State, Department of Human Services v. Hamilton

OPINION

In this action, instituted by the Department of Human Services of the State, the trial judge declared Pamela I. Hamilton, age 12, a dependent and neglected child within the meaning of T.C.A. § 37-202(6)(iv) 1 on the ground that her natural guardian, her father, had refused to provide necessary medical care for the child. The father has appealed.

Due to the exigencies of the situation, we have suspended certain requirements of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, as authorized by T.R.A.P., Rule 2, but have received briefs and oral arguments have been heard.

Following an evidentiary…