Opinion ID: 1937586
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: evidentiary limitations

Text: The father contends that the trial justice erred in limiting the introduction of evidence regarding neglect to the period preceding the filing of the petition to terminate parental rights. The language of § 15-7-7 requires as a condition precedent to termination of parental rights a finding by the court that the parent has neglected to provide proper care and maintenance for the child for one (1) year next preceding the time of the filing of the petition    [or that the parent has neglected] to maintain contact with and plan for the future of the child [for such period]. We have construed this language as requiring that the year in question must relate to the year immediately preceding the filing of the petition  . In re Gregory, 118 R.I. 178, 183, 372 A.2d 1277, 1280 (1977) (petition for adoption). In this case, the plain and unambiguous language of the statute would require the same result. Therefore, the trial justice was correct in limiting the period of relevance to times and dates preceding the filing of the petition. [3]