Opinion ID: 1707089
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: the youth court judge had probable cause to direct the institution of tpr proceedings.

Text: ¶ 25. G.R. and B.J.R. argue the judge lacked probable cause to direct the initiation of TPR proceedings. However, since they failed to provide the transcript of the November 9, 1995 hearing, we are presented with no method of examining the evidence upon which the trial judge determined the existence of probable cause. G.R. and B.J.R. have failed to carry their burden of providing a complete record for review. See Smith, 572 So.2d at 849. Notwithstanding the failure to provide a complete record, based upon the evidence presented at the reconsideration hearing on July 2, 1996, we find the judge was correct in finding the existence of probable cause to direct the initiation of TPR proceedings. ¶ 26. In custody battles involving the natural parent and a third party, it is presumed that the child's best interest will be served by placement in the custody of the natural parent and to overcome this presumption there must be a clear showing of a statutorily defined reason why the parent should not retain custody. Sellers v. Sellers, 638 So.2d 481, 484 (Miss.1994). Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(d)(i)(1994) states the grounds for the termination of parental rights: The parent exhibits ongoing behavior which would make it impossible to return the child to the parent's care and custody:(i) Because the parent has a diagnosable condition unlikely to change within a reasonable time such as alcohol or drug addiction, severe mental deficiencies or mental illness, or extreme physical incapacitation .... ¶ 27. In examining child custody cases, the judge should consider any and all evidence which aids in reaching the ultimate decision. Murphy v. Murphy, 631 So.2d 812, 815 (Miss.1994). The polestar consideration, however, is the best interest of the child. See Riley, 677 So.2d at 743; In re R.D., 658 So.2d 1378 (Miss.1995); Murphy, 631 So.2d at 815. The youth court judge was provided with probable cause to initiate proceedings through the testimony of Dr. Geary Alford, who diagnosed G.R. as mildly retarded and declined to recommend the return of custody to the parents. ¶ 28. G.R. and B.J.R. cite Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 102 S.Ct. 1388, 71 L.Ed.2d 599 (1982) in support of their contention that parental interest should be considered as much as the child's interest. However, Santosky dictates if the state can prove by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the child's best interest to terminate parental rights and the parents are provided with fundamentally fair procedures, the parents' wishes are not the judge's main concern. ¶ 29. The youth court judge in the instant case evaluated the testimony of both parents and two social workers as well as the psychological evaluations of Dr. Geary Alford. Neither social worker suggested returning custody to the parents. Dr. Storms stated there was a small possibility that the parents could improve but conditions in the home could also worsen with time. Dr. Alford was clearly against returning V.R. to her parents, declaring G.R. and B.J.R. mentally unfit to deal with the complexities of a growing child. Therefore, the evidence presented to the court was sufficient to meet the grounds for termination listed in § 93-15-103(3)(d)(i).