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Case No. 19-1271

In the Interest of A.K. and O.S., Minor Children

A.S., Mother-Appellant

G.K., Father-Appellant

Attorney for Appellant Mother

Joshua T. Cobie

Attorney for Appellant Father

Jack E. Dusthimer

Attorney for Appellee State

Meredith L. Lamberti, Assistant Attorney General

Guardian ad Litem

Rebecca C. Sharpe

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
19-1271
Date Published:
Sep 25, 2019
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Scott County, Korie Shippee, District Associate Judge.  AFFIRMED ON BOTH APPEALS.  Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Mullins and May, JJ.  Opinion by Tabor, P.J.  (11 pages)

            Gary and Ashley separately appeal from the termination of their parental rights to two children.  Gary contends the State did not prove the grounds to terminate.  He also argues the State failed to make reasonable efforts to reunite him with the children by providing adequate visitation.  Ashley does not challenge the statutory grounds for termination.  Instead, she argues the State did not make reasonable efforts in considering her sister as a potential guardian and for the children’s placement.  She also argues the court was not acting in the children’s best interests in appointing Department of Human Services (DHS) as the custodian and guardian and severing her parental relationship despite her close relationship with the children.  OPINION HOLDS:  We conclude termination of the parents’ rights is in the children’s best interests.  As is guardianship with the DHS for the purpose of permanency through adoption.  We further find the DHS acted reasonably in the efforts it made to support the parents’ attempts to reunify with the children.  We affirm as to both appeals.

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