As did the family court, we recognize mother's progress since the time J.B. was removed to SRS custody. Yet the primary consideration is whether a parent will be able to resume her parental duties within a reasonable period of time, not merely whether there has been identifiable progress since the child was originally removed from the household. We do not agree with mother's contention that the family court may not terminate parental rights if the parent has made progress. The litany of abusive incidents involving mother both as victimizer and victim was extensive and graphic. Removing him after this period of time from an environment where he has strong attachments and feels secure and safe would not be in his best interests.
Mother is correct that past conduct itself is no barrier to resuming parental responsibilities.
Nonetheless, we cannot say that the court erred, in light of the detailed evidence about the extent of mother's past behavioral problems and the lack of certainty about the extent of her progress. Instead, the Court was careful to point out that the lower court must consider all of the statutory factors applicable to termination proceedings and that the applicable standard is the best interests of the child. There was no error.