The agency's diligent efforts to encourage and strengthen the parental relationship are established by clear and convincing evidence that the agency arranged for the child's regular visitation with respondent, who was incarcerated, kept respondent apprised of the child's progress and explored the resources provided by respondent (see Matter of Amanda C., 281 A.D.2d 714, lv denied 96 N.Y.2d 714). Although respondent maintained contact with the child, none of the resources he provided were viable. Respondent's inability to provide a realistic alternative to foster care until his release from prison constituted a failure to plan for the child's future warranting a finding of permanent neglect (see id.; Matter of Carmen N., 237 A.D.2d 607, lv denied 90 N.Y.2d 805). Termination of respondent's parental rights so as to free the child for adoption by her foster parents, with whom the child has strongly bonded, is in the child's best interests.
THIS CONSTITUTES THE DECISION AND ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION, FIRST DEPARTMENT.