Opinion ID: 896094
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Likely Continuing or Unremedied Deprivation

Text: [¶ 16] Janet argues the state failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence the deprivation is likely to continue or will not be remedied. Evidence of the parent's background, including previous incidents of abuse and deprivation, may be considered in determining whether deprivation is likely to continue. J.L.D, 539 N.W.2d at 77; In Interest of J.H., 484 N.W.2d 482, 484 (N.D.1992). Evidence of past or present deprivation, however, is not alone sufficient to terminate parental rights, rather there must be prognostic evidence. J.L.D., 539 N.W.2d at 77; In Interest of R.M.B., 402 N.W.2d 912, 918 (N.D.1987). We have defined prognostic evidence as evidence that forms the basis for a reasonable prediction as to future behavior. McBeth v. M.D.K., 447 N.W.2d 318, 321 (N.D.1989). [¶ 17] Prognostic evidence must demonstrate the parent is presently unable to provide physical and emotional care for the child, with the aid of available social agencies if necessary, and that this inability to care for the child `would continue for sufficient time to render improbable the successful assimilation of the child into a family if that parent's rights were not presently terminated.' J.L.D., 539 N.W.2d at 77; J.H., 484 N.W.2d at 484. Additionally, a lack of parental cooperation is pertinent in determining whether deprivation will continue. R.M.B., 402 N.W.2d at 918. Although we are cognizant of the dangers of allowing social workers to determine how a family will be run, the juvenile court may properly consider a parent's cooperation or lack of cooperation with social workers. Id. [¶ 18] In this case, we find ample prognostic evidence the deprivation of Laura and Jennifer is likely to continue unless parental rights are terminated. Furthermore, the juvenile court determined the conditions and causes of deprivation of the children are likely to continue or will not be remedied. [¶ 19] The juvenile court in its February 19, 1997, Temporary Order of Disposition required Janet to follow the recommendations made by Dr. Ascano in his evaluation dated January 7, 1997. The Temporary Order also required her to cooperate with social services in facilitating her visitation with her children, to obtain suitable housing, and to obtain appropriate counseling. [¶ 20] Dr. Ascano recommended counseling and frequent visitation by Janet with her children of three to four times per week. The testimony indicated Janet visited the children only six times over approximately a five month period despite encouragement from social services to exercise her visitation. [¶ 21] The evidence shows Janet was to see Dr. O'Laughlin for counseling. In March 1997, she missed both of her scheduled appointments. In April and May 1997, she failed to even schedule any appointments. Three appointments were scheduled for June of which she kept two, and six appointments were scheduled for July of which she kept two and rescheduled four appointments. [¶ 22] Janet offered a myriad of excuses for the lack of visitation and counseling, including car trouble, weather, and lack of employment. The record, however, reveals Janet was leading a nomadic lifestyle and, at the time of the termination hearing, was living in approximately her fifth home since January of 1997. [¶ 23] There is also evidence at the time of the termination hearing that Janet was still in unstable and questionable living arrangements. [¶ 24] Janet contends she did not receive appropriate assistance from social services to reunite her with her children, but we do not find this contention supported by the evidence in the record. The evidence is social services encouraged and reminded her of her counseling requirements. Social services attempted to set up a parent aide, but was not able to accomplish a home meeting due to Janet's frequent moves and the weather. Social services conducted four Permanency Planning Meetings to discuss the status and plan for this case and gave notice to Janet. Janet did not attend any of these meetings. Furthermore, when social services made arrangements for housing close to the foster care home in an effort to remedy transportation and weather concerns, Janet refused to live in Wahpeton because she felt more comfortable living with her fiance in Milnor, North Dakota, than living alone and because she felt pressured to do something she did not want to do. [¶ 25] At the request of the juvenile court, an expert, Dr. Ascano, evaluated Janet. Dr. Ascano's psychological evaluation, report, and testimony indicate he is of the opinion the causes and conditions of the deprivation of the two children are likely to continue and will not be remedied. Dr. Ascano's opinion is based on Janet's intellectual functioning which falls in the moderate mental retardation range making the likelihood of her rehabilitation guarded to bleak. Dr. Ascano is also of the opinion Janet suffers from a post traumatic stress disorder which would have a profound negative impact on her ability to parent. Dr. Ascano testified that any assistance provided to Janet to improve her parenting capacity would result in limited improvement and would need to be long term or forever because of her limited intellectual functioning. [¶ 26] Our review of the testimony and record supports the juvenile court's determination the deprivation is likely to continue. We thus conclude there is clear and convincing evidence the causes and conditions of Laura and Jennifer's deprivation are likely to continue and will not be remedied.