In a case involving the Suffolk County Family Court, the mother appealed an order dated February 14, 2024, which released her child to the custody of the father and directed her to complete a parenting skills program. The mother consented to a finding of neglect after failing to enroll her child in school and not complying with various directives related to the child's education and health.
On appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed the order, emphasizing the best interests of the child. The father demonstrated his ability to provide proper care and supervision, while the mother failed to meet the child's educational and medical needs. Despite the mother's contention regarding her right to counsel, the AD2 was of the view that the error did not affect the outcome, as she was later represented by new counsel who supported the finding of neglect and the decision to release the child to the father.
Did someone neglect to tell her she had a losing argument here?
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DECISION