Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Adoption of Ilona
March 4, 2011459 Mass. 53
Summary
The court affirmed the termination of the mother's parental rights because clear and convincing evidence supported her continuing unfitness, the department's efforts were reasonable despite shortcomings, and termination served Ilona's best interests. The court also held that a judge need not order posttermination visitation whenever contact is in the child's best interest; where a supportive preadoptive family is identified, visitation may be left to the adoptive parents unless an order is necessary to protect the child's best interests.