In re Kailynn I.

52 Misc. 3d 740, 30 N.Y.S.3d 802
CourtNew York City Family Court
DecidedMay 3, 2016
StatusPublished
Cited by2 cases

This text of 52 Misc. 3d 740 (In re Kailynn I.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering New York City Family Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
In re Kailynn I., 52 Misc. 3d 740, 30 N.Y.S.3d 802 (N.Y. Super. Ct. 2016).

Opinion

OPINION OF THE COURT

Jacqueline B. Deane, J.

Introduction

On March 21, 2016, the respondent mother, Ms. L., filed a motion for summary judgment and to dismiss the neglect peti[742]*742tions against her, pursuant to CPLR 3212 and Family Court Act § 1051 (c), on the grounds that respondent’s actions did not fall below a minimum standard of care and, additionally, that the aid of the court was not required. Respondent’s motion contained numerous exhibits, including an affidavit from the respondent mother. Counsel for the petitioner Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) filed opposition papers consisting only of counsel’s affirmation and two exhibits: the neglect petition and a copy of the court order releasing the subject children to the respondent on October 6, 2015. The Attorney for the Children filed a brief affirmation opposing the motion based purely on her interpretation of the relevant case law but, at oral argument on March 31, stated that she agreed with respondent’s counsel that the aid of the court was not required in this case.

Procedural History

On October 6, 2015, the petitioner ACS filed petitions against Ms. L., alleging that she neglected the subject child Kailynn and derivatively neglected the child Zyaya by failing to seek immediate medical care for Kailynn after she fell off a bed. ACS further alleged that Kailynn’s pediatrician stated that the child was losing weight and that the respondent failed to keep scheduled appointments to monitor Kailynn’s weight. ACS also stated in the petition that ACS had previously, in 2012, filed a neglect petition against Ms. L.1 ACS consented to the children remaining in their mother’s care under ACS supervision and ACS has not sought removal in the almost seven months this case has been pending.

ACS referred the respondent to preventive services, which began in early November in her home and ACS also sought a referral for parenting skills classes. Ms. L. has cooperated with the individual counseling with the preventive service provider throughout the pendency of this case and also expressed her willingness to attend parenting skills classes as soon as she received a referral. On November 15, 2015, during a conference with the Court Attorney, ACS was instructed to refer the respondent for parenting classes within one week. As of the [743]*743January 8, 2016 court conference date, ACS had still not provided a date when parenting classes would begin and the court ordered that information be provided by the next adjourn date.

Ms. L. began attending a class at the Family Resource Center on February 4, 2016 and has been attending regularly, “always on time and participates in class faithfully.” (See respondent’s motion to dismiss, exhibit G.) On March 31, the return date of this motion, ACS offered the respondent a six-month adjournment in contemplation of dismissal backdated to the January 9, 2016 court date, which respondent declined, requesting a ruling on the instant motion. After oral argument, the court reserved decision.

Decision

The Record before the Court

The record before the court includes ACS progress notes, certified and delegated Brookdale Hospital records for Kailynn, a sworn affidavit by Kailynn’s pediatrician, a report from the associate director of the organization where the respondent attends parenting classes, a report from ACS, a report from a social worker at the preventive agency working with the family, and the 20-day ACS conference summary. (Respondent’s motion to dismiss, exhibits A-K.)

The ACS progress notes from October 2, 2015 describe a conversation between an ACS caseworker and the hospital employee who was the source of the oral report transmittal in which the source states that while Kailynn suffered a left frontal hematoma, she was medically fine and the only follow-up necessary was for Ms. L. to bring Kailynn to see her pediatrician. The hospital source stated that the child was prescribed no medication and the pediatrician stated that the case was only called into the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment because Ms. L. did not seek immediate medical attention for Kailynn. The source further stated that “Ms. L. appeared very nurturing towards Kailynn and was genuinely concern [sic] about Kailynn’s wellbeing.” (Respondent’s motion, exhibit B.)

The Brookdale Hospital records state that Ms. L. explained to the medical providers when she brought Kailynn to the ER that the child fell off a bed and hit her head, cried immediately, but that she behaved normally during the two days afterwards despite swelling on her forehead. Ms. L. sought medical atten[744]*744tion a few days later because the swelling persisted. (See respondent’s motion, Brookdale Hospital records, attached as exhibit E.) The assessment in the hospital records state that the injury was “consistent with mechanism” and the concern was “based on delay in seeking medical attention.” (Id.) The doctor wrote, “I feel as if it is safe to discharge home to care of mother” and discharged the child to her mother with instructions on how to care for a hematoma. (Id.) Kailynn’s pediatrician stated that she saw Kailynn for a follow-up appointment on October 6 and “[a]t that time, the swelling on Kailynn’s forehead was going down and there were no other signs of injury.” (See respondent’s motion, exhibit D, aff of pediatrician.) The pediatrician further stated that “[n]o follow up care was required for the bruise from her fall and Kailynn does not need to be referred to any other specialists at this time.” (Id.) She added, “I have known Ms. L. for many years and I do not have any medical concerns regarding the level of care she provides to her children.” (Id.)

While the progress notes contain a hearsay statement allegedly made by Kailynn’s primary care provider that the respondent had missed medical appointments for Kailynn and that she was losing weight, the doctor’s own sworn affidavit clearly states that “Ms. L. has been good about keeping medical appointments for Kailynn and Zyaya,” that the doctor does “not have any concerns about Ms. L. missing medical appointments,” and that “[a]t Kailynn’s most recent check-up I found that she is healthy and has gained weight . . . .” (See respondent’s motion, exhibit D, aff of the pediatrician.)

A written ACS report to the court dated December 23, 2015 stated that “Ms. L. has been compliant and has been following up with children, Kailynn and Zyaya’s medical appointment [sic]. Both children’s needs are being met at this time.” (See respondent’s motion, exhibit H.)

A letter from the associate director of ICL/Family Resource Center, a social worker, states that Ms. L. has been attending the special needs parenting classes at her organization, that she will receive her certificate of completion on April 28, 2016, and that “she is always on time and participates in class faithfully.” (See respondent’s motion to dismiss, exhibit G.)

Summary Judgment

In her motion, the respondent requests that the court grant her summary judgment on the neglect petitions on the ground that there is no basis for the court to find that respondent’s ac[745]*745tions fell below a minimum standard of care as would be required in order to make a finding of neglect.

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Cite This Page — Counsel Stack

Bluebook (online)
52 Misc. 3d 740, 30 N.Y.S.3d 802, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/in-re-kailynn-i-nycfamct-2016.