Involuntary termination of parental rights is a serious legal action that permanently ends the relationship between a parent and a child. Courts take this step only when the evidence shows that doing so is in the best interests of the child and that specific legal grounds have been met.
This process often begins when a child is removed from a home due to concerns about safety, neglect or abuse. If the parent fails to make meaningful progress toward reunification or engages in certain types of conduct, the court may move forward with a petition to terminate parental rights.
Grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights
The court may terminate parental rights for one or more reasons. These grounds typically involve a consistent failure to meet the child’s basic needs or conduct that places the child in danger.
- Abandonment of the child: A parent may be found unfit if they leave the child without communication or support and show no intention of returning.
- Chronic neglect or repeated abuse: Continued failure to provide necessary care or multiple findings of physical abuse may justify termination.
- Conviction of certain serious crimes: A conviction for crimes such as murder, attempted murder or sexual offenses involving a child can serve as a basis for termination.
- Long-term substance abuse or mental illness: A parent’s ongoing addiction or mental condition that prevents them from safely caring for the child may lead to loss of rights.
- Failure to maintain contact or interest: Lack of communication, visitation or involvement in the child’s life for a prolonged period can be considered evidence of unfitness.
- Failure to make reasonable progress toward reunification: When a child is in foster care, and the parent does not make efforts to address the conditions that led to removal, the court may move to terminate rights.
Involuntary termination is a significant and emotional decision for all involved. Obtaining legal guidance can be helpful when addressing or responding to a petition for termination.
