Opinion
Nos. 2013AP1519 2013AP1520.
2013-11-27
In re the Termination of Parental Rights to RHYLEIGH A. C.; a Person Under the Age of 18: Winnebago County Department of Human Services, Petitioner–Respondent, v. Christina M. C., Respondent–Appellant. In re the Termination of Parental Rights to Nevaeh C. B.; a Person Under the Age of 18: Winnebago County Department of Human Services, Petitioner–Respondent, v. Christina M. C., Respondent–Appellant.
The GAL later referred to the children in the context of the special verdict form: The County also directed the jury's attention to the children during closing argument, stating, “Number one focus on these proceedings, as my colleagues have said, is the children. That's why we're here today. It's the children.” Christina did not object to these arguments. The jury found grounds to terminate Christina's rights to both children, and the court, following the second stage that looks to the best interests of the children, ordered that Christina's parental rights be terminated.