In re Clear

This is a proceeding brought under article 6 of the Family Court Act by the Jewish Child Care Association, an authorized agency, to permanently terminate custody of the mother and award custody of her child to the petitioner.

The history of article 6 is rooted in the concern for children who have been placed in authorized agencies voluntarily or by court order. Studies have shown that the longer a child is left in care the less likely is his return to his natural family. Self-examination by agencies of children in care has shown a substantial number who after placement are rarely visited and…