Issues: Termination of parental rights pursuant to §§ 19b(3)(g),
(h), (i), and (j); Best interests of the child

Court: Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished)
Case Name: In re Manly
e-Journal Number: 28902
Judge(s): Memorandum – Saad, Jansen, and Markey
The trial court did not clearly err in finding the statutory grounds
for termination of the respondent-mother's parental rights to the
minor child were established by clear and convincing evidence and in
terminating those rights. Respondent never developed a relationship
with the child because she had been incarcerated since before his
birth and did not face another opportunity for release until March
2006. Respondent had an extensive history of substance abuse. She
was addicted to cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, which she abused while
pregnant with her other eight children. Respondent voluntarily gave
up her rights to those children rather than participate in or
cooperate with a drug treatment program. While respondent was in
prison, she designed a 2 ½-year treatment program in order to regain
custody of the child. However, she would not begin the program until
after her expected release in March 2006. Respondent admitted she
had never remained sober or successfully participated in any
treatment program outside prison. Affirmed.
Full text at:
http://www.michbar.org/opinions/appeals/2005/092905/28902.pdf