Opinion ID: 2136526
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: We have recently reviewed the governing principles in parent-child termination cases:

Text: This Court has repeatedly stated that in matters of this kind the primary consideration is the welfare and best interests of the child. While there is a presumption that the best interests of the child will be served by leaving it with its parents, this is not conclusive. The State, as parens patriae, has the duty to see that every child within its borders receives proper care and treatment. (Authorities). In Interest of Wardle, 207 N.W.2d 554, 556 (Iowa 1973). We adopt the description given by the father's own counsel as to the conditions leading to termination. It was the inability of either parent to supply the child the kind of moral, emotional    stability that a child needs to grow up with. In its order of neglect the trial court directed the reasonable efforts to correct those conditions. Under those directions the father could develop moral, emotional stability adequate for his son's needs. He could demonstrate this development in part by providing $10 weekly support and by visiting his son. In addition he obviously could make himself available for the responsibilities of fatherhood by staying out of prison. The father's conduct since the adjudication of neglect has demonstrated his response to the court's directions. He has paid nothing for the support of the child. His pursuit of crime in preference to the family life has continued unabated. He was convicted in federal court of harboring a fugitive from justice for which he is serving a five year sentence. His chances of parole were described at trial as unlikely. He was wanted by authorities in Idaho for armed robbery. The father was not even sufficiently interested in the termination proceedings to forward his counsel information sought for his own defense against termination. The conditions which required the adjudication of neglect have obviously not been corrected. The trial court was right in ordering termination. The trial court based the termination in part on the additional ground of abandonment. Although we do not determine whether the father's conduct amounts to abandonment we feel called upon to reiterate a familiar principle in custody cases. Determination is not made as punishment to either parent. Alex v. Alex, 161 N.W.2d 192 (Iowa 1968). It is a fearful thing to terminate the relationship between a parent and child. As punishment it would obviously be too severe and cruel for any crime. Our considerations are completely aside from punishment and are grounded solely on our view of the polestar in these matters: the best interests of the child. This child should no longer suffer in a parentless limbo while his father continues to foster the intolerable conditions the father brought about. Affirmed.