In re Alexander B.

277 A.D.2d 937, 716 N.Y.S.2d 253, 2000 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 11506

Opinion

—Order unanimously affirmed without costs. Memorandum: Family Court properly terminated respondent’s parental rights pursuant to Social Services Law § 384-b (4) (b) on the ground of abandonment. Respondent contends that his contact with his children ended only because of his incarceration and that petitioner failed to make a diligent effort to locate him in prison. “Incarceration does not excuse a parent from establishing or maintaining contact with a child” (Matter of Anthony M., 195 AD2d 315, 316). Respondent failed to rebut the presumption of abandonment (see, Social Services Law § 384-b [5] [a]). “Contrary to respondent’s contention, petitioner was not required to show that it made diligent efforts to encourage respondent to maintain contact with his [children] in order to prevail on the abandonment petition” (Matter of Christina S., 251 AD2d 982, 983; see, Social Services Law § 384-b [5] [b]; Matter of Erica C., 257 AD2d 445, 446). Even if petitioner had been aware of respondent’s incarceration, it was not “obligated to contact [respondent] and initiate efforts to encourage his parental relationship with [his children]” (Matter of Shakim Ravon B., 257 AD2d 547). (Appeal from Order of Erie County Family Court, Townsend, J. — Terminate Parental Rights.) Present — Pigott, Jr., P. J., Wisner, Kehoe and Balio, JJ.