Opinion ID: 2018236
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: termination of rights

Text: SDCL 26-8-36 provides as follows: The court may enter a decree terminating all parental rights of one or both parents in the child when it finds that the best interests and welfare of the child so require. This court has recognized that parents have a fundamental right to their children. The right is not absolute and must be balanced against the state's duty to protect children within its borders. People in Interest of D. K., 245 N.W.2d 644 (S.D.1976); In re K. D. E., 87 S.D. 501, 210 N.W.2d 907 (1973). In People in Interest of D. K., supra, this court upheld a finding of dependency and neglect where there was no physical abuse of the child in the usual sense. In D. K., the child had special needs and the mother was incapable or unwilling to care for those special needs. In this case, J.A. has special needs and the parents do not recognize the needs, have refused proffered help, and by their own admissions will not accept assistance in the future. The evidence adduced at trial supports the trial court's determination of terminating the parental rights of Mr. and Mrs. A. Appellants must demonstrate by clear evidence that the trial court abused its discretion in adopting its findings rather than those of the appellants. Matter of S. J. Z., 252 N.W.2d 224 (S.D.1977). The parents failed to meet their burden.