Want access to unlimited case records and advanced research tools? Create your free CasePortal account now. No credit card required to register.
Try CasePortal for FreeJ. Frierson finds the lower court properly terminated a mother and father's parental rights to their two minor children on grounds of severe child abuse, substantial noncompliance with permanency plans, failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume custody of or financial responsibility for the children, and that it was in the best interest of the children. The twin children were born premature and tested positive for opiates and methadone following their birth. In a Department of Children’s Services interview, the mother admitted to using pills and methadone during the pregnancy and having used heroin three weeks prior to delivery. The father said he knew that the mother was using drugs while pregnant and he also has a history of drug use. The paternal grandparents were given temporary custody, but it was revoked after they left the children with the parents and the parents were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service. At the arrest, drugs, burnt spoons, and syringes were in the home and in reach of the children. The children were placed in foster care and a permanency plan was established for the parents, but DCS eventually petitioned to terminate parental rights after the mother and father were both incarcerated for significant drug-related and other offenses.