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Appeals court hears challenge to termination of parental rights amid disputed permanency plan
Summary
A three‑judge panel considered whether the trial court properly ended a father’s parental rights where the record showed significant special needs, the children opposed adoption, and the department’s written permanency plan was several years old.
An appeals panel heard arguments in Department of Children and Families v. Child 1 and Others (24‑P‑1053) about whether the trial court erred in terminating a father’s parental rights and whether the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) adoption plan was adequate.
Why it matters: The case presents the tension that sometimes arises when a parent is found unfit but children oppose adoption and DCF’s permanency plan lacks up‑to‑date, case‑specific details. The appellate court’s decision will affect how trial courts weigh termination, the availability of guardianship as an alternative, and required detail in permanency plans under the controlling statutes.
Charles Levin, counsel for the younger child, urged reversal of the termination decree and remand for further consideration of whether termination was required in light of the child’s age and strong bond with his father. Levin argued DCF offered no recent,…
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