In the Interest of L. E. P.
In the Interest of L. E. P.
Opinion of the Court
The appellant, the natural mother of L. E. P., appeals a juvenile court order declaring the 7-year-old child to be deprived and placing the child in the custody of the county department of family and children services.
The evidence introduced at the hearing revealed that the child
1. There was no dispute that L. E. P. had been sexually abused by her stepfather, and there was clear and convincing evidence to support the court’s determination that the appellant was aware of her husband’s conduct. The issue of whether the appellant’s father is also the father of L. E. P. came into the case only as a collateral matter affecting the appellant’s credibility, and its resolution was unnecessary to the court’s dispositional order. Moreover, the court’s finding on this issue was amply supported by the evidence. We are satisfied that there was “clear and convincing” evidence to support the court’s finding of deprivation and consequently that the transfer of temporary custody to the department of family and children services was fully authorized. See generally OCGA § 15-11-33 (b); In re Suggs, 249 Ga. 365 (2) (291 SE2d 233) (1982).
2. The findings of fact and conclusions of law contained in the trial court’s order are both procedurally adequate and supported by the evidence. See generally Brown v. Fulton County Dept. of Family &c. Svcs., 136 Ga. App. 308 (3) (220 SE2d 790) (1975).
Judgment affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.