fi n an c e s ; h o w e v e r , i t r e m ai n e d un c l e ar t o th e C o urt h o w mu c h i n c o m e M o th e r r e c e i v e s an d th e t o ta l am o unt sh e o w e s t o w ar d s b ill s an d o th e r e xp � n d i tur e s e a c h m o nth . Th e C o urt fi n d s th at M o th e r ' s m o d e r at e l e v e l o f p r o gr e s s i n r e c e nt m o nth s i s d

u e l arg e ly t o an e x c e p t i o n al e ff o rt b y h er P r e s s l e y Ri d g e t e am an d wi ll n o t b e ab l e t o b e i n d e p e n d e nt l y s u s ta i n e d b y M o th e r g o i n g fo r w ar d . Wh il e M o th e r c o o p e r ate d i n th e p s y c h i atri c e v alu at io n an d th e P ar e nti n g C a p a c i ty A s s e s s m e nt o n O c t o b e r 10 , 2 0 1 8 , s h e w as n o t fu ll y c o mp li ant wi th fo ll o wi n g th er e c o mm e n d at i o n s o f s u c h e v a lu at i o n s . F urth e rm o r e , th e C as e w o rk e r e xp r e s s e d c o nt i nu e d c o n c e rn s r e g ar d i n g M o th e r ' s p o t e nti a l d e p e n d e n c e o n p r e s c rip t i o n m e d i c ati o n s an d h e r m e nt a l h e al th as i t re l at e s t o h e r p as t o v er d o s e s . O v e r a ll , M o th e r an d F ath e r h av e f ai l e d t o re m e d i at e th e c o n d i t i o n s wh i c h l e d t o th e , m i n o r c hi l dre n ' s p l a c e m e nt an d h av e fa il e d t o p ro v i d e s ub s t ant i a l p ar e nt a l d uti e s o n b e h al f o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n . I n c o n s i d e r at i o n o fth i s t e s ti m o ny , th e C o urt fi n d s th at th e A g e n c y c l e arl y an d c o nv i n c in g l y e s ta

b li s h e d th at t e rm i n at i o n o f p ar e ntal ri g ht s i s j u s t i fi e d p ur s u ant t o S e c t i o n s 2 5 1 l ( a) ( 2 ) an d ( S ) o f th e A d o p ti o n A c t. IN C O N S I D E RA T I O N O F § 2 S ll ( b ) , T E RM INA T I O N O F P A REN T A L RI G H T S W O U L D B E S T S E R

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N D WE L F A RE O F T H E M IN O R C H I L D H av i n g e s tab li s h e d th e s t atut o ry gro un d s fo r th e inv o lunt ary t e rm i n ati o n o f th e p ar e nt a l ri g ht s o f M o th e r an d F ath e r , th e C o urt ' s fi n a l c o n s i d e r at io n i s wh e th e r t e rm i n ati o n o f p ar e ntal ri ghts wi ll b e s t s e rv e th e d e v e l o p m e nt a l , p hy s i c a l an d e m o t io n a l n e e d s an d w e l f ar e o f th e c h il dr e n . 2 3 P a . C . S . § 2 5 11 (b ) . [ T ] h e C o urt mu s t c ar e fu ll y c o n s i d e r th e tan g ib l e di m e n s i o n , a s w e ll as th e i nt an g ib l e d i m e n s i o n - th e l o v e , c o m fo rt , s e c uri ty , an d c l o s e n e s s - e nta il e d i n a p ar e nt - c h il d r e l at i o n s h ip . ( c i t at i o n s o m i tt e d) . T h e c o urt mu s t c o n s i d e r wh e th e r a b o n d e x i s t s b e tw ee n th e c h il d an d [p ar e nt s ] , an d wh e th e r t e rm i n ati o n w o u l d d e s tro y an e x i s t i n g b e n e fi ci a l r e l at i o n s hip . I n r e : B . N . M . , 8 5 6 A. 2 d 8 4 7 ( P a . S u p e r . 2 0 0 4 ) . T h e C o urt h as th o ro u gh l y e v a lu at e d th e m i n o r c h il dr e n ' s r e l ati o n s hip s i n thi s m att e r . T h e C o urt fi n d s th at th e m i n o r c h il dr e n d o n o t h av e a p ar e nt a l r e l at i o n s hip wi th M o th e r o r : F ath e r . T h e y o un g e s t . o f th e m i n o r c h il dr e n , A. W . S . , h as n e v e r li v e d wi th M o th e r , whi l e th e o l d e s t , G . W . S . , h a s n o w li v e d m o r e th an h a l f o fh i s li fe wi th th e ki n s hip m o th e r . T h e C o urt 1 9fi n d s that th e m in o r c h il dre n h av e a mu c h s tr o n g e r p ar e ntal b o n d 

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o rt , A d d i ti o n al l y , i t i s th e ki n s h ip m o th e r wh o p r o v i d e s fo r th e mi n o r c h il dre n ' s da il y n e e ds as w e ll as any s pe ci al i ze d d e v e l o p m e nt a l , e d u c at i o n, an d m e d i c a l n e e d s . Th e C o urt a l s o fi n d s th at th e b o n d b e tw e e n th e m i n o r c hi l dr e n an d ki n s h ip m o th e r I s s tr o n g an d h e a lthy . T e s ti m o ny e s t ab li s h e d th at th e c h il dre n ar e h a p p y an d f e e l c o m fo rtab l e i n th e ki n s h ip m o th e r ' s car e . T h e bo n d th at th e m i n o r c hi l dre n h av e w i th th e kins h ip m o th e r c an p r o v i d e s a fe ty , s e c uri ty an d p e rm an e n c y fo r th e c hi l dre n . T e rm i nat i o n o f M o th e r ' s an d F ath e r ' s p ar e nt a l ri ght s 

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