In Re the Guardianship of K.L.F.

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

HANDLER, J.

This appeal raises the same issues and invokes the same concerns as the companion case, In re J.C., 129 N.J. 1, 608 A. 2d 1312 (1992). In this case, the mother voluntarily placed her newborn infant with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS or Division or agency) for temporary custody and care. Following a long period of separation of mother and child the Division brought an action to terminate the parental rights of the mother in order to prepare for the permanent placement of the child. The trial court refused to terminate the…