Opinion
13100B, 13100A, 13100.
10-02-2014
In re EDGARDO YADIEL N., and others, Dependent Children under Eighteen Years of Age, etc., Edwin N., Respondent–Appellant, Episcopal Social Services, Petitioner–Respondent.
Steven N. Feinman, White Plains, for appellant. Rosin Steinhagen Mendel, New York (Douglas H. Reiniger of counsel), for respondent. Tamara A. Steckler, The Legal Aid Society, New York (Bobette M. Masson–Churin of counsel), attorney for the children.
Steven N. Feinman, White Plains, for appellant.
Rosin Steinhagen Mendel, New York (Douglas H. Reiniger of counsel), for respondent.
Tamara A. Steckler, The Legal Aid Society, New York (Bobette M. Masson–Churin of counsel), attorney for the children.
GONZALEZ, P.J., SAXE, RICHTER, FEINMAN, KAPNICK, JJ.
Opinion Orders, Family Court, Bronx County (Karen I. Lupuloff, J.), entered on or about May 10, 2013, which, inter alia, after findings of permanent neglect, terminated respondent father's parental rights to the subject children and committed the custody and guardianship of the children to petitioner agency and the Commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services for the purpose of adoption, unanimously affirmed, without costs.
The record demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the agency made diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen respondent's parental relationship with the subject children (see Social Services Law § 384–b ). The agency referred respondent to individual counseling and programs devoted to parenting skills, domestic violence and anger management. The agency also made efforts to assist respondent obtain suitable housing and arranged a visitation schedule with the children (see Matter of Precious W. [Carol R. ], 70 A.D.3d 486, 897 N.Y.S.2d 9 [1st Dept.2010] ).
Despite these diligent efforts, respondent failed to plan for the children's future by refusing to undergo a mental-health evaluation or to comply with random drug and alcohol testing during the relevant time period. There is also a lack of evidence that respondent obtained adequate housing or stable employment (see e.g. Matter of Paul Michael G., 36 A.D.3d 541, 828 N.Y.S.2d 377 [1st Dept.2007] ), and he frequently failed to attend scheduled visits with the children (see Matter of Jenna Nicole B. [Jennifer Nicole B.], 118 A.D.3d 628, 987 N.Y.S.2d 851 [1st Dept.2014] ).