Opinion ID: 1345635
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Supplemental Petition

Text: Finally, Billy argues that the court erred in finding that the allegations contained in the supplemental petition were true by a preponderance of the evidence. [5] In order for a juvenile court to assume jurisdiction of minor children under § 43-247(3)(a), the State must prove the allegations of the petition by a preponderance of the evidence. See In re Interest of Heather R. et al., 269 Neb. 653, 694 N.W.2d 659 (2005). The court's only concern is whether the conditions in which the juvenile presently finds himself or herself fit within the asserted subsection of § 43-247. In re Interest of Corey P. et al., 269 Neb. 925, 697 N.W.2d 647 (2005). The supplemental petition alleged that Billy is the stepfather of B.R. and the natural father of E.B. and N.B. The parties stipulated to this allegation. The supplemental petition alleged that the children came within the meaning of § 43-247(3)(a), lacking proper parental care by reason of the fault or habits of Billy in that Billy subjected B.R. to inappropriate sexual contact, placing the children at risk of harm. At the adjudication hearing, the State presented evidence regarding B.R.'s sexualized behavior in her foster home. B.R.'s therapist opined that this behavior indicated prior sexual abuse. Evidence was also presented regarding allegations made by B.R. that her daddy had inappropriately touched her. Billy testified that he had never inappropriately touched B.R. or E.B. However, we give deference to the juvenile court's decision to reject Billy's testimony on this matter. See In re Interest of Corey P. et al., supra . When the evidence is in conflict in a juvenile case, an appellate court may give weight to the fact that the lower court observed the witnesses and accepted one version of the facts over another. Id. Reviewing the evidence in its totality, we conclude that the record supports the finding that the allegations contained in the supplemental petition are true and that the children come within the meaning of § 43-247(3)(a).