Opinion ID: 2365068
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Dependency and Neglect Continuum

Text: It is now well established that a petition to terminate parental rights is one of the two possible end stages in the three-part continuum that usually begins with a dependency and neglect proceeding. In that regard, this case was typical. In August of 1999, the DFS received allegations of neglect and inadequate supervision of the minor children by the Mother and Father. According to a social report prepared by the DFS and entered into evidence at the termination hearing, an investigator with the DFS went to the parents' home to investigate these allegations on three separate occasions. A fourth visit on August 26, 1999, conducted by two members of the DFS and an officer with the Delaware State Police, resulted in removal of the children from the parents' home. That same day, the Family Court granted emergency custody to the DFS and the children were placed into the care of foster parents. The second stage in the dependency and neglect continuum involves the State's obligation to try to reunite the family, if possible. In that regard, this case was also typical. Supervised visits were established for the family. Both parents were ordered to undergo psychological and substance abuse evaluations. Beginning with the second scheduled visit with their children on September 8, 1999, a pattern emerged of a failure of both parents, particularly the Mother, to attend consistently visitations with the children and counseling sessions ordered by the DFS. The final stage in the dependency and neglect continuum is either a successful reunification of the family or a decision that the best interests of the child or children requires a termination of parental rights. In this case, the DFS decided to take the latter course of action. Because of the parents continuing failure to attend regular evaluations and to visit consistently their children, and the Father's failure to move out of the Mother's residence as he had promised, the DFS Permanency Committee approved a change in goal to the termination of parental rights based on a failure to plan. [3]