Adoption of Mario

The mother of Mario2 appeals from a decision of the Juvenile Court under G. L. c. 210, § 3, entered April 24, 1996, adjudicating her son to be a child in need of cáre and protection and dispensing with her consent to his adoption.3 She *768argues that (1) the judge’s finding of unfitness was not supported by clear and convincing evidence; (2) his reliance on past patterns of behavior rather than on recent improvements in parenting skills was improper; and (3) the Department of Social Services (department) failed to make the effort required by statute to encourage and strengthen her family. We…