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Case No. 21-0574

For summaries from opinions prior to August, 2018, view PDF versions here

In the Interest of S.O., Minor Child

S.O., Minor Child-Appellant

F.O., Father-Appellant

J.O., Mother-Appellant

Attorney for Appellant Minor Child

T. Cody Farrens

Attorney for Appellant Father

Peter A. Goldsmith

Attorney for Appellant Mother

Lori J. Kolpin

Attorney for Appellee State

Meredith L. Lamberti and Charles K. Phillips, Assistant Attorney General

Guardian ad Litem

George C. Blazek

Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals Opinion

Opinion Number:
21-0574
Date Published:
Aug 18, 2021
Summary

            Appeal from the Iowa District Court for Crawford County, Mary L. Timko, Associate Juvenile Judge.  AFFIRMED ON ALL APPEALS.  Considered by Tabor, P.J., and Greer and Ahlers, JJ.  Opinion by Tabor, P.J.  (20 pages)

            A mother, a father, and their child, S.O., all separately appeal the juvenile court order terminating parental rights.  We asked for additional briefing on whether the child has standing to appeal the ground for termination through her attorney, a role bifurcated from her guardian ad litem.  OPINION HOLDS: After reviewing the parties’ supplemental briefs and our case law, we find the child, through her attorney, has standing to appeal the ground for termination.  But we find termination is proper given the history of sexual abuse perpetrated by the father, the parents’ overall denial of the problems, and the lack of progress in safety goals.  So we affirm termination on all appeals.   

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