In the Interest of D.S., Minor Child
S.S., Father-Appellant
Attorney for Appellant Father
Robert Stone
Attorney for Appellee State
Meredith L. Lamberti, Assistant Attorney General
Guardian ad litem
Kayla Stratton
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Joseph Seidlin, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Potterfield, P.J., and Tabor and Bower, JJ. Opinion by Bower, J. Dissent by Tabor, J. (14 pages)
A father appeals the juvenile court decision terminating his parental rights. OPINION HOLDS: We find there is clear and convincing evidence in the record to support the termination and the State engaged in reasonable efforts to reunite the father with the child. We also find termination is in the child’s best interests. We affirm the juvenile court. DISSENT ASSERTS: I respectfully disagree with the majority’s decision to affirm the order terminating the incarcerated father’s parental rights. By not offering any visitation with D.S., despite the father’s persistent requests, I believe the State failed to satisfy the reasonable-efforts requirement.