In re William J.

Clear and convincing evidence established that respondent-appellant had permanently neglected the children where, despite the agency’s diligent efforts, he failed to plan for their future or maintain contact (Social Services Law § 384-b [7] [a]; see, Matter of Sheila G., 61 NY2d 368). Such efforts by the agency are "subject to the rule of reason” (Matter of O. Children, 128 AD2d 460, 464), and the agency "is not charged with a guarantee that the parent succeed in overcoming his or her predicaments. Indeed, an agency that has embarked on a diligent course but faces an utterly un-co-operative…