Opinion
June 15, 1993
Appeal from the Family Court, New York County (Mary E. Bednar, J.).
The unequivocal psychiatric testimony and medical records support the Family Court's conclusion that petitioner established, by clear and convincing evidence, that respondent mother is presently and for the foreseeable future unable, by reason of mental illness to provide proper and adequate care for her children (Social Services Law § 384-b [c]), and that termination of her parental rights is in the best interests of the children (see, Matter of Keon Lee M., 120 A.D.2d 731, 732, citing Matter of Joyce T., 65 N.Y.2d 39). No particular blood relative has any special prior right to custody (see, Matter of Peter L., 59 N.Y.2d 513), and we find that the court's decision as to placement was in the best interests of the children based on the evidence presented (see, Matter of Darlene T., 28 N.Y.2d 391, 395).
Concur — Carro, J.P., Ellerin, Wallach, Kupferman and Ross, JJ.