In re Tamera W., et al.

Upon petition of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (“the Department”), the trial court terminated the parental rights of Mother and Father. Among other things, the trial court concluded that Mother and Father had committed severe child abuse. The trial court also determined that the termination of parental rights was in the children's best interest. Having reviewed the record transmitted to us on appeal, we reverse the trial court's finding that Mother abandoned the children pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 36-1-102(1)(A)(iv). Moreover, we reverse the trial court's finding that Mother failed to substantially comply with the requirements of the family permanency plans created in this case. However, we conclude that clear and convincing evidence supports the other grounds for termination relied upon by the trial court, as well as the trial court's finding that the termination of Mother and Father's parental rights is in the children's best interest.