Opinion ID: 2168029
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Termination of the Parent/Child Relationship

Text: This court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to D.C.Code Section 16-2353(a). On September 18, 1992, R.M. stipulated that T.M. was neglected pursuant to D.C.Code § 16-2301(9)(C). Judge Kramer continued the respondent's private placement with T.M.'s godmother, J.T. On January 7, 1994, T.M.'s guardian ad litem filed motion for the termination of the parent child relationship. As more than six months have lapsed between the finding of neglect and filing of motion for termination of the parent and child relationship, the motion is timely under D.C.Code § 16-2354(b).
Because the mother was present at the hearing, there is no issue of notice to her.
The court may terminate the parent and child relationship when the judge finds from the evidence presented, after giving due consideration to the interests of all parties, that the termination is in the best interests of the child. D.C.Code § 16-2353(a) (1989 Repl.). In determining whether it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the parent child relationship, D.C.Code § 16-2353(b) (1993 Supp.) requires consideration of several factors: