S.A., the Mother v. Department of Children and Families

Summary

The Third District Court of Appeal of Florida affirmed the termination of S.A.’s parental rights. The court held that the trial evidence supported findings that S.A. had not substantially complied with her case plan and that termination was the least restrictive means of protecting the child, and it rejected her claims that she was denied participation and counsel at trial.

Holdings

1. The evidence admitted at trial supported the trial court's findings that S.A. had not substantially complied with the case plan and that termination of her parental rights was the least restrictive means to protect A.M.A. from harm.
2. The record expressly contradicted S.A.'s claims that she was deprived of the right to participate in the trial and was not represented by counsel at trial.

Questions Presented

1. Whether competent evidence supported the trial court's findings that S.A. had not substantially complied with the case plan and that termination of her parental rights was the least restrictive means of protecting A.M.A. from harm.
2. Whether the record supported S.A.'s claims that she was deprived of the right to participate in the trial and was not represented by counsel at trial.

Disposition

affirmed