In Re: John J.

Syllabus

This is an appeal from an order terminating a Mother's parental rights to her son. The Department of Children's Services filed a petition to have the child declared dependent and neglected when he was observed with burn marks on his thigh and fingers. He was adjudicated to be dependent and neglected, and custody was given to the Department. A petition to terminate Mother's parental rights was subsequently filed and, following a trial, the court held that Mother had abandoned the child by failing to visit him and by engaging in behavior which exhibited a wanton disregard for the child's welfare the court also determined that termination of Mother's rights was in the child's best interest. Mother appeals, contending that the court erred in holding that termination of her rights was in the child's best interest. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court in all respects.