IN THE MATTER OF "MALE" M

Since there can be no review of a fact-finding determination made upon a default at the hearing, we dismiss so much of the appeal as is addressed to that determination ( see Matter of Christopher H., 281 AD2d 280, lv denied 96 NY2d 715). Were we to review the fact-finding determination, we would find that respondent mother's abandonment of the subject child (Social Services Law § 384-b [b]; [5] [b]) is supported by clear and convincing evidence, namely, the testimony of the child's caseworker that the mother had only brief, insubstantial contacts with her child and initiated no contacts at all with the agency for at least six months prior to the filing of the petition ( see Matter of Female W., 271 AD2d 210).

Termination of respondents' parental rights was in the child's best interests ( see Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 NY2d 136). Family Court properly declined to enter a suspended judgment in view of respondents' failure, over the lengthy period of the child's placement, to ameliorate the conditions leading to that placement ( see Matter of Michael B., 80 NY2d 299, 311; Matter of Lauren Annette McL., 270 AD2d 102, lv denied 95 NY2d 755).