In re Princess Ashley C.
The Family Court's finding of neglect against the mother was unanimously affirmed. The court found that the mother's severe and long-standing mental illness, including major depression, anxiety, and trichotillomania, along with her noncompliance with treatment, put her children in imminent danger. This condition led to actual impairment, causing her inability to provide adequate supervision, resulting in excessive school absences and insufficient food for the children. The court properly denied the mother's request to assign an independent social worker to interview the children, as their stance on having no contact with her remained unaltered through previous interviews. Finally, the court's decision to consolidate the custody and dispositional hearing and award custody to the paternal aunt, Carol E., was upheld, as it was in the best interests of the children.