In the Interest of A.C., Minor Child
J.C., Father-Appellant
Attorney for Appellant Father
Alexandra M. Nelissen
Attorney for Appellee State
Ellen Ramsey-Kacena, Assistant Attorney General
Attorney for Appellee Mother
Todd E. Babich
Guardian ad Litem
Richelle Mahaffey
Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals Opinion
Opinion Number:
Date Published:
Summary
Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Polk County, Brent Pattison, District Associate Judge. AFFIRMED. Considered by Bower, C.J., and Tabor and Chicchelly, JJ. Opinion by Tabor, J. (11 pages)
A father appeals the termination of his parental rights. He contends the State failed to present clear and convincing evidence of the statutory grounds for termination, it is not in A.C.’s best interests to terminate his rights, and the juvenile court should have determined the statutory permissive factors precluded termination. OPINION HOLDS: We agree with the findings of the juvenile court. Because A.C.’s therapist discourages any contact with her father until he acknowledges he sexually abused her, we find the statutory grounds were satisfied. It is in A.C.’s best interests to terminate her parental relationship with Joshua. And no permissive factor prevents termination. So we affirm.