Opinion
4765.
10-24-2017
In re ZELDA McM., A Dependent Child Under the Age of Eighteen Years, etc., Patrick L.–O. McM., Respondent–Appellant, Administration for Children's Services, Petitioner–Respondent.
Andrew J. Baer, New York, for appellant. Zachary W. Carter, Corporation Counsel, New York (Jeremy W. Shweder of counsel), for respondent. Karen Freedman, Lawyers for Children, Inc., New York (Shirim Nothenberg of counsel), attorney for the child.
Andrew J. Baer, New York, for appellant.
Zachary W. Carter, Corporation Counsel, New York (Jeremy W. Shweder of counsel), for respondent.
Karen Freedman, Lawyers for Children, Inc., New York (Shirim Nothenberg of counsel), attorney for the child.
FRIEDMAN, J.P., RICHTER, ANDRIAS, GISCHE, MOULTON, JJ.
Order of fact-finding, Family Court, New York County (Jane Pearl, J.), entered on or about September 12, 2016, which found that respondent father had neglected the subject child, unanimously affirmed, without costs.
The findings of neglect are supported by a preponderance of the evidence (see Family Ct. Act § 1046[b][i] ). The mother's testimony, which the court credited, was sufficient to establish that the father had committed acts of domestic violence against the mother on at least two occasions, while the child was in close proximity, thereby subjecting the child to actual or imminent danger of physical impairment (see e.g. Matter of Macin D. [Miguel D.], 148 A.D.3d 572, 573, 49 N.Y.S.3d 138 [1st Dept.2017]; see also Matter of Kelly A. [Ghyslaine G.], 95 A.D.3d 784, 784, 945 N.Y.S.2d 293 [1st Dept.2012] ).
Family Court properly drew the "strongest possible negative inference" against the father for his failure to testify (Matter of Ninoshka M. [Liz R.], 125 A.D.3d 567, 568, 4 N.Y.S.3d 201 [1st Dept.2015] ). There are no grounds for disturbing the court's credibility determinations, including the weight to be given to any inconsistencies in testimony, as the court was in the best position to observe and assess the demeanor of the witnesses (see Matter of Nathaniel T., 67 N.Y.2d 838, 842, 501 N.Y.S.2d 647, 492 N.E.2d 775 [1986] ; Matter of Jared S. [Monet S.], 78 A.D.3d 536, 911 N.Y.S.2d 339 [1st Dept.2010], lv. denied 16 N.Y.3d 705, 2011 WL 589734 [2011] ). The mother's detailed testimony concerning repeated incidents of domestic violence was corroborated in part by the caseworker's testimony, photographs documenting injuries, and medical records relating to yet another incident of domestic violence.
Based on the mother's testimony that the father was never sober, used drugs every day, and smoked marijuana while caring for the child, the mother established a prima facie showing of neglect based on the father's misuse of drugs (see Family Ct. Act § 1046[a][iii] ; Matter of Keoni Daquan A. [Brandon W.–April A.], 91 A.D.3d 414, 937 N.Y.S.2d 160 [1st Dept.2012] ). To defeat a finding of neglect on that basis, the father was required to demonstrate that he was voluntarily and regularly participating in a recognized rehabilitative program, which he failed to do (see id. ). Under these circumstances, petitioner agency was not required to establish the child's impairment or risk of impairment ( Keoni, 91 A.D.3d at 415, 937 N.Y.S.2d 160 ).
We have considered the father's arguments and find them unavailing.