Court Opinion

ID: 9766571
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 04:53:41.161023+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:30:23.805038
License: Public Domain

*195Dissenting Opinion by
Wright, J.:
The child here involved is now aged four years and three months. She was cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Austin during eight months of the first year of her life, and has been continuously in the custody of the Austins since August 31, 1963. I feel very strongly that the permanent welfare of this little girl will best be served by not disturbing the existing custody arrangement.
The child’s mother has a family history of mental illness. She has been hospitalized on three occasions for psychiatric treatment. Her marriage to Joseph Campbell has not been dissolved. The man with whom she is living in an illicit relationship was at one time entered in the alcoholic department of Saint Luke’s Hospital. Indeed, the hearing judge made the following significant observation (172a) : “We are dealing here with economic instability in this family. We are dealing with marital instability in this family, and we are dealing with mental instability in the mother. So you have three things that are disintegrating factors in human relationships”.
By way of contrast, the Austins have provided the child with a comfortable abode, and with loving care and solicitude. They are responsible citizens. The child regards the Austins as her parents and their adopted daughter as her sister. She is happy and secure in the only home she has ever known. I would permit her to remain there.
Watkins, J., joins in this dissent.