Opinion ID: 2139209
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: the circuit court balanced mother's right to raise her children with the best interests of n.h. and the public.

Text: In the dispositional phase of dependency and neglect proceedings, the circuit court must balance the fundamental right of a parent to raise his or her children with the best interests of the child and the public. In re S.H., 337 N.W.2d 179, 181 (S.D. 1983); In re P.M., 299 N.W.2d 803, 807 (S.D.1980). See also, SDCL 26-8-22.11; and In re A.L.P., 368 N.W.2d 617, 621 (S.D.1985). On appeal, mother makes the bald assertion that the circuit court failed to make such a balance. The findings of fact and conclusions of law entered after the dispositional hearing clearly reflect that the circuit court balanced mother's right to raise N.H. with the best interests of the child and the public. Mother's assertion to the contrary is completely without merit, as reflected by the record herein.