In re Latisha W.
This case involves an appeal by a mother and father from a Family Court order that found they had abused their children, Latisha W. and Samura W., in a child protective proceeding. The appellate court affirmed the order, concluding that the Commissioner of Social Services had established child abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The decision relied on the detailed, cross-corroborated out-of-court statements made by both children regarding the abuse. Further corroboration came from a social worker's testimony, which noted the children's consistent statements, bed-wetting, and inappropriate sexual behavior. Additionally, a prima facie case of abuse was established against the mother for failing to protect the children and warning them not to disclose the abuse, which she failed to rebut.