In re R.J.W.

The natural parents of R.J.W. bring this appeal from a judgment of the Yellowstone County District Court which declared R.J.W. a youth in need of care, and granted permanent custody of R.J.W. to the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services with authority to consent to his adoption. The natural parents contend that the evidence failed to meet the clear and convincing standard required to establish that R.J.W. is a youth in need of care as defined by section 41-3-102(10), MCA.

The male child was born prematurely September 7, 1979, weighing only four pounds fourteen ounces. The mother had…