In re the Guardianship of Whitten

Asch, J. (dissenting).

The majority has seen fit to affirm the order of the Family Court which terminated the rights of respondent, Mary Whitten Stringfield, as mother of Star Leslie, on the grounds of permanent neglect. It is my opinion that the order which divests the mother of her child should be reversed and the petition dismissed.

The dispositive order of the Family Court is not simply an award of money damages. It will significantly determine the lives of many people. Because the termination of parental rights is so significant, the Social Services Law requires punctilious compliance with…