In re Jasmine H.
Opinion of the Court
—Order unanimously reversed on the law without costs and matter remitted to Erie County Family Court for further proceedings in accordance with the following Memorandum: Family Court’s termination of respondent’s parental rights is not supported by the record. Petitioner failed to present any evidence to support its position that the best interests of the child would be served if respondent’s parental rights were terminated {see, Family Ct Act § 631), relying solely on the boilerplate allegations of the petition and respondent’s admission at the fact-finding hearing that the child was a permanently neglected child. Respondent presented evidence that she had successfully reached the final level of an alcohol and substance abuse treatment program and that it was anticipated that she would be discharged from the program in 4 to 6 months. Respondent also presented evidence that she had one class to complete in the court-ordered parenting program and that her failure to complete the program prior to the dispositional hearing resulted from changes in the program’s schedule. No evidence was presented by the Law Guardian.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.