But evidence of a truly significant parental deficit arose when it became clear that Julie G. was unwilling or unable to comport with the clear objectives of her improvement period by affording her child protection from a man with a record of violence and child molestation. Once a parent, fully represented by legal counsel, is placed on an improvement period by court order, they are clearly on notice with respect to what is expected of them. Their level of compliance is clearly relevant, at a minimum to circumstantially show the degree of willingness to remedy the circumstances leading to the abuse and neglect changes. Lastly, this case points out that it is absolutely incumbent upon petitioners and guardian ad litems in abuse and neglect proceedings to formally amend the petition when additional facts evidencing abuse or neglect which are substantial in nature arise subsequent to the filing of the initial petition. For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully dissent.
Evidence is admissible when it is authentic, relevant and competent.