Opinion ID: 1986881
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Impact on child

Text: Another essential part of any determination whether to terminate parental rights is whether the cited conduct of the parent has had or will have a detrimental impact upon the child. In the Interest of P.C., B.M., and C.M., 62 S.W.3d 600, 604 (Mo.App.2001) (the trial court must hear some evidence describing what impact the questioned conduct has had on the children). Poor conduct or character flaws are not relevant unless they could actually result in future harm to the child. For example, sections 211.447.4(2)(a) and 211.447.4(3)(c) provide that the parent's mental condition is a factor supporting termination only if it renders the parent unable to knowingly provide the child the necessary care, custody and control.