In re L. Children

OPINION OF THE COURT

George L. Jurow, J.

Petitioner, an authorized child care agency, brought this proceeding seeking an order pursuant to Social Services Law § 384-b terminating the parental rights of the respondent mother Patricia L. to her four children, and transferring custody and guardianship to the petitioner, on the grounds that respondent cannot provide adequate care for the children *82because of her mental retardation,1 or alternatively, that respondent has permanently neglected her children.

This proceeding raises the important question, addressed only rarely before in this State, of…