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Appeals court hears challenge to termination of father's parental rights; DCF and children's counsel support affirmance
Summary
Father appealed a termination‑of‑parental‑rights decree, arguing termination was unnecessary given a reunification plan and that the judge overly relied on his litigiousness; the Department and children's counsel urged affirmance, pointing to long‑standing findings of domestic violence, mental‑health issues and the children's fear. The court took the matter under advisement.
The appeals panel heard argument in Department of Children and Families v. Father, a challenge to a juvenile court decree terminating a father's parental rights.
Appellant counsel Michael Penta argued the termination was an extreme and unnecessary step because the permanency plan focused on reunification with the mother (who had probate orders awarding custody) and because less‑restrictive measures were available to address the father’s litigious…
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