Opinion ID: 1308939
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Parent's Ability.

Text: Section 232.116(1)(f)(3) requires proof that the parent continues to lack the ability ... to respond to services which would correct the situation. Upon our review of the record, we find clear and convincing evidence the mother cannot care for E.B.L. and H.B.L., even with the aid of services. A myriad of intensive services have been offered to the mother over the past four years in an attempt to reunite E.B.L. and H.B.L. with her. These services have included protective day care, homemaker services, the Parent Survival Program, volunteer transportation, psychological evaluations, individual therapy, play therapy, in-home services, and foster care. After an erratic start, the mother has availed herself of the services offered by the State. They have, however, not given her the ability to care for E.B.L. and H.B.L. See In re J.L.P., 449 N.W.2d at 353. She has admitted this with respect to E.B.L. While mental disability, standing alone, is not sufficient reason for termination of the parent-child relationship, it can be a contributing factor to the inability to perform essential parental duties. In re K.F., 437 N.W.2d at 560; see Iowa Code § 232.2(6)(n). Termination is appropriate when the parent lacks the capacity to meet the child's present needs as well as the capacity to adapt to the child's future needs. In re A.M.S., 419 N.W.2d at 733-34. Both E.B.L. and H.B.L. have special needs which require extraordinary parenting skills which their mother simply does not possess due to her own special needs and circumstances. See In re J.W.D., 456 N.W.2d at 218 (parent ill equipped to provide special care child needs).