In the Interest of A. G.

Summary

The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of a mother’s parental rights to two children. The court held that clear and convincing evidence supported findings of deprivation, continuing parental misconduct or inability, likely serious harm from continued deprivation, and that termination was in the children’s best interests. The evidence included the mother’s failure to comply with reunification services, provide stable housing and employment, or develop a parental bond, despite extensive assistance from DFACS.

Holdings

1. The evidence supported the juvenile court's finding that the children remained deprived at the time of the termination hearing.
2. Clear and convincing evidence supported the finding that the mother's lack of proper parental care or control caused the children's deprivation.
3. The evidence supported the finding that the cause of the children's deprivation was likely to continue.
4. Clear and convincing evidence supported the finding that continued deprivation was likely to cause the children serious physical, mental, emotional, or moral harm.
5. The juvenile court properly found that termination of the mother's parental rights was in the children's best interests.

Questions Presented

1. Whether clear and convincing evidence supported the finding that A. G. and K. G. were deprived at the time of the termination hearing.
2. Whether the mother's lack of proper parental care or control caused the children's deprivation.
3. Whether the cause of the deprivation was likely to continue.
4. Whether continued deprivation was likely to cause the children serious physical, mental, emotional, or moral harm.
5. Whether termination of the mother's parental rights was in the children's best interests.

Disposition

affirmed