A legal parent to a child has both rights and responsibilities to the minor. While parents have the right to determine how the child will be educated, what religion they will be a part of and what type of medical care they will receive, they also have a huge amount of responsibility. They need to ensure that their child is safe from harm, is cared for emotionally and materially, and that they are generally well and live in a safe environment.
If a parent engages in behavior that risks the safety and well-being of their child through abuse, neglect, long-term alcohol or drug abuse, or they are diagnosed with a long-term illness, they may have their parental rights involuntarily terminated so that the child can be cared for by someone who will keep them safe. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child or believe that the other parent of your child should have their parental rights taken away, the following is an overview of the possible grounds for the termination of parental rights.
Child abuse
The protection of the child from physical, sexual and psychological abuse is a huge priority. If a child has been severely physically abused, sexually abused, or suffered severe emotional or psychological damages, parental rights will likely be terminated. If similar abuse has occurred to other family members, the child may be removed from their parent’s care for their protection.
Parental incapacity
If a parent has failed to support the child, maintain contact with the child or provide the child with an education, their parental rights may be terminated. Parental rights may also be terminated if the parent is convicted of a felony that results in imprisonment with a long enough tern to have a negative impact on the child.
Considerations for the termination of parental rights are always made with the best interests of the child in mind. If you are concerned about the well-being of a child, it is important that you take immediate action to protect them.
