Opinion ID: 2070966
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: showing of unfitness contained in the record

Text: Mother advocates her parental rights were erroneously terminated because she was not proven an unfit parent. In convoluted fashion, Mother apparently argues that the circuit court focused upon the best interests of the children rather than if she was an unfit parent. She concludes remand is mandated with directions that the circuit court enter specific findings of fact on the subject of her parental unfitness. [4] We do not agree. This Court has repeatedly held that the circuit court is required to balance a parent's fundamental right to raise a child with State's interest in protecting that child's best interests and welfare. In re S.D., 402 N.W.2d 346, 352 (S.D.1987); In re G.H., 390 N.W.2d 54, 57 (S.D.1986); In re P.M., 299 N.W.2d 803, 807 (S.D.1980). But in all situations, the best interests of the child are paramount. S.D., 402 N.W.2d at 352; In re S.M., 384 N.W.2d 670, 673-74 (S.D.1986). The circuit court, in the present case, specifically found, inter alia, based upon the evidence that (1) Mother showed disregard for the physical well-being of [her] minor children ... and that potential harm could come to the minor children if said children were returned to the custodial care of the ... [M]other.; (2) Financial conditions prevail which prevent ... [M]other from properly functioning as a parent....; (3) [M]other has demonstrated a lack of firm intention to provide for the proper care of her children as evidenced by failure to provide a proper home environment and her lack of employment.; (4) [Mother] has failed to provide for the children's necessary subsistence, medical care, and other care necessary for their health, guidance and well-being in that she has failed or refused to provide money for their care and has through her actions delayed or prevented necessary medical procedures to be performed for the children.; and (5) The least restrictive alternative available commensurate with the best interest and welfare of the minor children and with due regard to the parental rights of the respondent [M]other ... requires termination of all parental rights of respondent [Mother] in respect to the minor children. Appropriately, the circuit court, in its findings of fact, discusses both Mother's fundamental right as a parent (including her difficulties in providing proper parental support for her sons) and the best interests of the children. A circuit court's findings should not be disturbed upon appeal unless the entire evidence leaves us with a firm and definite conviction that a mistake has been made. In re T.H., 396 N.W.2d 145, 148 (S.D.1986). We refuse to conclude that an error was made by the circuit court.