Opinion ID: 2569120
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Termination of Tessa's Parental Rights Was in Tammy's Best Interests.

Text: When terminating parental rights, a court shall consider the best interests of the child. [19] [T]he best interests of the child, not those of the parents, are paramount. [20] The court may order termination only if OCS proves by a preponderance of the evidence that termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child. [21] Judge Olsen found not merely by a preponderance of the evidence, but . . . beyond a reasonable doubt that it was in Tammy's best interests to terminate Tessa's parental rights. Tessa argues that she has a vital bond and attachment with Tammy that continued despite the disruption of foster care. Tessa further argues that the differences in Tammy's behavior while in her foster mother's care, compared to Tessa's care, cannot be attributed to failures on Tessa's part and should not be seen as a demonstration that Tammy's best interests are served by being in a foster home rather than with her mother. Tessa thus argues that the trial court's finding is clearly erroneous. The evidence presented at trial belies this argument; when viewed in the light most favorable to OCS, it adequately supports the court's finding. Tammy's therapist, Heather Monberg, testified that Tammy's lack of emotional connectedness with Tessa seems to be reflected in [Tammy's] behavior. Monberg testified that Tammy appears to feel safe with her foster mother and that she is the person with whom Tammy has the most potential. Finally, Monberg stated her opinion that it was not in Tammy's best interests to return to Tessa's household because it was not an environment in which Tammy could thrive. Carol Brice described Tessa's bond with Tammy as based on possession. It was Brice's opinion that she had not seen the changes that we need to see . . . to assure us that this child would grow up in a stress-free, a violence[-]free . . . environment. Brice also said that Tammy never fully engaged in what I would hope to see as a happy, rejoicing reunion with her mother. OCS's Susan Desrosiers testified that if Tammy were returned to her mother she would not develop in a healthy way because of stress and anxiety and would be at risk for additional physical and emotional abuse, and that Tammy needs to be in a safe, nurturing, loving environment and [Tessa] hasn't demonstrated that she can provide that for her child. Tammy's pre-school teacher testified that Tammy continued to experience very significant developmental delays in speech and communication, and that she refused to engage in gross motor activities despite the fact that she had the physical ability to move around like a typical child. Given this testimony Judge Olsen easily could find by at least the necessary preponderance of the evidence, if not beyond a reasonable doubt, that the termination of Tessa's parental rights was in Tammy's best interests.