In Re Analesia Q.
Syllabus
The Tennessee Department of Children's Services (\DCS\) filed a petition to terminate the parental rights of Cindy B. (\Mother\) and Francisco Q. (\Father\) to their minor daughter, Analesia Q. (the \Child\). Following a bench trial, both parents' rights were terminated pursuant to several statutory grounds, and Father appeals. He challenges the statutory grounds for termination, the trial court's finding that termination of his rights was in the Child's best interests, and the trial court's decision to admit hearsay testimony regarding potential abuse of the Child pursuant to Tenn. R. Evid. 803(25). We reverse the trial court's decision to terminate Father's parental rights for abandonment by failure to visit and severe abuse, and vacate the trial court's decision to terminate Father's parental rights for failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume custody or financial responsibility of the Child. We affirm the termination of Father's parental rights as to the remaining grounds, as well as the holding that termination of Father's parental rights is in the Child's best interests. The ultimate decision of the trial court is therefore affirmed.
Judges: Judge Kristi M. Davis
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