Opinion ID: 1925471
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: DCYF's Allegations

Text: The respondent also asserts as error the trial justice's finding that DCYF met its burden of proof with respect to the termination of parental rights petition. Before the state may terminate parental rights, due process requires the state to support its allegations by at least clear and convincing evidence. Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 747-48, 102 S.Ct. 1388, 71 L.Ed.2d 599 (1982). When we review a ruling terminating parental rights, we examine the record to determine whether the trial justice's findings are supported by legal and competent evidence. In re Rene B., 544 A.2d at 140. The findings of a trial justice are entitled to great weight and will not be disturbed unless the findings are clearly wrong or unless the trial justice overlooked or misconceived material evidence. In re Kristen B., 558 A.2d 200, 204 (R.I.1989). The procedures for terminating parental rights are found in G.L.1956 § 15-7-7. The statute provides that the court may terminate a parent's rights if the court finds as a fact by clear and convincing evidence, § 15-7-7(a), any of several proposed factual scenarios, including: (2) The parent is unfit by reason of conduct or conditions seriously detrimental to the child; such as,    (vii) The parent has exhibited behavior or conduct that is seriously detrimental to the child, for a duration as to render it improbable for the parent to care for the child for an extended period of time; (3) The child has been placed in the legal custody or care of the department for children, youth and families for at least twelve (12) months and the parents were offered or received services to correct the situation which led to the child being placed; provided, that there is not a substantial probability that the child will be able to return safely to the parents' care within a reasonable period of time considering the child's age and the need for a permanent home; or (4) The parent has abandoned or deserted the child. A lack of communication or contact with the child for at least a six (6) month period shall constitute prima facie evidence of abandonment or desertion. Section 15-7-7(a). In their petitions to terminate respondent's parental rights, DCYF presented all three of these allegations. The trial justice found that DCYF proved by clear and convincing evidence its allegations based on § 15-7-7(a)(3)(4). We need only review the abandonment allegation, and hold that DCYF met its burden of proof. Because any of the statutory requirements may be proven to support the petition, § 15-7-7(a), we need not review the trial justice's findings regarding the other allegation. We discuss the trial justice's finding of abandonment below. 1