Matter of Edubilio Andre R. (Andre R.)
The Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the Family Court's orders of fact-finding and disposition, which determined that the respondent father, Andre R., permanently neglected his children. The Family Court had properly excused the petitioner agency, Cardinal McCloskey Community Services, from its duty to exercise diligent efforts for reunification. This decision was based on the father's felony conviction for sexual abuse, prior findings of sexual abuse against his daughter and medical neglect of his son, and expert testimony indicating that reunification would be traumatic for the children. The court noted the father's failure to participate in services or sexual offender programs while incarcerated. Additionally, appeals from the dispositional portions of the orders were dismissed due to the father's default at the hearings.