Summary
terminating parental rights of woman diagnosed with DID and borderline personality disorder because her condition rendered her incapable of caring for her children
Summary of this case from State v. GreeneOpinion
February 7, 1997.
Order unanimously affirmed without costs.
Present — Green, J.P., Lawton, Doerr, Balio and Fallon, JJ.
Petitioner met its burden of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence that respondent, by reason of mental illness, is presently and for the foreseeable future unable to provide proper and adequate care for her children ( see, Social Services Law § 384-b [c]; Matter of Rime Y., 52 NY2d 242, 247). The court-appointed psychiatrist diagnosed respondent as suffering from multiple personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. He concluded that those conditions rendered her incapable of caring for her children to the extent that, if the children were returned to her, they would be in danger of becoming neglected ( see, Social Services Law § 384-b [a]; Matter of Sunja S., 175 AD2d 132, lv denied 78 NY2d 861, rearg dismissed 80 NY2d 893). The psychiatrist also testified, unequivocally that respondent was not likely to improve significantly and that her inability to care for the children would continue into the foreseeable future ( see, Matter of Pauline Y, 193 AD2d 686; Matter of Omar B., 175 AD2d 834; cf., Matter of Jennifer HH., 193 AD2d 850). Family Court therefor e properly granted the petition and terminated respondent's parental rights pursuant to Social Services Law § 384-b. (Appeal from Order of Erie County Family Court, Szczur, J. — Terminate Parental Rights.)