Opinion
10-04-2017
In the Matter of Daria S.H.–A. (Anonymous). New Alternatives for Children, INC., Petitioner–Respondent; Yolanda H. (Anonymous), Respondent–Appellant. (Proceeding No. 1) In the Matter of Maya S. H.–A. (Anonymous). New Alternatives for Children, INC., Petitioner–Respondent; Yolanda H. (Anonymous), Respondent–Appellant. (Proceeding No. 2) In the Matter of Melvin U.W.H. (Anonymous). New Alternatives for Children, INC., Petitioner–Respondent; Yolanda H. (Anonymous), Respondent–Appellant, et al., Respondent. (Proceeding No. 3).
Richard L. Herzfeld, New York, NY, for respondent-appellant. Law Offices of James M. Abramson, PLLC, New York, NY (Rachel Ambats of counsel), for petitioner-respondent. Seymour W. James, Jr., New York, NY (Tamara A. Steckler and Riti Singh of counsel), attorney for the children.
Richard L. Herzfeld, New York, NY, for respondent-appellant.
Law Offices of James M. Abramson, PLLC, New York, NY (Rachel Ambats of counsel), for petitioner-respondent.
Seymour W. James, Jr., New York, NY (Tamara A. Steckler and Riti Singh of counsel), attorney for the children.
ORDERED that the appeal from the order of fact-finding and disposition pertaining to the child Maya S. H.–A. is dismissed as academic, without costs or disbursements, as that child has since reached the age of majority (see Matter of Francisco Anthony C.F., 305 A.D.2d 410, 411, 758 N.Y.S.2d 501 ); and it is further,
ORDERED that the orders of fact-finding and disposition pertaining to the child Daria S. H.–A. and the child Melvin U.W.H. are affirmed, without costs or disbursements.
In these proceedings pursuant to Social Services Law § 384–b to terminate the mother's parental rights to the three subject children, the Family Court, after fact-finding and dispositional hearings, issued three orders of fact-finding and disposition (one as to each child). The court found that the mother permanently neglected the subject children by, among other things, failing to plan for the future of the children, although physically and financially able to do so, notwithstanding the petitioner's diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the parental relationship (see
Social Services Law § 384–b [4 ][d]; [7] ). The court terminated the mother's parental rights and transferred guardianship and custody of the children to the petitioner and the Commissioner of Social Services of the City of New York for the purpose of adoption. The mother appeals.In proceedings to terminate parental rights based on permanent neglect, the agency must establish as a threshold matter that it made diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the parental relationship (see Social Services Law § 384–b[7][a] ; Matter of Sheila G., 61 N.Y.2d 368, 373, 474 N.Y.S.2d 421, 462 N.E.2d 1139 ). The diligent efforts must include reasonable attempts at providing counseling, scheduling regular visitation with the child, providing services to the parents to overcome problems which prevent the discharge of the child into their care, and informing the parents of their child's progress (see Social Services Law § 384–b[7][f] ; Matter of Hailey ZZ. [Ricky ZZ.], 19 N.Y.3d 422, 429, 948 N.Y.S.2d 846, 972 N.E.2d 87 ). Contrary to the mother's contention, the petitioner met its initial burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence that it exercised diligent efforts to strengthen the parental relationship between the mother and the children (see Social Services Law § 384–b[7][a], [f] ; Matter of William Z. [Millie A.S.], 123 A.D.3d 937, 938, 999 N.Y.S.2d 137 ; Matter of Tarmara F.J. [Jaineen J.], 108 A.D.3d 543, 543, 969 N.Y.S.2d 119 ).
Since the child Maya S. H.–A. has reached the age of majority since the entry of the order of fact-finding and disposition pertaining to her, appellate review of the disposition in the proceeding involving her has been rendered academic (see Matter of Teshana Tracey T. [Janet T.], 71 A.D.3d 1032, 1033, 896 N.Y.S.2d 470 ; Matter of Francisco Anthony C.F., 305 A.D.2d 410, 411, 758 N.Y.S.2d 501 ).
The mother's remaining contention is without merit.
DILLON, J.P., COHEN, BRATHWAITE NELSON and IANNACCI, JJ., concur.