D.M. v. Department of Children & Families

This is an appeal of termination of parental rights for failure to substantially comply with the required case plan. We reverse as to the Mother, B.A., and affirm as to the Father, D.M.

In November 2009, the Department of Children and Families filed a petition for dependency of A.M. (ten years old), S.M. (five years old), and M.M. (seven years old) due to exposure to domestic violence in the home, and alleged abuse and abandonment. B.A. was the victim of D.M.’s alleged violence. Initially, the children were left with B.A., and D.M. was ordered to stay away. The trial court then placed the…