Matter of Patrice H.W. (Marcia M.)
This case concerns an appeal regarding the termination of parental rights of Marcia M. to her four children: Patrice H.W., Natalie H.W., Anthony S.W., and Amya S.W. The Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the Family Court's findings of permanent neglect against Marcia M. concerning Patrice and violations of suspended judgments for the other three children. The court found that Marcia M. failed to plan for Patrice's future by not acknowledging problems leading to foster care placement and failed to comply with terms of suspended judgments for the other children. The appeal also dismissed challenges to the dispositional order as it was entered upon default, and rejected claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, concluding that termination of parental rights was in the children's best interests.