Opinion ID: 2194658
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Termination of Parental Rights Trial

Text: The termination of parental rights trial in Family Court began on December 3, 2004. After a total of six trial days, [14] the Family Court justice rendered a bench decision terminating Amanda's parental rights on August 1, 2005. On August 4, 2005, Amanda filed a notice of appeal. [15] The trial justice ultimately found that DCYF had shown by clear and convincing evidence that Amanda was unfit to parent Brooklyn and Isaiah. He stated that the evidence showed that Amanda's emotional and psychological problems still exist and that there is no end in sight, and he also noted that her financial situation remained insecure; he concluded that these conditions were seriously detrimental to the children's welfare. The trial justice further found that the children were unlikely to be able to return to Amanda's custody within a reasonable period of time, considering their age and their need for a permanent home. The trial justice also found that DCYF had made all reasonable efforts to reunify Amanda with Brooklyn and Isaiah. He also ruled that the termination of Amanda's parental rights would be in the best interests of both children. On these grounds, the trial justice terminated Amanda's parental rights. On appeal, respondent contends that the trial justice erred in granting DCYF's petition to terminate her parental rights. She contends that numerous factors combin[ed] to magnify the risk of erroneous fact finding. Amanda further asserts that the justice overlooked, misconceived, or misconstrued the evidence and that the evidence does not support a judicial finding that DCYF made diligent efforts to effect reunification. [16]