In re Donnell R-H Jr., No. 21-6 (June 15, 2022)

Syllabus

The respondent mother appealed from a decree of the Family Court, issued on October 26, 2020, terminating her parental rights to her son. The respondent argued on appeal that the trial justice erred by finding that (1) a chronic \substance abuse problem\ rendered her unable to care for Donnell, (2) DCYF had proven by clear and convincing evidence that respondent was unfit, and (3) it would be in Donnell's best interests to terminate respondent's parental rights.<br><br>The Supreme Court held that the trial justice did not overlook or misconceive material evidence and was not otherwise clearly wrong in terminating the respondent's parental rights. The Court further held the record supported that termination of respondent's parental rights would be in Donnell's best interests. Accordingly, the Court affirmed the decree of the Family Court.