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Case No. 21-1387

In the Interest of L.M. and L.M., Minor Children

S.K., Mother-Appellant

Attorney for Appellant Mother

Keith R. Tucker

Attorney for Appellee State

Natalie Deerr, Assistant Attorney General

Guardian ad Litem

Abby Davison

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
21-1387
Date Published:
Jan 12, 2022
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Mills County, Scott D. Strait, District Associate Judge.  AFFIRMED.  Considered by Tabor, P.J., May, J., and Blane, S.J.  Opinion by Blane, S.J.  (8 pages)

            The mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to her twin children.  She claims the juvenile court erred in finding that the children, who were over four years of age and had been adjudicated in need of assistance, could not be returned to her physical custody.  OPINION HOLDS: Upon de novo review, we find the record of the mother’s methamphetamine addiction, relapse after two drug treatments, unknown whereabouts for five months before the termination hearing, and failure to attend the termination hearing, supports termination under Iowa Code section 232.116(1)(f) (2021), does not support her claim that termination is not in the best interest of the children, and does not warrant an extension to reunify her with the children.  So we affirm the termination. 

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