R.A. v. Department of Children & Families

R.A. (father) appeals the trial court’s order terminating his parental rights to his five children. He argues that the court erred in finding the grounds of consent (based on his failure to appear) and abandonment. We agree and, therefore, reverse.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) filed a petition for termination of parental rights (TPR) against the father on the ground of abandonment. The trial court conducted an advisory hearing at which the father appeared by telephone and entered a denial to the petition. The court appointed counsel for the father and scheduled an adjudicatory…