In the Interest of A. L. E.

Mikell, Judge.

The life of this mentally ill appellant unraveled after her husband was struck down by a massive stroke. Despite this tragic circumstance, we reluctantly affirm the termination of her parental rights. However, we remand for a hearing on appellant’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim.

This court has long recognized that termination of parental rights is a severe measure. There is no judicial determination which has more drastic significance than that of permanently severing a natural parent-child relationship. It must be scrutinized deliberately and exercised most cautiously.…