In the Interest of A.B. and I.B., Minor Children
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her children.
Y.B., Mother-Appellant
Attorney for Appellant Mother
William P. Baresel
Attorney for Appellee State
Ellen Ramsey-Kacena, Assistant Attorney General
Guardian ad Litem
Patrick J. Rourick
Supreme Court
Oral Argument Schedule
Non-Oral
Feb 16, 2021 1:30 PM
Briefs
Supreme Court Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mitchell County, Karen Kaufman Salic, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Vaitheswaran, P.J., and Doyle and Ahlers, JJ. Opinion by Doyle, J. Dissent by Vaitheswaran, P.J. (7 pages)
A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her children. OPINION HOLDS: The State proved the grounds for termination under section 232.116(1)(f) and (h) (2019) because the children cannot be returned to the mother’s care without exposing the children to harm. The children’s best interests require terminating the mother’s parental rights, and none of the circumstances set forth in section 232.116(3) exist. DISSENT ASSERTS: Because the mother made marked improvements in her compliance with department expectations notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, I would reverse the termination decision and remand for further proceedings.