Opinion
January 29, 1998
Appeal from the Family Court, Bronx County (Marjory Fields, J.).
Petitioner established by clear and convincing evidence that respondent failed to maintain contact with the child, or to plan for her future by taking steps to demonstrate that he has changed his violent assaultive behavior that had led to the child's removal ( see, Matter of Charles Frederick Eugene M., 171 A.D.2d 343, 347-348, appeal dismissed 79 N.Y.2d 977; see also, Matter of Sonia H., 177 A.D.2d 575, 576, citing, inter alia, Matter of Ronald YY., 101 A.D.2d 895) and providing a feasible alternative resource during his extended incarceration ( see, Matter of Charles Frederick Eugene M., supra). There is no merit to respondent's claim that petitioner failed to make diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the family relationship ( see, supra). Family Court also properly found that adoption by her foster mother is in the child's best interests.
Concur — Milonas, J.P., Rosenberger, Williams and Mazzarelli, JJ.