Posted by Hilary B. Miller, Esq. on March 13, 2002 at 13:09:51:
In Reply to: termination of parental rights posted by Tessa Dohse on March 13, 2002 at 12:53:09:
I think you are focusing on the wrong issue. The fact that the father apparently is engaged with his child and provides for her support militate strongly against termination of parental rights. What you are suggesting is that the quality of the father's decision-making when he is exercising his visitation is unacceptable and downright dangerous. If that is the case, then you should seek modification of visitation -- to require visitation only under supervision or under other circumstances where the father's behavior can be controlled or monitored. This approach serves the purpose of continuing the engagement of the father and daughter, continuing the father's support obligation, but protecting the child from bad decisions.