In re Keisha McL.
This case involves an order of disposition from the Family Court, Bronx County, entered on July 31, 1996. The order placed the subject children with the Commissioner for the Administration of Children’s Services for 12 months and directed their foster care agency to commence a termination of parental rights proceeding. This action was taken based on a fact-finding determination that the respondent had sexually abused two of the children. The children's out-of-court statements regarding the abuse were cross-corroborated by each other and further supported by consistent repetitions to their foster mother, a psychologist, and a social worker. Expert testimony confirmed the children's knowledge of sexual acts and symptomatic behavioral changes. The court inferred that the touching was for sexual gratification due to the absence of an innocent explanation. The order was unanimously affirmed.