Karnes v. Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services
Karnes v. Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services
Opinion of the Court
AFFIRMED.
Dissenting Opinion
dissenting.
The sisters involved in this case were declared to be dependent and were placed in the custody of H.R.S. on April 20, 1981.
In January 1983, H.R.S. petitioned for termination of parental rights and permanent commitment for adoption. The court found that appellants failed to substantially comply with the performance agreement and that it was in the children’s best interest to terminate parental rights. § 409.-168, Fla.Stat. (1981). Its primary reason was appellants’ steadfast refusal to become employed:
The Court is of the opinion that Mr. and Mrs. Karnes have deliberately taken steps to avoid working and to make sure that their situation would not improve, and that therefore, they might maintain their existence living off of welfare benefits.
I agree that the evidence supports the court’s findings, but I do not think there
. Ch. 39, Fla.Stat. (1981).
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.