In re Meena B.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Daniel D. Leddy, Jr., J.

This is an application, pursuant to section 358~a of the Social Services Law, to approve a voluntary placement instrument involving the child, Meena B.

At the fact-finding hearing, the caseworker who witnessed the parents’ signatures on the proffered instrument admitted that, at the time, he believed the child to be abused within the meaning of article 10 of the Family Court Act. The case record contains ample evidence to support that belief.

Nevertheless, the parents vigorously deny abusing the child and demand her return. They maintain, and the…