State Ex Rel. Juvenile Department v. Chapman

The parents appeal from an order terminating their parental rights in their four year-old daughter. The facts amply demonstrate the unusual manner in which the state proceeded. On May 20,1980, police were called to the Chapmans’ home to investigate a family disturbance which had been reported by a neighbor. The deputy who responded to the call found no disturbance, but, finding the house "filthy” and both parents "drunk,” he took the child, Diane, into protective custody. The next day, an order was signed committing Diane to the temporary care and custody of the Children’s Services Division.…