J.L. v. State Dept. of Human Resources

The Shelby County Department of Human Resources (DHR) petitioned the juvenile court, seeking permanent custody of B.W. and T.L., who are half-sisters, sharing the same biological mother. The court had previously found the children to be dependent, and they were in the temporary custody of DHR. Following oral proceedings, the court terminated the parental rights of J.L., the father, and W.L., the mother, as to T.L. The court also terminated the mother's parental rights as to B.W; B.W.'s father was deceased at the time of the proceedings. J.L. and W.L. appeal.

In order to terminate parental…