Opinion ID: 2382036
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Final Decision of the Family Court

Text: On June 25, 1997, the Family Court issued its final order and opinion, holding that David remained dependent under 10 Del.C. § 901(8). The court determined that David's physical, mental or emotional health and well-being would be threatened or impaired if he was returned to the custody of his father, who needed to learn appropriate parenting techniques. [5] On the issue of sexual abuse, the court found the [Butlers'] testimony as to [David's] cursing, temper tantrums, statements of sexual abuse, and excessive masturbation to be credible. [6] The court concluded that it would not be in David's best interests to place him in a different foster home when the Butlers were capable of caring for him. [7] Accordingly, the court granted guardianship to the Butlers, with Mother and Father having visitation rights. The court also ordered Father to undergo counseling on mental health, domestic violence, and parenting issues. From this decision, Father and DFS appeal. [8]