This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
- The case involves the termination of parental rights of Brittany V. (Mother) concerning her child, Khloe M. The Children, Youth & Families Department (the Department) engaged in efforts to assist the Mother in addressing her substance abuse issues, which included random drug and alcohol screening and referrals to drug and alcohol treatment programs. Despite these efforts, the Mother failed to comply with screening, failed to appear at scheduled evaluations, failed to maintain contact with the Department, and did not follow through on outpatient treatment, leading to a relapse into fentanyl abuse.
Procedural History
- [Not applicable or not found]
Parties' Submissions
- Petitioner-Appellee (Children, Youth & Families Department): Argued that their efforts to assist the Mother in addressing her substance abuse issues were reasonable, given the Mother's lack of participation and compliance with the provided services.
- Respondent-Appellant (Brittany V.): Challenged the sufficiency of the evidence regarding the reasonableness of the Department's efforts to assist her and contested the district court’s treatment of certain testimony at the adjudicatory hearing.
Legal Issues
- Whether the Children, Youth & Families Department made reasonable efforts to assist the Mother in addressing her substance abuse issues.
- Whether the district court properly handled certain testimony proffered at the adjudicatory hearing.
Disposition
- The Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of the Mother's parental rights.
Reasons
-
The decision was delivered by Judge Megan P. Duffy, with Judges Kristina Bogardus and Jacqueline R. Medina concurring. The Court found the Department's efforts to assist the Mother in addressing her substance abuse issues to be reasonable, especially considering the Mother's failure to participate meaningfully in the services provided to her (para 3). The Court also held that the district court's treatment of certain testimony at the adjudicatory hearing was within its discretion, dismissing the Mother's challenge on this issue (para 4). The Court's decision to affirm the termination of parental rights was based on the reasons stated in the notice of proposed summary disposition and the memorandum opinion, emphasizing the Mother's lack of compliance and participation in the efforts made by the Department to address her substance abuse issues (para 5).
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