Opinion ID: 2071342
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Termination Best Interests Standard

Text: When determining a child's best interests in deciding whether to grant a petition to terminate parental rights, this Court and the Family Court are guided, [10] in part, by the best interests factors set forth in Section 722. [11] The best interests inquiry is dependent upon the factual context in which the termination petition is presented. [12] Therefore, the best interests standard requires a careful judicial examination of the circumstances surrounding each termination of parental rights petition. This Court has stated that one of the important objectives of the termination of parental rights statute is to insure that children are not denied the opportunity for a stable family life. [13] The Guidelines for Public Policy and State Legislation Governing Permanence for Children [14] were promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to facilitate the federal government's Initiative on Adoption and Foster Care. In describing what should be the basic goals of state child welfare agencies, the Guidelines state that the concept of permanency establishes the foundation for a child's healthy development. [15] Permanency is defined as the safe, stable, custodial environment in which a child is raised, and the life-long relationship that child establishes with a nurturing caregiver. [16] The basic needs of a child  safety and protection, sense of identity, validation of self, stability and continuity, and an opportunity to learn and grow  are most likely to be met in a permanent environment. [17] According to the Guidelines, permanence for children can be achieved best by a reunification with the birth parent or with the child's extended family of origin. [18] Permanent placement is intended to last throughout the child's minority. It is designed to establish life-long family relationships for the child and to vest the permanent caregiver with the same legal responsibility for the child as a birth parent. Christopher is in an environment with his extended family of origin. The Shepherds are Christopher's maternal grandparents. The Shepherds' home is the only one that Christopher has known. The record reflects the Shepherds have provided a stable, loving and nurturing environment in which Christopher has had an opportunity to learn and grow cognitively, physically and emotionally. He is happy and well adjusted. Both the Mother and the Father have repeatedly expressed their desire for Christopher to remain in the custody and care of the Shepherds. The Mother consents to the termination of her parental rights and also believes that termination of the Father's parental rights is in Christopher's best interest. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) also recommends termination of the Father's and the Mother's parental rights. The CASA asserts that the Father has done absolutely nothing to exercise his parental rights. The CASA submits that it is in Christopher's best interest to be adopted by the Shepherds. The Family Court denied the Shepherds' petition on the basis that it was in Christopher's best interests to have an opportunity to know his biological Father. That conclusion is not supported by the record. Consequently, it is not the product of an orderly and logical deductive process. [19]