Opinion
July 14, 1995
Appeal from the Jefferson County Family Court, Hunt, J.
Present — Denman, P.J., Green, Pine, Callahan and Davis, JJ.
Order unanimously affirmed without costs. Memorandum: Family Court's finding of permanent neglect is supported by clear and convincing evidence. The record establishes that petitioner discharged its statutory obligation to make diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the parental relationship ( see, Social Services Law § 384-b [a]; Matter of Chianti FF., 205 A.D.2d 849, 850). Petitioner made repeated attempts to assist respondent in overcoming the problems preventing the return of the children by providing alcoholism treatment, marital counseling, mental health evaluation and parenting classes ( see, Matter of Sheila G., 61 N.Y.2d 368, 385; Matter of Albert T., 188 A.D.2d 934, 936). For more than a year preceding the filing of the petitions, respondent failed to utilize those services, continued to abuse alcohol and made no progress toward accomplishing a realistic plan for the children's future ( see, Matter of Matthew Thomas H., 216 A.D.2d 882; Matter of Robert Lee W., 198 A.D.2d 808; Matter of Richard VV., 122 A.D.2d 431, 432; see also, Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 N.Y.2d 136, 143).
The record also supports the court's determination that termination of respondent's parental rights is in the children's best interests ( see, Matter of Star Leslie W., supra, at 148).