AI Generated Opinion Summaries

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 Shannon U. (Mother) concerning her child, Jay Declan M. The Children, Youth and Families Department (the Department) took custody of the child, leading to legal proceedings to terminate Mother's parental rights.

Procedural History

• [Not applicable or not found]

Parties' Submissions

• Petitioner-Appellee (the Department): The Department argued that it made reasonable efforts to assist the Mother in alleviating the causes and conditions that led to the child being taken into custody.
• Respondent-Appellant (Mother): Mother contended that the Department did not make reasonable efforts to assist her, specifically criticizing the lack of immediate access to a psychiatrist and possibly medication for her anxiety, and the timing of her enrollment in inpatient drug treatment.

Legal Issues

• Whether the Children, Youth and Families Department made reasonable efforts to assist the Mother in alleviating the causes and conditions that brought the child into custody.

Disposition

• The termination of Mother’s parental rights was affirmed.

Reasons

• The Court, consisting of Judges Jennifer L. Attrep, Megan P. Duffy, and Jane B. Yohalem, affirmed the termination of Mother's parental rights. The Court considered Mother's memorandum in opposition but remained unpersuaded that the Department's efforts were legally inadequate. The Court clarified that the Department is required only to make reasonable efforts, not to fulfill all possible services or those specifically preferred by the parent. The Court's decision was based on the principle that the Department's obligation is to comply with the minimum required by law, not to meet conditions unilaterally imposed by the parent (paras 1-3).