Opinion ID: 2227915
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: whether orders were supported by evidence

Text: We next address the father's assertion that the juvenile court's orders were not supported by the evidence. The father points out that many of the allegations against him were not established at the hearing and that there were certain inconsistencies between the testimony of Kelley and Heather. Section 43-279.01(3) provides that when adjudicating whether a juvenile is dependent or neglected within the purview of § 43-247(3)(a), the State must establish its allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. See In re Interest of R.G., 238 Neb. 405, 470 N.W.2d 780 (1991), disapproved on other grounds, O'Connor v. Kaufman, 255 Neb. 120, 582 N.W.2d 350 (1998). Juvenile cases are reviewed de novo on the record, and an appellate court is required to reach a conclusion independent of the trial court's findings; however, where the evidence is in conflict, the appellate court will consider and give weight to the fact that the lower court observed the witnesses and accepted one version of the facts over another. In re Interest of Gloria F., 254 Neb. 531, 577 N.W.2d 296 (1998). The testimony of Kelley and Heather indicates that they were hit by the father with a belt, causing bruising; that they were made to eat breakfast daily while standing up and having not been allowed to use the restroom; and that they were regularly called names by the father such as dummy, stupid, butt-head, and asshole. Schultz diagnosed the girls with adjustment disorder with depression and concluded that their condition was caused by physical and emotional abuse perpetrated in Texas by their father and stepmother. We conclude that the State has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that in accordance with § 43-247(3)(a), the girls lacked proper care by reason of the fault or habits of a parent.