In Re Micaela C.

OPINION

The respondent-father, Wesley Spratt (father), appeals from a Family Court decree terminating his parental rights to his daughter, Micaela C., born September 4, 1990. The Family Court terminated the parental rights of Regina C., mother of Micaela, on September 12, 1997 by a default judgment. Only the father is appealing the Family Court decree.

Micaela was committed to the care, custody and control of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF or department) on July 18, 1994 after the child was found to be neglected by the father. On May 10, 1996, the department filed a…