KY: Parental Rights Should Not Be Terminated Solely Because of Parent’s Youth and Immaturity Without Regard to Parenting Capability and Potential
A Kentucky appellate court has reversed the termination of a teen parent’s parental rights because the ruling was based on the parent’s age and immaturity, rather than her parenting skills and capabilities.
In this case, the teen mother voluntarily placed herself and her child into foster care in 2003. She never abused or neglected her child.
At the time of the termination hearing, the mother had finished 11th grade, had a job, and had completed various parenting classes.
There was every indication that she was becoming ready to parent her child.
Termination of parental rights was premature at best.
The mother’s visitation should be reinstated with a view toward reunification.
Read more in this Lexington [KY] Herald Leader article: Court: Teen parenthood terminated too quickly.
