In re Jonathan D.

Summary

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a judgment terminating Jonathan D.'s parental rights under 22 M.R.S. § 4055. The court held that the trial court's supported findings established that he remained unable to protect the child from jeopardy or assume responsibility within a time reasonably calculated to meet the child's needs, and that termination was in the child's best interest.

Holdings

1. The District Court did not err in determining that the father remained unable to protect the child from jeopardy or take responsibility for the child within a time reasonably calculated to meet the child's needs.
2. The District Court did not err or abuse its discretion in determining that termination of the father's parental rights was in the child's best interest.

Questions Presented

1. Whether competent evidence and clear and convincing evidence supported termination of the father's parental rights on the grounds that he was unable or unwilling to protect the child from jeopardy or take responsibility for the child within a time reasonably calculated to meet the child's needs.
2. Whether the District Court erred or abused its discretion in determining that termination of the father's parental rights was in the child's best interest.

Disposition

affirmed