Opinion ID: 2160696
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: clear and convincing evidence supports termination of mother's parental rights as the least restrictive alternative in the best interests of the children.

Text: We apply the clearly erroneous standard of review to a trial court's findings of fact. In re E.D.J., 499 N.W.2d 130, 134 (S.D.1993); In re A.M., 292 N.W.2d 103, 105 (S.D.1980). The party claiming error bears the burden of establishing the findings are in error. In re K.A.B.E., 325 N.W.2d 840, 844 (S.D.1982); A.M., 292 N.W.2d at 105. Termination of parental rights must be supported by clear and convincing evidence that it is the least restrictive alternative commensurate with the best interests of the child. E.D.J., 499 N.W.2d at 135; In re K.C., 414 N.W.2d 616, 620 (S.D.1987). The least restrictive alternative is viewed from the child's point of view, not the parent's. E.D.J., 499 N.W.2d at 135; In re S.W., 398 N.W.2d 136, 139 (S.D.1986). Mother's neglect of the children is well documented in the record. The children were routinely left home alone. The older children were frequently left to baby-sit younger siblings; for example, it was the responsibility of 11-year-old C.H. to care for baby C.O. when Mother worked all night. There was testimony the oldest siblings had physically abused the younger children. Mother often failed to prepare meals for the children. Frequently there was inadequate food in the house. There was testimony that on one occasion the younger children were afraid to eat the only food in the house, a loaf of bread, for fear the oldest sibling would punish them. Mother failed to keep the home at a minimal standard of cleanliness. Evidence showed a filthy refrigerator which contained rotted food. The floor was strewn with cigarette butts, soiled clothing and used diapers. A rodent was seen crawling out of a pile of dirty clothing. The plumbing was frequently broken and Mother failed to notify the landlord. The home was periodically unheated when fuel was depleted. There was inadequate attention to the physical and medical needs of the children. Mother failed to get them immunized. They were repeatedly sent home from school because of head lice. The younger children came to school in clothing with dried feces on it. She failed to insure that the child with epilepsy received prescribed medication. She failed to obtain needed eyeglasses for one child. The educational needs of the children were also neglected. Mother often failed to send the children to school. Evidence was presented that at one time teachers would come to the home, wake the children, and take them to school. Recommendations for special education or summer programs were not followed. Over the years, DSS provided numerous services to Mother to correct problems in the home, but she repeatedly neglected to remedy problems. Home-based, one-on-one support services were provided to her. There were six case service plans between March 31, 1989, and July 5, 1991, none of which were completed. She was offered help to plan meals, budget money, obtain food stamps, and apply for energy and housing assistance. Mother would briefly cooperate and then fail to follow through. Dr. Frank Dame testified at the December 1, 1992, dispositional hearing that the children had been evaluated and were receiving weekly therapy. Dr. Dame's diagnosis was that all the children had suffered emotional damage due to their home environment. Although the children's emotional problems varied in degree, they exhibited personality disorders characterized by frustration, aggressive behavior, lack of attachment, depression, resentment at having to assume parental responsibilities, emotional withdrawal, competitiveness and immaturity. Dr. Dame evaluated Mother in 1990. [4] He diagnosed her as a person of average intelligence with a personality disorder dominated by schizoid tendencies resulting in lack of attachment and depression. His opinion was that Mother did not think through the consequences of her actions, was unresponsive to the needs of others, impulsive and sought instant gratification for herself. He characterized her style of child rearing as one of detachment, leaving the children to care for themselves and whatever happens happens. Dr. Dame recommended termination of parental rights as the only alternative in the best interests of the children. Kimberly Kusler, a Native American DSS worker, testified concerning the problems with Mother's neglect and its effect on the children. She chronicled DSS's repeated and futile efforts to help Mother meet the needs of the children. Joyce Panzer, a DSS worker, testified as to Mother's failure to cooperate with case service plans from 1989 through 1991. Panzer stated Mother's motivation to improve parenting skills was minimal; it just didn't appear that she was interested in doing anything. She testified as to Mother's lack of communication with and control over the children. Melita Rank, another Native American DSS worker, testified regarding Mother's failure to attend visits with the children after they had been removed from her custody. She testified as to Mother's unresponsiveness to all the programs and help offered to her by DSS. In spite of its determination that the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was not applicable to the children, the trial court's judgment expressly states that it applied the beyond a reasonable doubt standard to its findings of fact. K.A.B.E., 325 N.W.2d at 843; In re J.L.H., 299 N.W.2d 812, 814 (S.D. 1980). The facts of this case reveal overwhelming evidence of inadequate supervision and neglect of the most basic needs of these children. Mother has absolutely failed to carry her burden of establishing the findings of fact are clearly erroneous and not supported by the evidence. There is clear and convincing evidence that termination of Mother's parental rights is the least restrictive alternative commensurate with the best interests of these children.