Opinion
2018–05064 Docket Nos. B–04221–14/16D, B–04221–14/16E, B–04222–14/16D, B–04222–14/16E
04-17-2019
In the Matter of ZAHIMIRE E. G. (Anonymous). Dutchess County Department of Social Services, Respondent; v. LYASIA R. B. (Anonymous), Appellant. (Proceeding No. 1) In the Matter of Zy'ashia D. D. B. G. (Anonymous). Dutchess County Department of Social Services, Respondent; v. Lyasia R. B. (Anonymous), Appellant. (Proceeding No. 2)
Carol Kahn, New York, N.Y., for appellant. James M. Fedorchak, County Attorney, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (Laura Gail Skojec of counsel), for respondent. Diane P. Foley, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., attorney for the children.
Carol Kahn, New York, N.Y., for appellant.
James M. Fedorchak, County Attorney, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (Laura Gail Skojec of counsel), for respondent.
Diane P. Foley, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., attorney for the children.
CHERYL E. CHAMBERS, J.P., HECTOR D. LASALLE, ANGELA G. IANNACCI, LINDA CHRISTOPHER, JJ.
DECISION & ORDERIn two related proceedings pursuant to Social Services Law § 384–b, the mother appeals from an order of the Family Court, Dutchess County (Joseph A. Egitto, J.), dated March 26, 2018. The order, after a hearing, in effect, revoked a suspended judgment of the same court dated December 9, 2015, as extended by an amended order of the same court dated September 23, 2016, terminated the mother's parental rights, and freed the subject children for adoption.
ORDERED that the order dated March 26, 2018, is affirmed, without costs or disbursements.
In August 2014, the petitioner commenced these related proceedings pursuant to Social Services Law § 384–b to terminate the mother's parental rights with respect to the subject children on the ground of permanent neglect. Upon the mother's admission, the Family Court found that the mother permanently neglected the subject children, and a suspended judgment was issued upon certain conditions for a period of six months. The suspended judgment was then extended for an additional six months by an amended order dated September 23, 2016. The petitioner subsequently alleged that the mother had violated multiple conditions of the suspended judgment. After a hearing, the court found that the mother had failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the suspended judgment, in effect, revoked the suspended judgment, terminated the mother's parental rights, and freed the children for adoption. The mother appeals.
The Family Court may revoke a suspended judgment after a violation hearing if it finds, upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the parent failed to comply with one or more of its conditions (see Matter of Selena L. [Susan B.L.], 140 A.D.3d 769, 770, 33 N.Y.S.3d 353 ). Here, we agree with the court's finding, upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the mother had failed to comply with several of the conditions set forth in the suspended judgment (see id. at 770, 33 N.Y.S.3d 353 ; Matter of Mashlai D.M. [Jalisa R.D.], 110 A.D.3d 813, 814, 971 N.Y.S.2d 900 ; Matter of Carmen C. [Margarita N.], 95 A.D.3d 1006, 1008, 944 N.Y.S.2d 214 ). Further, the mother failed to gain insight into the problems that caused the removal of the children and were preventing their return to her care (see Matter of Selena L. [Susan B.L.], 140 A.D.3d at 770, 33 N.Y.S.3d 353 ; Matter of Shamika K.L.N. [Melvin S.L.], 101 A.D.3d 729, 731, 955 N.Y.S.2d 623 ; Matter of Joquan Jomaine–Anthony V., 39 A.D.3d 868, 869, 835 N.Y.S.2d 320 ). Thus, we agree with the court, in effect, revoking the suspended judgment.The record supports the Family Court's determination that it was in the best interests of the children to terminate the mother's parental rights and free the children for adoption (see Matter of Ernesto Thomas A., 5 A.D.3d 380, 381, 772 N.Y.S.2d 708 ).
The mother's remaining contention is without merit.
CHAMBERS, J.P., LASALLE, IANNACCI and CHRISTOPHER, JJ., concur.