Summary
In Matter of Shaquanna C. (184 AD2d 509 [2d Dept]), the Appellate Division upheld a finding of diligent efforts where the "agency * * * provided the hearing-impaired mother with sign-language interpreters at meetings with social workers, informed the mother of the necessary steps for the return of the children, and arranged for the mother to attend counseling, psychotherapy, and parent training sessions * * * at institutes which provide such assistance to the hearing impaired."
Summary of this case from Matter of La'Asia S.Opinion
June 1, 1992
Appeal from the Family Court, Kings County (Cozier, J.).
Ordered that the orders are affirmed, without costs or disbursements.
Contrary to the mother's contention, the record amply supports the Family Court's findings that the petitioner fulfilled its statutory obligation (see, Social Services Law § 384-b) of employing diligent efforts to strengthen the parent-child relationships (see, e.g., Matter of Gregory B., 74 N.Y.2d 77, 86; Matter of Sheila G., 61 N.Y.2d 368). From the time the children were placed into the custody of the petitioning agency, Forestdale, Inc., the agency developed a regular visitation program, provided the hearing-impaired mother with sign-language interpreters at meetings with social workers, informed the mother of the necessary steps for the return of the children, and arranged for the mother to attend counseling, psychotherapy, and parent training sessions on three different occasions, at institutes which provided such assistance to the hearing impaired. As a result, we find that the agency identified the particular problems facing the mother with respect to the return of her children and made affirmative, repeated, and meaningful efforts to assist the mother in overcoming her handicaps (see, Matter of Gregory B., supra; Matter of Sheila G., supra; Matter of Sharon H., 163 A.D.2d 312).
We additionally find that the evidence adduced at the fact-finding hearing established that the best interests of the children required termination of the appellant's parental rights (Family Ct Act § 623, 631). In particular, the expert testimony of both of the children's psychotherapists indicated that mere contact with the mother would be detrimental to progress made by the children while in foster care. Accordingly, we find that the Family Court properly terminated the parental rights of the mother, and transferred custody and guardianship of the children to the agency, along with the Commissioner of Social Services for the City of New York (see, Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 N.Y.2d 136, 148). Mangano, P.J., Sullivan, Harwood and O'Brien, JJ., concur.