In re Keoni Daquan A.
Opinion of the Court
The record supports the finding that respondent is a “person legally responsible” for his nonbiological children’s care; thus, the finding of neglect with respect to these children is sustainable (Family Ct Act § 1012 [a], [g]; Matter of Yolanda D., 88 NY2d 790, 796 [1996]; Matter of Devina S., 24 AD3d 188, 189 [2005], lv denied 6 NY3d 715 [2006]). The record shows that respondent was the long-term boyfriend of the children’s mother, the biological father of the mother’s other children, and a regular visitor in the mother’s home. Moreover, respondent testified that he, at times, watched the children, assisted with their homework and attended their doctors’ appointments. Accordingly, the record permits “an inference of substantial familiarity” between the children and respondent (Matter of Christopher W., 299 AD2d 268 [2002]). There is no basis for disturbing the court’s credibility determinations (see Matter of llene M., 19 AD3d 106, 106 [2005]). Concur — Gonzalez, P.J., Andrias, DeGrasse, Richter and Abdus-Salaam, JJ.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.