In re Lee Ann N.

— Mikoll, J.

Respondent challenges Family Court’s finding of permanent neglect of three of her children on the ground that petitioner failed to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that respondent failed to plan for the future of her children. Respondent argues that petitioner failed to prove that it made diligent efforts to strengthen and encourage the parental relationship and, absent such a threshold showing, permanent neglect may not be inferred.

To terminate parental custody on the ground of permanent neglect, petitioner must prove the allegations of its petition by clear and…