Opinion ID: 2365068
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Current Delaware Termination Procedures

Text: The current practice in the Family Court, which was used in this case, is to serve the parents with the Petition for the Termination of Parental Rights and notice of a hearing date. If the parents do not appear at the scheduled hearing, proper notice is verified, the DFS presents a prima facie case and the DFS social report [45] is admitted into evidence. The Family Court satisfies itself that termination of parental rights is in the child's best interest and enters an order. The record reflects that is what happened in this case. Alternatively, if the parents appear at the hearing and dispute the Petition for the Termination of Parental Rights, the Family Court inquires whether they desire to be represented by an attorney and if they can afford one. If the parents request representation but assert an inability to pay, the Family Court conducts an indigency hearing and appoints counsel if it finds that the parents are indigent. The hearing on the merits of the termination petition is then rescheduled. The DFS submits that the current procedures, once the indigent parents appear, comports with the due process requirements of Lassiter, as construed by this Court in In re Carolyn S.S. [46]