In re Kim HH.
Kim HH., born in 1983, was living with her mother and stepfather in September 1995 when a complaint was filed with the State Central Registry for Child Abuse and Maltreatment due to statements she made about her home life and treatment. A neglect proceeding was commenced, and Family Court found that respondents (mother and stepfather) subjected Kim to excessive corporal punishment and verbal abuse, constituting neglect. Kim was placed in petitioner's custody. Respondents appealed, but the appellate court affirmed the Family Court's decision, finding sufficient evidence of parental misconduct and harm to the child, including physical injury, fear, and enhanced self-esteem after removal from the household. The court deferred to Family Court's credibility findings regarding Kim's testimony of abuse.