Adoption of Parker

On October 9, 2007, the Department of Children and Families (department) filed a petition with Middlesex County Division of the Juvenile Court Department (Juvenile Court), alleging that the parents’ two minor children were in need of *620care and protection. On the same date, the Juvenile Court judge issued a temporary order, transferring custody of the children to the department and ordering that a temporary custody hearing be held.

On October 11, 2007, a temporary custody, i.e., seventy-two hours, hearing was held, at which the mother testified. The father, who had outstanding warrants, was not…