In re Bethanie AA.
The Family Court of Columbia County adjudicated three children, Breanna BB., David AA., and Bethanie AA., to be neglected by their stepfather, John BB., and derivatively neglected by their half-siblings' mother, Lisa BB. The neglect findings stemmed from John BB.'s admitted sexual intercourse with Bethanie and his failure to take appropriate action after learning that his father had sexually abused Bethanie. On appeal, the court affirmed the Family Court's decision, finding that John BB.'s conduct constituted a failure to exercise a minimum degree of care, placing Bethanie in imminent danger and demonstrating significantly impaired parental judgment. This impairment created a substantial risk of harm to the other children, Breanna and David, supporting the derivative neglect findings. The decision highlighted the father's failure to protect his children and uphold parental responsibilities.