In Re Declaring Alisa

This is an appeal from an order of the district court, Cascade County, awarding permanent custody of appellant’s three minor children to the Montana Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) as youths in need of care.

Appellant, Henrietta Swan, is the natural mother of Dawn Alisa, Sandra Lea, and Lillian Marie Swan. Henrietta Swan has a long history of inability to care for her children, partially caused by emotional problems and severe alcoholism.

On February 26, 1976, SRS filed a petition for permanent custody and authority to assent to the adoption of the children. A hearing on…