In re the Matter of Declaring M.R.L.

The natural mother of M.R.L. (herein referred to as child) appeals from the order and judgment of the Flathead County District Court declaring the child to be a youth in need of care, and awarding permanent custody of the child to the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (herein referred to as SRS), with authority to consent to adoption.

The natural mother contends first, that the State failed to show through clear and convincing evidence that the child had been abused or neglected; and second, that to permanently deprive her of the custody of her child is too harsh a remedy, and…