Opinion ID: 2031875
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: whether termination of mother's parental rights was the least restrictive alternative.

Text: The question for us on review is `whether the trial court was clearly erroneous in finding that the evidence supporting termination was clear and convincing.' Matter of K.C., 414 N.W.2d 616, 620 (S.D.1987) (citations omitted); T.H., supra ; In re S.M., 384 N.W.2d 670 (S.D. 1986). Also, we have recently clarified that what the trial court has found to be the least restrictive alternative commensurate with the best interests of the child is an issue of fact, subject to the clearly erroneous standard of review. K.C., supra . Although it is necessary for the trial court to enter its final determination of the least restrictive alternative (in the best interests of the child) as a conclusion of law, it is nonetheless an ultimate finding, subject to a clearly erroneous standard of review. K.C., supra . Mother claims State failed to show misconduct or unfitness on her part. We find just the opposite to be true, as Mother's unfitness as a parent is most apparent after reading the entire record. Son was temporarily removed from Mother's home because she struck him when she was, in her own words, really wasted. On many occasions Mother chose to party with her friends (normally other minors) rather than spend time with Son. Mother clearly appeared before the court as an alcoholic and a chemically dependent teenager who was much too immature to provide proper care for a child. Mother failed to accept responsibility for her actions and would not responsibly follow through on any of the many programs offered to her. Mother made no progress in spite of the extensive services offered and provided. This lack of progress was, to a great extent, a result of her own conscious decisions. Mother claims that State failed to show how her own personal problems have in any way affected the welfare of Son. However, the record demonstrates that Son had profound behavioral problems as displayed when he was first placed in foster care. He bit people, had temper tantrums, ate like an animal, and used foul language. Son would appear to make progress in stable foster homes but upon return to foster homes, after visits with Mother, he seemed to revert to some of his initial behavior problems. Mother argues that because a psychologist testified that an alternative to termination of her parental rights would be for Mother and Son to be in more contact, they should be placed together in foster care and be closely monitored by DSS for a period of time. We agree with the trial court that joint placement in foster care with her Son would not be a viable available alternative to termination. First, even were such a placement logistically available (which it apparently is not), DSS is only required to provide reasonable services, not every possible service. In re C.L., 356 N.W.2d 476 (S.D.1984). Furthermore, the psychologist did not recommend that joint foster care placement would be appropriate. He merely stated that Mother needed to show maturity, take responsibility for her own actions and demonstrate that she could stay on the straight and narrow on her own without the benefit of someone to constantly help her. Furthermore, the psychologist was pessimistic about Son's continued development and stability were he to be placed with Mother. Finally, Mother claims the court should not terminate parental rights on the basis of her alcoholism, arguing that it did not interfere with her ability to care for her Son. However, it seems clear that it was not and is not safe for DSS to return child to Mother, due in part to her alcohol dependency. As a result of Mother's alcohol problem and her lack of ability and/or desire to deal with it, her Son was growing up in foster care and has been in such care for over two years. It must not be forgotten that the interests of the children are paramount. L.B., supra . The least restrictive alternative is viewed from the child's point of view, not that of the parents. The best interests of the child must prevail. T.H., supra : C.L., supra ; In re R.Z.F., 284 N.W.2d 879 (S.D.1979). Additionally, termination is not conditioned upon the exhaustion of every possible form of assistance. T.H.., supra . In the event that counseling and therapy fail to improve parenting skills, termination of parental rights is justified. In re D.H., 354 N.W.2d 185 (S.D.1984); In re S.S., 334 N.W.2d 59 (S.D. 1983); In re S.A.H., 314 N.W.2d 316 (S.D. 1982). When all reasonable attempts and assistance fail, no narrower alternative remains. In re N.J.W., 273 N.W.2d 134 (S.D. 1978). Finally, requiring certitude and stability in life is in the best interests of children. S.S., supra . Applying these well-settled principles of law to the facts in this case, we cannot hold that the trial court was clearly erroneous. This court's prime concern is Son. He is four years old and has been in foster care since he was twenty-one months. He is now both happy and healthy, but he needs a permanent home. Mother has had over fifteen months, with a great deal of social assistance, to demonstrate that she had the maturity and responsibility to offer Son. However, no progress was made. We cannot and will not require Son to wait in limbo another year or two or more for a mother who may never be able to properly parent him. Under the facts of this case, we agree with the trial court that termination is the least restrictive alternative available commensurate with the best interests of the child. K.C., supra . We have considered all of the other issues raised by Mother and find them to be without merit. Affirmed. WUEST, C.J., and MORGAN and SABERS, JJ., concur. HENDERSON, J., dissents.