Domestic Relations Termination of Parental Rights; Neglect of Parental Duties

cassiejohnson//October 23, 2015//

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The District Court terminated mother’s parental rights, ruling that mother abandoned her child, failed to satisfy the duties of the parent-child relationship, and that the child is neglected and in foster care. On appeal, mother argued that (1) her religious beliefs and mental health were not sufficient bases for terminating her parental rights, (2) she completed enough of her case plan to avoid termination of her parental rights, (3) the record did not show that the county’s efforts to reunify the family were adequate, and (4) she did not abandon the child. The Court of Appeals held that the District Court did not base its decision on mother’s religious beliefs or her mental health. It noted that, to the extent that the District Court considered these matters, it based its decision on the impact mother’s beliefs and health had on her ability to provide for the child. Affirmed.

A15-0494 In re Welfare of Child of D.M.R. (Hennepin County)

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