In re Tahanie S.

These proceedings were commenced pursuant to Family Court Act article 10 upon the filing of two petitions, both dated April 14, 2009, in which it was alleged that Ramon A. (hereinafter the appellant) was a person legally responsible for the care of two female children (hereinafter the subject children), and that these children were neglected by him. The petitions were based on a single incident, in which it was alleged that the appellant, among other things, grabbed one of the subject children on the side of her neck.

The fact-finding hearing began on November 20, 2009. The appellant was…