Opinion
No. 348001 No. 348002
02-04-2020
In re PRATER/HICKMAN, Minors.
If this opinion indicates that it is "FOR PUBLICATION," it is subject to revision until final publication in the Michigan Appeals Reports. UNPUBLISHED Jackson Circuit Court Family Division
LC No. 17-000578-NA Before: CAMERON, P.J., and SHAPIRO and SWARTZLE, JJ. SHAPIRO, J. (concurring).
I find this a close case, particularly as to whether termination of the respondent-mother's parental rights was in the children's best interests. I do not agree with some of the majority's summary of the facts, which largely omits the efforts by respondent to comply with the case service plan and fully omits the many positive comments and evaluations from the service providers. Moreover, some of the trauma displayed by two of the children was likely related to some sexual contact that appears to have occurred on a school bus while in foster care. However, given the length of time the children were in foster care and because the circumstances giving rise to their removal were not fully resolved, I cannot conclude that the trial court's decision regarding best interests was clearly erroneous. Accordingly, I concur.
/s/ Douglas B. Shapiro