Court Opinion

ID: 9712675
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:58:19.29247+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:13.687945
License: Public Domain

NIX, Justice
(dissenting).
I cannot accept the view that the rights of a natural parent may be terminated involuntarily without the showing of willful neglect or fault on the part of the parent. Such a broad, sweeping interpretation of Section 311(2) of the Adoption Act of 1970 would unnecessarily permit an irreparable severance of the parent-child relationship in numerous instances where the parent has no control over the family’s adverse circumstances. Under the majority’s reasoning, the application of Section 311(2) would be appropriate even in those tragic instances where the parent is confined to a medical or mental hospital and it cannot be determined whether the conditions and causes of the incapacity can or will be remedied by the parent.
In the instant case the mother lost custody of all her children in 1967. Since that time she has worked tirelessly to improve her situation in an effort to regain custody of the children and provide a proper home environment. While admittedly she is presently unable to ask for the return of all the children, she believes she can now care for the two eldest. Additionally, she has ex*301pressed a sincere concern for the welfare of the others and her actions demonstrate an unequivocal determination to take those steps which are necessary for her to be reunited with her family. However, even assuming that circumstances beyond her control make it impossible for appellant to achieve her goal, it would be manifestly unjust for the state to deprive the parent of any future union or relationship with her natural child.
Accordingly, I would reverse the decree of the court below.