In the Matter of Ward

This matter is being appealed upon a stipulated statement of facts. The stipulated facts are as follows: Sometime prior to September, 1974, the father of Carlene Ward, a minor, failed and refused to support his family, and, since that time, he has had no contact with Carlene. In September, 1974, Beverly Bates Ward, mother of Carlene Ward, came to Michigan from Kentucky with Carlene and her nine other children. This was to be a permanent move and she placed her children with relatives. She paid for their care with A.D.C. payments that she received for each one. Carlene was placed with Mrs.…