Matter of Khaliq William S. (Khaliq William S.)

Summary

The Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed an order terminating the father's parental rights on the ground of permanent neglect and transferring guardianship and custody of the child for adoption. The court held that the agency established by clear and convincing evidence that it made diligent efforts to strengthen the parent-child relationship and that the father failed to plan for the child's return. The court also concluded that a suspended judgment was not in the child's best interests.

Holdings

1. The agency established by clear and convincing evidence that it fulfilled its statutory duty to exercise diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
2. The father permanently neglected the child by failing to plan for the child's return after the agency demonstrated diligent efforts.
3. A suspended judgment was not in the child's best interests, so termination of parental rights and transfer of guardianship and custody for adoption were proper.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the agency established by clear and convincing evidence that it exercised diligent efforts to strengthen the parent-child relationship.
2. Whether the father permanently neglected the child by failing to maintain the relationship or plan for the child's future despite the agency's diligent efforts.
3. Whether a suspended judgment was in the child's best interests at the dispositional hearing.

Disposition

affirmed