In re Zakari W.

Syllabus

The respondent mother appealed from the judgment of the trial court termi- nating her parental rights with respect to her minor child. The mother claimed that the court erred in concluding that she failed to achieve a sufficient degree of personal rehabilitation within the meaning of the statute (§ 17a-112 (j) (3) (B)). Held: The trial court properly concluded that the respondent mother failed to achieve a sufficient degree of rehabilitation such that, within a reasonable time and considering the age and needs of the minor child, she could assume a responsible position in his life, as the evidence adduced at trial, including evidence of the mother's repeated, ongoing failure to comply with her spe- cific steps and her refusal to cooperate with the Department of Children and Families, was sufficient to support the court's finding by clear and convincing evidence as required by § 17a-112 (j) (3) (B). Argued March 19—officially released June 6, 2025