Adoption of Gillian

The parents appeal from decrees dispensing with their consent to the adoption of their twelve year old daughter Gillian and their nine year old son Stephen pursuant to G. L. c. 210, § 3, and from the denial of their postjudgment motions for relief.

In her appeal, the mother chiefly challenges the ultimate finding of her unfitness as unsupported by the requisite quantum of clear and convincing evidence. The father’s argument on appeal is primarily that termination of his and the mother’s parental rights are not in the best interests of the children. They both contend that entry of a permanent…