In re S.B., Juvenile

Summary

The Supreme Court of Vermont affirmed termination of the mother’s residual parental rights over S.B., holding that the family court properly considered S.B.’s preference against termination but did not give it controlling or inordinate weight. The court concluded that the family court acted within its discretion because the evidence showed prolonged neglect, lack of meaningful parental progress, and no realistic prospect of reunification within a reasonable period. The court also rejected the argument that termination was purposeless because adoption was uncertain or might be refused.