WPCfh ^x/voT0P^ԡ&@r8'd7ZNVu%p8R؋)4[ŭנ9BeUZj %؁BQ?4wBfSX TA:yQQJdak%NU*}E~~ 0U# 0# 0$ 0% 0& 0' 0f( 0@) 0* 0C* 0.+ 0, 0, 0- 0x.bC/ 0K/ 00 0@0 01 01 02 03 0N4 05 05 06 00Z7 0<7 07 0>8 0v8 0`89 0`9 0`9 0`X: 0`: 08; 0P; 02"< 0T< 0:P= 0Y= 0_= 0 B> 0jL? 0@ B*:B D/dBB 0C 0,E 0F 06F 0G B#H 0^@H 0H D3BI D-uI 0KII ASLM 0M 0DrN ANaO QmRQW[3`boc^ Yfwef4if}ff mf#f(@ Z6Times New Roman Regular(`$.8dd8    ("  Z6Times New Roman Regular*8M (_11  h  p x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  N)2dxd C:\PROGRA~1\COREL\WORDPE~1\TEMPLATE\CUSTOM~1\REVISE~1.WPTC:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2000\Template\Custom WP Templates\revised standard opinion.wpt42Variable2 0CommentB  <6X9`(Courier New(#$  0  Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5\  `&Times New Roman%2A`Arial s R$      1    _ԀBeforethefirsttrial,JudgeMcDowellagreedthatanattorneyshouldbeappointedtorepresentMs.Valledue  toherhistoryofmentalillnessandthataguardianadlitemwasneededtorepresenttheneedsofthechildren.OnApril x 29,1998,orderswereenteredappointinganattorneyadlitemtoprotectthelawfulrightsofMs.Valleandaguardian @ adlitemwasappointedfortheprotectionofthechildrensrights. t R$      2    _ԀAtthetimeoftheinterview,R.V.andO.V.werelivingwithfosterparents.Theguardianadlitemwas   veryimpressedwiththeconditionsofthechildrenandequallyimpressedwiththefactthatthechildrenhaveastable x home....Atthetimeoftheinterview,Ms.Vallewaslivingat1373_Faxon_,aboardinghouse.Theguardianadlitem @ describedtheenvironmentas unstable.  R$      4    _ԀMs.FannieLamarwasthepreviouscasemanager.ShetestifiedonbehalfofCASAatthefirsttrialinMay  of1998. R$      6    _ԀTheprotectiveorderforO.V.wassignedon6/6/95andtheorderforR.V.wassignedon7/9/96. R$      5    _ԀTheexactnatureofMs.Vallesmentalillnessisnotinrecord.  R$      7    _ԀThisletterwasfromAlisonM.Lozano,theChiefofSocialWorkforUT.Ms.LozanoindicatedthatMs.  Valle monopolizedtheclasstalkingaboutissuesthathadnothingtodowiththeclassdiscussion.Furthermore,Ms. x Vallegotintoaverbalaltercationwithanothermemberoftheclassandthenrefusedtoletthematterend.  R$      8    _ԀOncrossexamination,Ms.VallesattorneyquestionedMs.BruntastowhetherDCSprovidedareferralto  aparentingclassspecializinginparentswithmentalillnesses.Ms.BruntansweredthatDCSdidnot.Also,Ms.Brunt x admittedthatshewasnotsurewhetherMs.VallereceivedacopyoftheenrollmentletterfromtheParentingCenter. @ Ms.ValletestifiedthatshewasnevernotifiedofherenrollmentintheParentingCenterClassandthatshewasunder X theimpressionthatDCSdidnotwanthertoattendanymoreparentingclassesaftertheincidentatUT.  R$      3    _ԀAnOrderwasenteredonJune7,2001,statingthat:   Ї8  8`   UponcarefulconsiderationofthetrialmemorandafiledbytheRespondentandthe  AttorneyGeneralandtheargumentsofcounsel,andinlightoftherecentdecision x oftheCourtofAppealsinInreValentine,No.W199901293COAR3CV,2001 @ WL277979(Tenn.Ct.App.WSmarch19,2001),theCourtisoftheopinionthat X theRespondentschallengeisnotwelltakenandthattheRefereeisauthorizedto   hearthiscase.ItissoORDERED.  R$      9    _ԀMs.Valletestifiedthat,atthetimetheinitialplanforO.V.wasdrafted,shewasreceivingtreatmentforher  mentalillnessatSt.JosephunderthesupervisionofaDr.Rao.However,accordingtoherowntestimony,shedidnot x remembergivingthisinformationtoDCS.WhenSt.JosephsHospitalclosed,Dr.RaoreferredMs.ValletoMidtown @ MentalHealthCenterforcontinuationofhertreatment.Ms.Vallewastreatedwithmedication,includingLithium.Ms. X VallesmostrecentvisittoMidtownMentalHealthCenterwasonemonthpriortothesecondtrial.AlthoughMs.Valle   producedsomemedicalrecordsforthesecondtrial,theserecordsdidnotincludeanyperiodbeforeMayof1998.*+ (_2623  ..*G+M (_25   /%` ` hp x /23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *D+M (_24   ," hp x ,23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *A+M (_23  ` ) hp x )23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *>+M (_22   &hhp x &23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *;+M (_21   #p x #23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *8+M (_20  h  p x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *5+M (_19   pp x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  *2+M (_18    x 23  ..  5+ ` hp x 5  * (_1723  Ԁ*GM (_16   /%` ` hp x /23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *DM (_15   ," hp x ,23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *AM (_14  ` ) hp x )23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *>M (_13   &hhp x &23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  *;M (_12   #p x #23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  - -*5M (_10   pp x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  (2M &_9    x 23  Ԁ  5+ ` hp x 5  ( &_823  (GM &_7   /%` ` hp x /23   5+ ` hp x 5  (DM &_6   ," hp x ,23   5+ ` hp x 5  (AM &_5  ` ) hp x )23   5+ ` hp x 5  (>M &_4   &hhp x &23   5+ ` hp x 5  (;M &_3   #p x #23   5+ ` hp x 5  (8M &_2  h  p x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  (5M &_1   pp x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  &2M $_    x 23   5+ ` hp x 5  0.Normal<:Definition T<AA:Definition L , 5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 586Definition(''&H1      (&H2  (&H3  (&H4 XXX (&H5  (&H6  20Address8MM6Blockquote , , 5+ ` hp x 5   5+ ` hp x 5,*CITE,dl*CODEK <6X9`(Courier NewKS\  `&Times New RomanS42Emphasis64Hyperlink    <:FollowedHype    4go2Keyboard K <6X9`(Courier NewKS\  `&Times New RomanS <:Preformatted/%  ,Kk %#/K <6X9`(Courier NewKS\  `&Times New RomanS/%  ,Kk %#/<:zBottom of 7O(X7  ?%2A`Arial?  S\  `&Times New RomanS7Z(X7&  d dN)1dxd  R$      10    _ԀR.V.wasnotbornuntilJuly6,1996sothe1995visitandapproximatelyhalfofthe1996visitswereonly  withO.V.<:zTop of For7(X7  ?%2A`Arial?  S\  `&Times New RomanS7Z(X7(|G2$ !.8dd8         0  0KS.SampleK <6X9`(Courier NewKS\  `&Times New RomanS0.Strong 8dl6TypewriterK <6X9`(Courier NewKS\  `&Times New RomanS d: 8HTML MarkupB      (|3y4$ !.8dd8     VVVV'dxd)!dxdx( $ Figure  1    R$      11    _ԀMs.Vallewasincarceratedduringpartof1998.Shemadenoattemptstoseeherchildrenduringthisperiod,  althoughthereissomeindicationintherecordthatshetriedtovisitaftershewasreleased.Ms.Valletestifiedthatshe x contactedDCSconcerningavisitapproximatelytwoweeksaftershewasreleasedfromprisononApril8,1998.There @ isalsosomeconfusioninMs.BruntstestimonyastowhethertherewasavisitbeforethefirsttrialsometimeinApril X orMayof1998.^_X`YE<<CLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5(|3y4$ !.8dd8     ($$   1  X[Z&OLE 2.0 Box <=8C HKKKK  R$      12    _ԀThesevisitsoccurredonApril26,May9,andMay24of2001.Ms.BrunttestifiedthatMs.Vallearrived  ontimeandwasattentivetoherchildren.However,thechildrendidnotrecognizeMs.Valleastheirmotherbutonly x asa ladytheywerecomingtovisit.  R$      13    _ԀO.V.hasaheartcondition!a rapidheartcondition,accordingtoMs.Brunt,whichhasresultedin  hospitalization.O.V.isrequiredtotakemedicationthreetimesperdayforhiscondition.R.V.isanasthmaticand x alsotakesmedicationforthatcondition. c R$      14    _ԀMs.Vallecitesthefollowingexamplefromtherecord:   Ї8  8`   THECOURT:Soconsequently,theDepartmentofChildrenServicesreferredMs.  Valletothementalhealthwhichshedidntgotoordidgoto.x` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:Well,Idontknowthatthatistrue,YourHonor.X` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Well,` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:Maybethewitness!( x` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:!thefactthatwhetherornottheyknewshewasonnoticebecause    theyreferredhertoit,soIthinkthatsagiventhattheythoughtthatshehadan    involvementtheresoshewasreferredtoit,butshedidntgo.Thatsthequestion, H   astowhetherornotshewent.  R$      15    _ԀMs.Vallecitesthefollowingexamplefromtherecord:  8  8`   THECOURT:Ms.Davis,Imtellingyouagainthatitsaysherewhenthiscase @ startedacoupleofdaysagoitseemsthatpartoftheresponsibilitiesofthemother X was[sic]tocomplywiththementalhealthplanofrecommendation,andsoshewas   referredtoitandwhethershewentornotiswhatsthematter.` x` x 8  8`   ***( x` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:YourHonor,withallduerespect,Idontthinkthetestimonyhasbeen    thatshehasbeenreferredanywherebytheDepartment.  ` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Imjustsayingthatshesaidsheshouldcomplywithit.She `  doesnt!shedidntsignanyrelease,donthaveanyinformation,sowhyspendany (  moretimelookingforsomethingthatsnotthere? ` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:Well,thequestion,YourHonor,iswhetherornotareleasewas 0  providedforhertosign.Ifthetestimonyisthatsherefusedtosignarelease,then H  thequestionIhaveis,doyouhavethereleasetodemonstrateortoevidencethat  onewas!` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Itisnotsigned.h` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:Correct.` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Thatseemsnonproductivetofindthatunsignedreleaseinthere, 8 because![tothewitness]quitlookingfortherelease.Wewillsaythattheresno P unsignedreleaseshowntothesatisfactionoftheCourt.TheCourtwillhaveto  evaluatethat. Q R$      16    _Ԁ See Rule10,SupremeCourtRules.Canon3(B)(4)statesthat [a]judgeshallbepatient,dignified,and  courteoustolitigants,jurors,witnesses,lawyers,andotherswithwhomthejudgedealsinanofficialcapacity....This x duty,however,isbalancedagainstthedutyimposedbyCanon3(B)(8),whichisto disposeofalljudicialmatters @ promptly,efficiently,andfairly. R$      17    _ԀMs.Valletestifiedthatshereceivesapproximately$457.00permonthinSSIbenefits.  R$      18    _ԀT.C.A.361113(g)(8)(B)(i)providesthatthecourtmayterminateparentalrightsifclearandconvincing   evidenceexiststhat: Theparentofguardianofthechildisincompetenttoadequatelyprovideforthefurthercareand  supervisionofthechildbecausetheparentsorguardiansmentalconditionispresentlysoimpairedandissolikelyto x remainsothatitisunlikelythattheparentorguardianwillbeabletoassumeorresumethecareofandresponsibility @ forthechildinthenearfuture...`vr-s ],01s033|xUHP LaserJet 4 Plus,,,,,,0 !.8dd8     _  8XXdd8  @ INTHECOURTOFAPPEALSOFTENNESSEE  @%ATJACKSON# #Ԉ ,   September19,2002Session X XX #XX#INTHEMATTEROF:_R.C.V._Ԁand_O.V._,childrenundertheageof18  ` yearsXX  ( x @@ ADirectAppealfromtheJuvenileCourtforShelbyCounty 0  @@No.J2905TheHonorableGeorge_Blancett_,SpecialJudge  p @@*AV) ` dE<` A @  @@TTNo.W200102102_COA_ԄR3JVFiledNovember18,2002 ?  AV) ` dE<` A     XJXXX  Thisisaterminationofparentalrightscaseonappealforthesecondtime.ThisCourtinthe  firstappealreversedtheorderofthejuvenilecourtterminatingtheparentalrightsoftheparties   primarilybecausethetrialcourtfailedtoprovidecounseltothepartiespursuanttoRule39,Tenn.  R._Juv_.P.Onremand,thejuvenilecourtfoundclearandconvincingevidencejustifyingtermination  ofparentalrightspursuanttotheapplicablestatutesandthatterminationwasinthechildrensbest ~ interests.Thejuvenilecourtalsoheldthattheappointmentofaspecialjudgeinthisinstancewas j notunconstitutionalnorwastheparentdenieddueprocessintheterminationproceeding.As V appealed,weaffirm. B #XXXXJF##XX#XX: Tenn.R.App.P.3;AppealasofRight;JudgmentoftheJuvenileCourtAffirmed  ^   #XJ #XX.W.FrankCrawford,_P.J._,_W.S._,deliveredtheopinionofthecourt,inwhichDavidR.Farmer, > J.andHollyKirby_Lillard_,J.,joined. . WebbA.Brewer,_Barbaralette_ԀG.Davis,Nancy_Percer_ԀKessler,MemphisAreaLegalServices,Inc., !  ForAppellant,CynthiaValle "! PaulG.Summers,AttorneyGeneralandReporter,DouglasEarl_Dimond_,AssistantAttorney $# General,_ForAppellee_,TennesseeDepartmentof_Childrne_'sServices ~% $   OPINION #XX #XX ^'"& #XX #XX  8JXXdXXd8    Theparentsofthetwochildren,O.V.andR.V.,are_Gilberto_ԀandCynthiaValle.O.V.was >)$( bornonMay11,1995.OnJune6,1995,O.V.wasfoundtobedependentandneglectedandplaced .*~%) inthecustodyoftheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServices(DCS).R.V.wasbornonJuly +n&* 6,1996,andonJuly9,1996,shewasplacedinDCScustodyasadependentandneglectedchild. ,^'+ Bothchildrenwereplacedinfostercare,andcourtapprovedplanswereadoptedforbothwiththe ,N(, goalofreunificationofthefamily.OnMarch4,1997,CourtAppointedSpecialAdvocate(CASA) ->)- wasappointedafterDCSrecommendedthatthechildrenstayinfostercare.OnFebruary20,1998,  CASAfiledapetitionforterminationofparentalrightspursuantto_T.C.A._36-1-113(c)alleging  that:(1)thechildrenhadbeenabandonedpursuantto_T.C.A._Ԁ36-1-113(g)(1)asdefinedin_T.C.A._  36-1-102;(2)pursuantto_T.C.A._Ԁ36-1-113(g)(2)and37-2-403appellantsfailedto  substantiallycomplywiththeplansofcare;(3)pursuantto_T.C.A._Ԁ36-1-113(g)(3)(A)(I-iii)the p childrenwereremovedfromappellants'homebycourtorderforaperiodofsixmonths,andthatthe `  conditionsthatledtoremovalpersistwithlittlelikelihoodofanearlyremedy;and(4)that P  terminationwasinthebestinterestofthechildren.ThecasewasheardonMay28,1998,bySpecial @  JudgeGeorge_Blancett_.Attheconclusionofallproof,thetrialcourtruledfromthebenchthatthe 0  parentalrightsof_Gilberto_ԀandCynthiaVallewouldbeterminated.Theorderterminatingparental  p  rightswasenteredJune24,1998.OnAppeal,thisCourtreversedtheorderofthetrialcourtand `  remandedthecaseforasecondtrial.Ourdecisionwasbasedprimarilyonthetrialcourtsfailure P  toinformthefather,_Gilberto_ԀValle,ofhisrighttoanattorney. See  InreValle, 31S.W.3d566 @  (Tenn.Ct.App.2000).   0      Beforethesecondtrial,thechildrensfather,_Gilberto_ԀValle,died.Sincehisdeath,the  mother,CynthiaValle( Ms.Valle,or Appellant),hasproceededonthismatteralone.Priorto  thesecondtrial,asupplementalreportandrecommendationwasfiledbythecourtappointed  guardianadlitem.  #  1      ׀Inpreparingthesupplementalreport,theguardianadlitemreviewedtherecords  oftheJuvenileCourtandtheDCS,discussedthecasewithMs.Valle,andvisitedwiththechildren._  #  2      _Ԁ  Aftertheseinterviews,theguardianadlitemrenewedhispreviousfindingthat themotherappears p tocareandwantcustodyofthechildren,but[shedoes]notseemtobeinapositiontotakecareof ` theminorchildrenortoprovideasuitableresidenceforherorherchildren.Theguardianadlitem P recommendedthatcustodyremainwithDCSandthatMs.Vallesparentalrightsbeterminated. @   ThesecondtrialtookplaceintheJuvenileCourtofMemphisandShelbyCountybefore  p SpecialJudgeGeorge_Blancett_ԀonJune7,2001.Attheoutsetofthetrial,MemphisAreaLegal ` Services(MALS),whorepresentedMs.Valle,objectedtoSpecialJudge_Blancett_Ԁhearingthecase. P MALSarguedthatSpecialJudge_Blancett_sappointmentwasnotconsistentwithRule11ofthe @ TennesseeSupremeCourtor,alternatively,that_T.C.A._Ԁ172118(f)wasunconstitutional.The 0 juvenilecourtoverruledMALSobjectionandthecaseproceeded.  #  3      ׀     Ms.MarieBrunt,acasemangerinadoptionfortheDCS,testifiedonbehalfofCASA,using  notesofeventsinthecasefileofDCS.Ms.BruntwasassignedtotheVallecaseinFebruaryof  2000.  #  4      ׀    Ms.BrunttestifiedthatbothO.V.andR.V.cametotheattentionofDCSshortlyaftertheir p respectivebirthswhenthehospitalcontactedDCStoexpressconcernaboutreleasingthechildren `  toMs.Valleduetohermentalcondition.`   #  5      ׀Bothchildrenweretakendirectlyfromthehospitalinto P  protectiveservices.   #  6      ׀Neitherchildhasbeenreturnedtothemothersincebeingtakenintostate @  custody.AccordingtoDCSpolicy,aplanwasapprovedforO.V.onJuly7,1995andaplanfor 0  R.V.wasapprovedonAugust8,1996.Thegoaloftheoriginalplanwasreunificationofthefamily.  p    TheoriginalplanslistedthreerequirementsforMs.Valle:(1)toseekandcompletemental P  healthtreatment,(2)toattendparentingclasses,(3)tocontactDCSforvisitationwithherchildren. @  AfourthrequirementthatMs.VallesignareleasesothatDCScouldobtainhermentalhealth 0  recordswasaddedinasubsequentreviewoftheplan.DCSreferredMs.ValletoTheUniversity   ofTennesseeforparentingclasses,beginninginJuly1996.OnAugust8,1996,DCSreceiveda  letterdischargingMs.Vallefromtheparentingclassbecause [Ms.Valles]mentalillnessis  preventingherfromlearningappropriateparentingskills.   #  7      ׀AfterMs.Vallewasdismissedfromthe  UTparentingclass,DCSenrolledherinanotherclassattheParentingCenter.Ms.Vallefailedto   attendtheParentingCenterclass.  #  8      ׀DespiteDCSrequests,Ms.Vallealsofailedtoprovideproof  thatshewascomplyingwithhermedicationregimefortreatmentofhermentalillness.  #  9      ׀Ms.Valle   alsofailedtomaintaincontactwithDCSregardingherchildrenandhervisitation.AccordingtoMs.  Brunt,Ms.VallealsofailedtosatisfythefourthrequirementbysigningareleaseinorderforDCS  tobeinformedoftheprogressofhertreatmentformentalillness.AccordingtoMs.Valles  testimony,shedoesnotrecallhavingbeenaskedtosignarelease. p   Regardingvisitation,Ms.BrunttestifiedthatMs.Vallevisitedoncein1995,ninetimesin P  1996.The1995and1996visitswereuneventful,exceptforthefactthatMs.Valleoftenleftearly.P@  #  10      ׀ @  Thereweretwovisitsin1997.Duringthe1997visits,Ms.BrunttestifiedthatMs.Vallesbehavior 0  became aggressiveandhostile,andthatsecuritywascalledtoescortherfromthebuilding.After  p  Marchof1997,Ms.Vallemadenofurtherattemptstovisitwithherchildren.\  #  11      ׀In2001,following `  ahearinginMarch,anewvisitationschedulewassetupforMs.Valle.Sincethattime,shehashad P  threevisitswithherchildren,allofwhichwentwell.bH   #  12      ׀Duringthesevisits,Ms.Vallewas @  accompaniedbyhersister,_Leatrice_ԀTownsend,andhermother.Ms.Townsendtestifiedthatshehad 0  calledMs.FannieLamaratDCSatleasttwicetorequestthatshe[Ms.Townsend]beallowedtosee   thechildrenindependentofwhetherMs.Vallewasthereandwastoldthatsuchvisitationwas  impossibleiftheparentwasnotpresent.Ms.BrunttestifiedthatDCShasmadeeveryeffortto  accommodateMs.Vallesrequestsforvisitationwiththechildren;however,duetoillness,oneor  twovisitsweredenied.ch  #  13          Astomonetarysupport,Ms.BrunttestifiedthatMs.Vallehasneverprovidedmoneyforthe p careofherchildren.Ms.Valletestifiedthathermonthlyincomewas$457fromSSI.OnAugust ` 5,1997,thegoaloftheplanwaschangedfromfamilyreunificationtoadoption.Ms.Brunttestified  thatthereasonforthechangewasduetoMs.Vallesfailuretocomplywiththeplanofcareandthe  DCSbelief,basedonthemotherspasthistory,thatthefailuretocomplywouldnotberemedied  inthefuture.    Astopossiblefamilymemberadoptionofthechildren,Ms.TownsendandMs.Valleboth `  testifiedthatthefamilydiscussedthepossibilityofoneofthemadoptingthechildrenanddecided P  thatMs.Vallesaunt,AnnHarris,shouldpursuethispossibility.Ms.BruntofDCStestifiedthat, @  althoughMs.Harrisinitiatedtheadoptionprocess,shefailedtosatisfyalloftheprocedural 0  requirements.Ms.Townsendtestifiedthat,afterMs.Vallesparentalrightswereterminatedafter  p  thefirsttrial,she[Ms.Townsend]alsoinquiredaboutadoptingthechildren.Ms.Townsenddidnot, `  however,followthroughbecauseitwasherunderstandingthataterminationofMs.Vallesrights P  alsoprecludedthefamilyfrompursuingadoptionorotherassociationwiththechildren. @    AtthecloseofMs.Bruntstestimony,CASArestedtheircase.Atthatpoint,Ms.Valles   attorneymovedtohavethepetitionforterminationofparentalrightsdismissedonthebasisthat  CASAhadnotmettheirburdenbyclearandconvincingevidence.Themotionwasdenied.    Ms.Vallesubsequentlytestifiedthatshewascurrentlylivingina grouphome,andthat  shewouldnotbeabletocareforherchildrenunlessshe hadsomehelp.Whenaskedwhattype  ofhelpshewouldrequireinordertobeabletocareforherchildren,Ms.Vallerespondedthatshe p wouldneedhelpwithhousing,transportation,andmoney. `   Atthecloseofallevidence,thetrialcourttookthematterunderadvisement.Anorder @ terminatingMs.VallesparentalrightswasenteredonJuly12,2001,andprovidesinpertinentpart: 0   8 @ 8@`   FINDINGSOFFACT `   8  8`   ThismattercameontobeheardbeforetheHonorableGeorgeE. @ _Blancett_,SpecialJudgeoftheJuvenileCourtofMemphisandShelby 0 County,Tennessee;appointedpursuanttoTennesseeCodeAnnotated   Section172118(f)(2),theJudgehavingfounditnecessarytobe ! absentfromholdingcourt..." ` x` x 8  8`   ***$"` x` x 8  8`   Fromthetestimonyatthishearingitappearsthatthemotherhasan p&!$ undefined mentaldisability.Noevidenceortestimonyastothe `'"% natureofsuchmentalillnesswastenderedtotheCourt.Themothers P(#& conditionappearstohavebeenknownbytheTennesseeDepartment @)$' ofChildrensServicespriorto[_O.V._]comingintotheircustodydue 0*%( totwootherchildrenhavingbeenremovedfromhercustody.The  +p&) TennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServiceshadnocontactwiththe ,`'* motherduetoherwhereaboutsbeingunknowntotheTennessee  DepartmentofChildrensServicesatthe staffingforthefirstPlan  ofCare.Themother,inherabsence,wasassignedtheresponsibility,  amongotherthings,toseekandcompletetreatmentforhermental  illness.ThePlansinitialgoalwasforreturnofsaidchildtothe p mother;thePlanalsoexpressedthealternativetomakeplacement `  withafamilymemberifonewereavailable....Themothermaintain P  [sic]littlecontactwiththeTennesseeDepartmentofChildrens @  Servicesduring1995,andthefirstrecordofhercontactwiththe 0  TennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServiceswasinDecember1995,  p  atwhichtimethecontentsofthePlanwereexplainedtoher,andshe `  hadherfirstvisitwith[O.V.]sincehisremovalfromher.P ` x` x 8  8`   Therewasnoevidenceofferedofanyadditionalcontactbetweenthe 0  motherandchilduntilafterthemothergavebirthto[R.V.]onJuly   6,1996,atwhichtimethehospital,beingawareoftheconditionof  themother,contactedtheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrens  Servicesconcerningthepossibleriskofharmtosaidchildif  dischargedtohermother.Thehospitalwasawarethatthreeother  childrenhadbeenpreviouslyremovedfromthemotherscustody.[O.  V.andR.V.]wereplacedinthesamefosterhomeandseparateplans p ofcarewerepreparedforeachofthem.Themotherwaspresentat ` the staffingforthefirstPlanfor[R.V.]onJuly29,1996....The P Plan...requiredthemotherandfathertoattend parentingclassesand @ forthemothertosignareleasetoenabletheTennesseeDepartment 0 ofChildrensServicestobeinformedofthenatureofhermental  p illnessandwhat,ifany,progressandtreatmentwasbeingrendered. ` Thereisnorecordofreceivingthisinformationandnoevidenceof P areleaseofinformationbeingsignedoritsbeingtenderedtoherfor @ signingotherthannotationsinthePlan.0` x` x 8  8`   BothparentswerereferredtoTheUniversityofTennessee,_Boling_ ! CenterforDevelopmentalDisabilitiestoattend SupportedParenting "  ClassesfromwhichthemotherwasdismissedinAugust1996,due #! toherinappropriatebehavior....Theparentswerelater,inDecember $" 1996,referredtoTheParentingCentertoattendparentingclasses;.. % # ..thereisnoevidencethattheycompliedorattendedanyofthe p&!$ classes.Severalplansofcare...werepreparedtoguidethefamily `'"% andtheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServicesinattemptsto P(#& reunitethisfamily.TheTennesseeDepartmentofchildrensServices @)$' workerassignedtothiscaseinFebruary2000,testifiedfromthe 0*%(  recordsoftheeffortsofthepreviouscasemanagers.Therecords  +p&) showthattherehasbeencontinuednoncompliancewiththeplanof  carebythemother.` x` x  8  8`   Thetestimonyfurthershowsthatthevisitationofthemotherwiththe  childrenhasbeenirregular.Intheyear1995,themothervisitedwith p O.V.onlyonce,December8,1995.In1996,themothervisitedwith `  thechildrenninetimes.Thewrittennotesrecordedduringthevisits P  describedthemotherasbeinginattentivetothechildren,herleaving @  earlybeforethescheduledtimeforthevisitwastoend,andofalack 0  ofbondingbetweenmotherandchildren.In1997twovisitswere  p  recorded,thesecondofthesevisitswasattheTennesseeDepartment `  ofChildrensServicesofficesatwhichtimethemothersconduct P  becamesoaggressiveandhostilethatshewasremovedformthe @  buildingbythebuildingsecuritystaff.0 ` x` x 8  8`   Themotherdidnotrequestvisitationagainuntilafterthepetitionto  terminateherparentrightswasfiledin1998.Themothernext  requestedvisitationfollowingtheremandofthismatterforanew  trialin2000.Shehadthreevisits,April26,May9and24.Eachof  thesevisitswasdescribedas goingwell,themotherwasontimefor  thevisits,andshewasdevotingappropriateattentiontothechildren. p Thechildrenwerenotinformedthat theladyvisitingthemwas ` theirmother.Afterthefirstvisit,themotherrequestedshebe P allowedtobringotherfamilymemberstothevisits.Thisrequestwas @ deniedbecauseitwasfeltinappropriateandwouldcauseconfusion 0 tothechildren. p` x` x 8  8`   Therecordrevealsthatthemothersprobationforafelonyconviction P wasrevokedJuly21,1999,andshewassentencedtooneyear @ confinement.ShewasgivencreditfortimeservedfromMarch14, 0 1997toApril7,1998(390days)....Themothersconfinementwas   notmadeknowntotheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServices. ! Themothertestifiedthatshewas notsurewhetherthefathertoldthe "  TennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServicesofherconfinement.#!` x` x 8  8`   InAugust1997,thegoaloftheplanofcarewaschangedtoadoption % # duetothemotherscontinuednoncompliancewiththePlans.The p&!$ motherhadbeenpreviouslyinformedofthepossibleconsequences `'"% ofagoalchangetoadoption.Themotherscompliancewiththeplan P(#& ofcaredidnotimproveevenafterbeinginformedofthepossibility @)$' ofherparentalrightsbeingterminatedandofthechildrenbecoming 0*%( candidatesforadoption.Bothchildrenwereplacedinthe special  +p&) needscategoryforadoptiveplacementonDecember1,1997.O.V. ,`'* hasaconditiontohisheart,requiringmedicationthreetimesevery  day.[R.V.]isasthmaticandhasepisodesoffainting.` x` x 8  8`   The_uncontroverted_Ԁevidenceindicatesthatbothchildrenhavebonded  closelywiththeprospectiveadoptiveparents,andthatachangeof p _caregivers_Ԁandphysicalenvironmentwouldlikelyhaveanadverse `  effectontheemotionalandphysicalconditionofthechildren.The P  mothertestifiedthatsheisnotableatthistimetocareforthechildren @  almostsixyearsafterremoval.Atthistimethemotherlivesina 0  grouphome.Themotheradmittedshemightnothavegiven  p  informationtotheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServicesthat `  couldhaveassistedtheminhelpinghertoovercomesomeofher P  deficiencies.@ ` x` x 8  8`   Themothertestifiedthattwoofherrelativesmightnowbeableor   willingtohavecustodyofthechildren.Oneoftherelatives,_Latrice_  Townsend,maternalaunt,testifiedthatshehasbeenwiththechildren  onlytwiceduringtheirlifetime.Shedeniedknowinghowtoseek  visitationorcustodywiththechildren.ShesaidtheTennessee  DepartmentofChildrensServicescasemanagerwouldnotassisther  togetvisitation.Shefurthertestifiedthatshewasnotavailabletoare p forthechildrenuntilafterMay,1998.She,alongwithotherfamily ` members,alongwiththefather,discussedthepossibilityofAnn P Harris,maternalaunt,seekingcustodyoradoptingthechildren.Ann @ Harrismadeapplicationtobeconsideredasadoptiveparent,butshe 0 withdrewherapplicationbecauseofpersonalconflictsshehadwith  p themother.AprilTownsend,maternalaunt,testifiedthatsheis ` availableatthistimetocareforthechildren,butsheofferedno P specificplantoachievethis.Shehashadnoinvolvementwiththe @ childrenuptothispoint.NeitherAnnTownsendnor_Latrice_ 0 Townsendappearedtoberealisticcandidatesforcustodyoradoption   ofeitherorbothofthechildren.Theyofferednotestimonythatwas ! positiveinsupportofthemothersabilitytocareforthechildren. "  Themostpositivetestimonywasthatthey,AprilTownsendand #! _Latrice_ԀTownsend,wantedthechildren.$"` x` x 8  8`   Atthecloseofproof,mothersattorneythattherewasormayhave p&!$ beenaviolationof42U.S.C.12101and28C.F.R.35.130(B)(&), `'"% concerningdiscriminationagainstmother.Therewasnoevidence P(#& offeredasproofofanydiscrimination,andCourtfindsno @)$' discriminationhasbeenproven.0*%(` x` x @!CONCLUSIONSOFLAW ,`'* Ї8  8`   TheCourtisoftheopinionandfindsbyclearandconvincing  evidencethatgroundsforterminationofparentalrightsofthemother  havebeenestablishedandthatterminationofparentalrightsisinthe  bestinterestofthechildren:` x` x 8  8`   1.Thatthechildrenhavebeenremovedfromthehomeofthemother `  byorderofacourtforaperiodofsix(6)months,andP ` x` x 8  8`   2.Thattheconditionswhichledtothechildrensremovalwhichin @  allreasonableprobabilitywouldcausethechildrentobesubjectedto 0  furtherneglectandwhichpreventthechildrenssafereturntothecare  p  oftheirmother,stillpersist,and` ` x` x 8  8`   3.Thatthereislittlelikelihoodthattheseconditionswillbe P  remediedatanearlydatesothatthechildrencouldbesafelyreturned @  tothemotherinthenearfuture,and0 ` x` x 8  8`   4.Thatthecontinuationoftheparentandchildrelationshipwiththe   childrengreatlydiminishesthechildrenschancesofearlyintegration  intoasafe,stableandpermanenthome.` x` x 8  8`   5.Thatthemotherisincompetenttoadequatelyprovideforthe  furthercareandsupervisionofthechildrenbecauseofthemothers  mentalcondition[and]ispresentlyimpairedandislikelytoremain  sothatitisunlikelythatthemotherwillbeabletoassumethecare p andresponsibilityforthe_child[ren_]inthenearfuture.`` x` x 8  8`   Themotherhasacontinuedinabilitytoprovidethenecessary @ fundamentalcareforsaidchildren,evenifnotwillful,thefailure 0 constitutesacondition,whichpreventsthesafereturnofthechildren  p tohercare.Theeffortstoprovidehelptoimproveherparenting ` skillshavebeenunsuccessful,andthereislittlelikelihoodof P improvementaswouldallowthesafereturnofthechildrentothe @ motherinthenearfuture...0` x` x   Ms.Valleappeals,raisingfourissuesforourreviewasstatedinherbrief: ! 8  8`   I.DidthetrialcourtimproperlyinterprettheTennesseeSupreme #! Courtsopinionin _Ferrell_Ԁv._Cigna_ ,33S.W.3d731(Tenn.2000), $" andArticleVI,Section4oftheTennesseeConstitutionin % # consideringwhethertheMemphisandShelbyCountyJuvenileCourt p&!$ Judgemayproscriptivelyappointarefereeasspecialjudgein `'"% terminationofparentalrightscaseswithoutfollowingtheappropriate P(#& proceduresandwithouttheconsentoftheparties.@)$'` x` x 8  8`   II.DidthetrialcourtviolateCynthiaVallesrighttoproceduraldue  +p&) process,asguaranteedbytheFourteenthAmendmenttotheUnited ,`'* StatesConstitutionandArticle1,Section8oftheTennessee  Constitutionbytheuseofunfairprocedures.` x` x Ѐ8  8`   III.Didthesoletestimonyofonewitnessrisetothelevelofclear  andconvincingevidencesufficienttoterminatetheparentalrightsof p anaturalparent,whenthatwitnesswaspurportedlythecustodianof `  recordwhohadnopersonalknowledgeofthefactsaboutwhichshe P  testified.@ ` x` x 8  8`   IV.DidtheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServicesmake  p  reasonableeffortstohelpthenaturalparentsmeettherequirements `  ofthepermanencyplansbeforeseekingtoterminatetheirparental P  rights.@ ` x` x zӀ   0    Sincethiscasewastriedbythetrialcourtsittingwithoutajury,wereviewthecase denovo   upontherecordwithapresumptionofcorrectnessofthefindingsoffactbythetrialcourt.Unless  theevidencepreponderatesagainstthefindings,wemustaffirm,absenterroroflaw. See Tenn.R.  App.P.13(d).     DidtheTrialCourtimproperlyinterprettheTennessee p SupremeCourtsopinionin_Ferrell_Ԁv._Cigna_,33S.W.3d731 ` (Tenn.2000),andArticleVI,Section4oftheTennessee P ConstitutioninconsideringwhethertheMemphisand @ ShelbyCountyJuvenileCourtJudgemayproscriptively 0 appointarefereeasspecialjudgeinterminationof  p parentalrightscaseswithoutfollowingtheappropriate ` proceduresandwithouttheconsentoftheparties.  P     Attheoutsetofthesecondtrial,counselforMs.Vallemadethefollowingstatementto 0 theCourt:     8  8`   ItsclearthatJudgeTurnerisnothere,anditwasannouncedthathe "  founditnecessarytobeabsent,andthatyoure[GeorgeE._Blancett_] #! sittingasSpecialJudge.$"` x` x 8  8`   Andwe[counselforMs.Valle]assumethatyouresittingbyvirtue p&!$ ofTennesseeCodeAnnotatedSection172118orperhaps172122 `'"% oranyoftheotherstatutesthatprovidefortheappointmentofa P(#& specialorsubstitutejudge.@)$'` x` x 8  8`   However,webelievethatuponinformationandbeliefthattheproper  +p&) procedurehasnotbeenfollowedassetoutbytheTennesseeSupreme ,`'* CourtRule11,andalsoisreiteratedinthecaseof_Ferrell_Ԁvs._Cigna_  InsuranceCompany...` x` x 8  8`   [Herecounselreads,fromRule11,TennesseeSupremeCourt,the  properprocedureforappointingsubstituteorspecialjudges]p` x` x 8  8`   Toour[counselforMs.Valle]knowledgeandinformationthis P  [compliancewithRule11]hasnothappened,andthereforewewould @  respectfullyaskthiscourtnottoproceedtodayuntilthoseprocedures 0  havebeenaccomplished. p ` x` x   AlthoughMs.Vallescounselraisestheissueofnoncompliancewithstatutory P  procedures,sheputsnothingintotherecordastoexactlyhowJudge_Blancett_sappointmenthas @  violatedRule11,TennesseeSupremeCourt,or _Ferrell_Ԁv._Cigna_ԀIns.Co. ,33S.W.3d731.Only 0  avaguereferencetoMs.Vallescounselsown knowledgeandinformationiscited.Without   specificinformation,thisCourtiscalledupontoguessthesourceofJudge_Blancett_s  appointment.Andthisisataskwemustdecline.  Sincethisrecordisdevoidofanymaterial  evidencethatmightgiveuscompassastowhetherproperprocedureshavebeenbypassed,we  mustdeclinetoaddressthequestion.     Astotheissueofwhetherappointmentofajuvenilecourtrefereeasspecialjudge p contravenesourStateConstitution,ourSupremeCourthasrecentlyprovidedadefinitiveanswer ` onthisquestionin _In_ԀreValentine, 79S.W.3d539(Tenn.2002).In Valentine ,theCourtheld P that theappointmentofajuvenilecourtrefereeasaspecialjudgeunderTenn.Code.Ann.17 @ 2118(f)(2)doesnotcontravenetheprovisioninArticleVI,4oftheTennesseeConstitution 0 requiringthatajudgebeelected. Id. at545.  p   Fortheforegoingreasons,thisissueiswithoutmerit. P    DidthetrialcourtviolateCynthiaVallesrighttoproceduraldue 0 process,asguaranteedbytheFourteenthAmendmenttothe   UnitedStatesConstitutionandArticle1,Section8ofthe ! TennesseeConstitutionbytheuseofunfairprocedures.  "  f  Appellantpointstoseveralincidentsattrial,allegingthatanyoneofthemcouldhave $" violatedherrighttodueprocessundertheFourteenthAmendment.First,Ms.Vallecontends % # thatJudge_Blancett_ԀerredinallowingMs.Brunttotestify fromhersummaryofDCSrecords, p&!$ repletewithhearsaycontainedtherein.Ms.Bruntsreadingfromthisdocumentdrewthe `'"% followingobjectionfromMs.Vallescounsel: P(#&   8  8`   MS.DAVIS:YourHonor,Imgoingtoobject.Imnotsure,butIm 0*%(  wonderingifthewitnessisreading,ifshehassomematerialshes  +p&) readingfrom,andifshedoesIwouldliketoseeittobe_apprised_Ԁ[sic]  astowhat!` x` x  8  8`   THECOURT:Thequestionis,haveyoureviewedsomenotesto!` x` x 8  8`   THEWITNESS[Ms.Brunt]:WhatIvedoneis!Ihaveto,because `  youseethedepthofthefile,Ihadtosummarizeandputsomething P  togetherorIwouldnt!itwouldbeeasierformetotestify.@ ` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:Well,Ithink,YourHonor,ifsheistestifyingfrom  p  notes,thenImentitledtoseewhatitisshestestifyingfrom.Isee `  thattherecordsaresittingthere,butIalsosawherreferringinher P  testimonyfromtheverybeginningtosomepapersthatshewas @  reviewing,soIthinkImentitledtoseewhatthosepapersare.0 ` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Idontunderstandyourobjection.Areyouobjecting  tohertestifyingfromhernotes?` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS: Imobjectingtohertestifyingfromhernotes,yes,  withoutmehavingreviewedthosenotes ,YourHonor.` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Well,thatwillbeoverruled,butifyoucan,getdown ` toapointsubsequenttothisthatheedsyouinyourcrossexamination P ofher,andyoucanrenewyourabilitytoseethematthattime.@` x` x    WefirstnotethatMs.Davisobjectedtothistestimonynotonthebasisofhearsay,buton  p thegroundthatshe[Ms.Davis]hadnothadtheopportunitytoreviewthedocument.Wenote, ` however,thatatleasttwohearsayobjectionswerewarrantedbyMs.Bruntstestimony.First, P therewasthehearsayobjectiontotheDCSrecordsthemselves.However,evenifthisobjection @ wasoverruledunderthebusinessrecordsorotherhearsayexception,everystatementrecordedin 0 abusinessrecordisnotnecessarilyadmissibleasevidence. SeeButlerv._Ballard_, 696S.W.2d   533,53637(Tenn.Ct.App.1985).ConsequentlyMs.Vallecouldstillhavemadeahearsay ! objectiontoMs.BruntstestimonyconcerningthecontentsoftheDCSrecords.However,the "  recordbeforeusdoesnotindicateevenoneobjectiontoMs.Bruntstestimonyonthegroundsof #! hearsay.Failuretointerposeproperandseasonableobjectionstohearsayequalsawaiverand $" statementsorrecordsthatwouldlikelybeexcludedunderaproperhearsayobjectionbecome % # sufficientevidenceabsentsuchobjection.Apartywhoinvitesorwaiveserror,orwhofailsto p&!$ takereasonablestepstocureanerror,isnotentitledtoreliefonappeal. See Tenn.R.App.P. `'"% 36(a),_cmt_.a.Failuretoobjecttoevidenceinatimelyandspecificfashionprecludestakingissue P(#& onappealwiththeadmissionofevidence. SeeEhrlichv.Weber ,88_S.W._Ԁ188,189(Tenn. @)$' 1905); Seealso_Pyle_Ԁv.Morrison ,716S.W.2d930,936(Tenn.Ct.App.1986);Tenn.R._Evid_. 0*%( 103(a)(1).  +p&)  ,`'*   Astotheobjectionthatisinrecord(i.e.Ms.Davisnotbeingallowedtoreviewthe  documentthatMs.Bruntusedduringhertestimony),wefindthatJudge_Blancett_Ԁsubsequently  sustainedtheobjectionbyallowingMs.Davistolookatthedocument:    8  8`   THECOURT:WhatIwouldsuggestnow,wouldyou[Ms.Davis] `  liketorenewyourrequesttoexaminesomeofthenotesthatare P  _nonconfidential_Ԁinbasis?@ ` x` x 8  8`   MS.DAVIS:Yes,YourHonor,Iwouldliketoexamine! p ` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:IthinkwhatImightdoisrecessthishearinguntilone P  oclockandgiveyoutheopportunitytomeet,andyou[Ms._Neale_, @  counselforCASA]canhelpwiththattobesurethatnothingis 0  preventedbythestatutoryorconfidentialnature! ` x` x 8  8`   MS._NEALE_:Areyousuggestingthatshebeallowedtogothrough  casenotes?` x` x 8  8`   THECOURT:Anythingthatshes[Ms.Brunt]testifiedtoinvolving  thischildinthematter,thatshouldbemadepartandavailableforher p [Ms.Davis]tolookat...8` x` x8@tocompS` Ʃ  WenotethatMs.Davisobjectionwasonlytohernotbeingallowedtolookatthe  documentMs.Bruntwasusing.Nowhereintherecorddowefindanobjectionbasedupon  improperuseofthedocumenttorefreshMs.Bruntsmemorynordowefindanyobjection, s whetherbeforeorafterMs.Daviswasallowedtoseethisdocument,onthegroundofhearsay. c Ms.Davisobjectiontonotbeingallowedtoseethedocumentwassubsequentlysustainedwhen S Judge_Blancett_ԀtookarecessandallowedMs.DavisaccesstowhateverMs.Bruntwasusing C duringhertestimony.Afterbeingallowedtoseethedocument,wedonotfindanyindicationin 3  therecordthatMs.Davisraisedanyfurtherobjections.XJXXX #!s   TheremaininggroundsMs.Valleraisesinsupportofherargumentthatshewasdenied "O  dueprocessstemfromtheactionsofJudge_Blancett_Ԁduringthetrial.Ms.Vallecontendsthatthe #;! mannerinwhichJudge_Blancett_Ԁconductedthetrialmadeitimpossibleforhertoproceedwith $' " meaningfulcrossexaminationand,consequently,shewasunabletocompletelydevelophercase. %!# Ms.Vallealleges,interalia,thatJudge_Blancett_Ԁ repeatedlyinterruptedMrs.Vallesdefense, &!$  _impose[d_]unrealistictimerestraints, exhibitedacavalierattitudetowardestablishingthe '"% truth,d  #  14      ׀ sarcasticallyinterjected,e   #  15      ׀and _rush[ed_]tojudgment.#XXXXJ#XJXXX     (#& Ї  Wehavereadtheentiretrialtranscriptinthiscase,and,whilewenotethatsomeofJudge  _Blancett_scomments,whenreadfromtherecord,doseemabitbrusque,noteverycommentbya  judgethatcanbedeemedimproperrequiresreversal.Duringthecourseofatrial,ajudgemust  bepatient,dignified,andcourteoustolawyersandwitnesseswhile,atthesametime,ensuring t thatthematterisadjudicatedpromptlyandefficiently.f  #  16      ׀Themannerinwhichajudgechoosesto  balancestheserequirementsislargelylefttothejudgesowndiscretion.Whenreviewinga  recordforallegationsoferror,thestandardthisCourtmustfollowisfoundinTenn.R.App.P.  36(b): t   8  8`   Afinaljudgmentfromwhichreliefisavailableandotherwise L  appropriateshallnotbesetasideunless,consideringthewhole 8  record,errorinvolvingasubstantialrightmoreprobablythannot $ t affectedthejudgmentorwouldresultinprejudicetothejudicial  ` process. L ` x` x lConsideringthewholerecord,wefindnoevidencetosuggestthatMs.Vallewasprejudicedby $  anycommentsJudge_Blancett_Ԁmade.Therefore,weholdthatthemannerinwhichJudge   _Blancett_Ԁconductedthistrialdoesnotrisetothelevelofreversibleerror.     Didthesoletestimonyofonewitnessrisetothelevelofclear   andconvincingevidencesufficienttoterminatetheparental p rightsofanaturalparent,whenthatwitnesswaspurportedly \ thecustodianofrecordwhohadnopersonalknowledgeof H thefactsaboutwhichshetestified.  4   _T.C.A._Ԁ361113(c)readsasfollows:  \   8  8`   (c)Terminationofparentalorguardianshiprightsmustbebased 4 upon: ` x` x 8  8`   (1)Afindingbythecourtbyclearandconvincingevidencethatthe  groundsforterminationorparentalorguardianshiprightshavebeen  established;and` x` x 8  8`   (2)Thatterminationoftheparentsorguardiansrightsisinthebest X  interestsofthechild.D!` x` x Indeterminingwhetherthisclearandconvincingstandardhasbeenmet,wedonotlooktothe #l! testimonyofonewitnessbutrathertotherecordasawhole.So,thecorrectstatementofthe $X" issueisnotwhetherthetestimonyofMs.Bruntrosetothelevelofclearandconvincingevidence $D # butwhethertherecord,whentakenasawhole,showsbyclearandconvincingevidencethatMs. %0!$ Vallesparentalrightsshouldbeterminatedbasedonanyofthegroundsenumeratedin_T.C.A._Ԁ &"% 361113(g).ThequestionofwhetherMs.Bruntstestimonyanduseofnoteswasproperis  addressedunderIssueTwo,supra.    Turningtothequestionofwhetherevidenceinthiscaserosetothelevelofclearand t convincingproof,wefirstnotethatJudge_Blancett_sOrderTerminatingParentalRightslisted ` severalgroundsfortermination: L    8  8`   (b)ThatRespondenthasabandonedthechildrenundercurrentlawas $ t definedin_TCA_Ԁ361113(g)(1)(Supp.2000). `` x` x 8  8`   (c)ThatRespondenthassubstantiallyfailedtocomplywiththe  L  statementofresponsibilitiesintheratifiedPermanencyPlanas  8  definedin_TCA_Ԁ372403.$ ` x` x 8  8`   (d)Thatsaidchildrenhavebeenremovedfromthecustodyof   RespondentbyorderoftheCourtforatleastsix(6)monthsandthe   conditionswhichledtotheremovalorotherconditionswhichinall   reasonableprobabilitywouldcausesaidchildrentobesubjectedto   furtherabuseorneglectandwhich,therefore,preventsaidchildrens p returntoRespondentscare,stillpersistsandthereislittlelikelihood \ thattheconditionswillberemediedatanearlydatesothatsaid H childrencanbereturnedtoRespondentinthenearfuture.Further, 4 thecontinuationofarelationshipwithRespondentgreatlydiminishes  p saidchildrenschancesofearlyintegrationintoastableand  \ permanenthome.H` x` x 8  8`   (e)Thatinaccordancewith_T.C.A._Ԁ361113(g)(8A)(B)((_i_)(ii)),the 4 Respondentisincompetenttoadequatelyprovideforthefurthercare   andsupervisionofthechildrenbecausehermentalconditionis   presentlysoimpairedandislikelytoremainsothatitisunlikelythat  shewillbeabletoassumethecareandresponsibilityforthechildren  inthenearfuture...` x` x Wefurthernotethatclearandconvincingevidenceofanyoneoftheabovegroundsissufficient X  toterminateMs.Vallesparentalrights. See _T.C.A._Ԁ361113(g).NotwithstandingMs. D! BruntstestimonyonbehalfofDCS,wefindclearandconvincingevidencefromMs.Valles 0"  owntestimonythatsheis incompetenttoadequatelyprovideforthefurthercareandsupervision #l! ofthechildrenbecausehermentalconditionispresently...impaired: $X"   8  8`   Q:Doyou[Ms.Valle]feellikeyoucouldtakecareofthekidstoday? %0!$ Ifweletthekidsgohomewithyoutodayareyoureadytotakecare &"% ofthem?'#&` x` x 8  8`   A:IfIhadsomehelp.)$(` x` x   |*%) 8  8`   Q:Okay.Butyouvegottotakecareofthekidsyourself.Theyre   yourkids.Areyouready?Areyouinapositiontodothat?` x` x 8  8`   A:Idontknow.t` x` x 8  8`   Q:Okay.Doyouhaveaniceplacetolivewhereyouwouldbe L  comfortabletakingthem?8 ` x` x 8  8`   A:Iliveinagrouphome. `` x` x 8  8`   Q:Okay.Doyouthinkyouwouldbeabletoprovideforthem,you  8  know,withthemoneythatyougettotakecareofthem?$ ` x` x 8  8`   A:ImsureIllbeneedingsomemoremoneythanwhatImgetting.g  #  17       ` x` x 8  8`   Q:And,youknow,Iknowyouveheardthat[O.V.]hassome   medicalproblems,p` x` x 8  8`   A:Yes,Iheardaboutthat.H` x` x 8  8`   Q:!andheneedstogethismedicinethreetimesadayandbetaken  p tothehospitaloccasionally.Doyouthinkyouwouldbeabletodo  \ that?H` x` x 8  8`   A:NottodayIwouldnt,becauseIjust!Iwouldneedsomehelp.Do   youknowwhatImsaying? ` x` x 8  8`   ***` x` x 8  8`   Q:...Doyouhaveanyideaofhowlongitsgoingtotakeyoutoget l healthyandabletoreallytakecareofyourkidsallbyyourself?Do X  youhaveanyidea?D!` x` x 8  8`   A:NottodayImnot.AfteralittlewhileIshouldknow.#l!` x` x /  WeholdthatMs.Vallesowntestimony,alongwiththeentirerecord,providesclearand $D # convincingevidencesufficienttoterminateherparentalrightsunder_T.C.A._Ԁ361 %0!$ 113(g)(8)(B)(_i_).hX  #  18      ׀Moreover,thereisclearandconvincingevidencesupportingthejuvenile &"% courtsfindingsoffactsetoutabove.Therecordadequatelyestablishesthatterminationof  parentalrightsisinthechildrensbestinterests.Under_T.C.A._Ԁ361113(g),thisgroundalone  issufficienttoterminateMs.Vallesparentalrightswe,therefore,_pretermit_Ԁdiscussionof  whetherclearandconvincingevidenceexistsfortheothergroundslistedinJudge_Blancett_s t Order. `   Ms.Vallefurtherarguesthat,under_T.C.A._Ԁ361113(g)(8)(A),shewasentitledtoa 8  bifurcatedtrialontheissueofherincompetence._T.C.A._Ԁ361113(g)(8)(A)states: $ t   8  8`   Thechanceryandcircuitcourtsshallhavejurisdictioninan adoption   L  proceeding,andthechancery,circuit,andjuvenilecourtsshallhave  <  jurisdictioninaseparate,independentproceedingconductedpriorto (  an adoption proceedingtodetermineiftheparentorguardianis   mentallyincompetenttoprovideforthefurthercareandsupervision   ofthechild,andtoterminatethatparentsorguardiansrightstothe   child. ` x` x  Id. (emphasisadded) ` Byitsplainlanguage,_T.C.A._Ԁ361113(g)(8)(A)requiresaproceedingseparatefromthe 8 adoptionproceedingtodeterminecompetencyoftheparents.Thatproceedingispreciselywhat $t wearedealingwithinthisappeal.Thematterbeforeusisaterminationofparentalrights ` hearing. L    DidtheTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServicesmake $ reasonableeffortstohelpthenaturalparentsmeetthe  requirementsofthepermanencyplansbeforeseekingto  terminatetheirparentalrights.   P  Under_T.C.A._Ԁ371166(a),thecourtisrequiredtodeterminewhetherDCSmade p  reasonableeffortsforreunificationofthefamily._T.C.A._Ԁ371166(g)(1)defines reasonable \  effortsasfollows: H!   8  8`   Asusedinthissection, reasonableeffortsmeanstheexerciseof  #p! reasonablecareanddiligencebythedepartmenttoprovideservices  $\" relatedtomeetingtheneedsofthechildandthefamily.In $H # determiningreasonableeffortstobemadewithrespecttothechild, %4!$ asdescribedinthissubdivision,andinmakingsuchreasonable  efforts,thechildshealthandsafetyshallbetheparamountconcern.` x` x   TherecordinthiscasecontainsclearandconvincingevidencethatDCShasmade t reasonableeffortstohelpMs.Vallekeepherfamilytogether.Reunificationofafamilyisatwo ` waystreet,andthelawdoesnotrequireDCStocarrytheentireburdenofthisgoal.Byherown L  testimony,Ms.Valleunderstoodtheplansthatwereputintoplaceafterherchildrenwereplaced 8  intoprotectivecustodyandthatthoseplansimposedcertainrequirementsonher: $ t   8  8`   Q:...TheDepartmenthasindicatedthatcertainplanswereputin  L  placeafteryourchildrenweretakenintocustody;doyouunderstand  8  that?$ ` x` x 8  8`   A[byMs.Valle]:yes,Maam. ` x` x 8  8`   Q:Doyouunderstandthattheyhaveindicatedthatcertain   requirementsthattheymadeinordertoreturnyourchildrenhavenot p beenmetbyyou;doyoualsounderstandthat?\` x` x 8  8`   A:Yes,maam.4` x` x Additionally,DCSreferredMs.ValletoatleastoneParentingClass,whichbyherown  \ admissionshewasunabletocomplete.DCShasallowedvisitationwiththechildren,excepton H thoseoccasionswhenthechildrenwereillorhospitalized.Withintheconfinesofitsown 4 resourcesandthespecificcircumstancesofthiscase,itistheopinionofthisCourtthatDCShas   madereasonableeffortstohelpMs.VallemeettherequirementsofthePermanencyPlans.   Unfortunately,Ms.Valle,byvirtueofhermentalillness,incarceration,poverty,oranynumber  ofotherfactors,hasbeenunabletoreciprocateintheprocessofreunification.    Fortheforegoingreasons,weaffirmtheorderofthetrialcourt.Costsareaccessed l againsttheAppellant,CynthiaValle,andhersurety.#XXXXJU##XX #XX X     `     h __________________________________________ $#t!    `     h W.FRANKCRAWFORD,PRESIDINGJUDGE,_W.S._