Case Name: In the Matter of Alford Isaiah B., Ill, and Another, Children Alleged to be Permanently Neglected. Alford B., Jr. Appellant; The Children's Aid Society, Respondent
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2013-06-20
Citations: 107 A.D.3d 562
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Alford Isaiah B., Ill, and Another, Children Alleged to be Permanently Neglected. Alford B., Jr. Appellant; The Children’s Aid Society, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 107
Pages: 562–562

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Alford Isaiah B., Ill, and Another, Children Alleged to be Permanently Neglected. Alford B., Jr. Appellant; The Children’s Aid Society, Respondent.
[968 NYS2d 361]

Opinion:
Order, Family Court, Bronx County (Monica Drinane, J.), entered on or about April 3, 2012, which, to the extent appealed from, determined, following a fact-finding hearing, that respondent father permanently neglected the subject children, unanimously affirmed, without costs.
Respondent's argument that the Family Court erred in admitting the records of the agency that was initially assigned to the case is not preserved for appellate review, and we decline to review it in the interest of justice. As an alternative holding, we reject it on the merits. A proper foundation was laid for their admission and respondent, who received a copy of the records in advance of the hearing, failed to challenge any specific entry.
The agency demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that it repeatedly tried to contact respondent in writing and by telephone and made referrals in order to assist him in completing the service plan, but he failed to respond, failed to consistently visit the children, and did not complete a drug treatment program or other programs to which he was referred (see Matter of Sheila G., 61 NY2d 368, 385 [1984]).
The court was permitted to draw a negative inference from respondent's failure to testify (see Matter of Nassau County Dept. of Social Servs. v Denise J., 87 NY2d 73, 79 [1995]). Concur — Tom, J.P., Acosta, Saxe and Freedman, JJ.