February 1, 2025
AC 47807
Mother appealed the termination of her parental rights, claiming that the trial court improperly concluded that she had failed to achieve the requisite degree of personal rehabilitation required by § 17a-112(j)(3)(B)(i), and further that termination was not in the best interest of the child.
The Court held that the trial court did not err in its determination. The trial court’s findings, which were supported by clear and convincing evidence and not clearly erroneous, established that Mother continued to struggle with substance abuse throughout the life of the case, failed to consistently engage in treatment, and lacked stable housing and income. Although Mother made some progress in treatment programs, her continued relapses and sporadic participation in services undermined any belief that she could assume a responsible parenting role within a reasonable time.
The Court also upheld the trial court’s best interest finding, noting that it was supported by sufficient evidence and not clearly erroneous. Accordingly, the judgment terminating Mother’s parent rights was affirmed.
https://www.jud.ct.gov/external/supapp/Cases/AROap/AP231/AP231.129.pdf
