MATTER OF JEREMIAH R

ORDERED that the order is affirmed, without costs or disbursements.

In this proceeding to terminate parental rights based on permanent neglect, the petitioner agency established by clear and convincing evidence that it exercised diligent efforts to strengthen the relationship between the parents and the subject children (see,Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 N.Y.2d 136, 140 ; Matter of Sheila G., 61 N.Y.2d 368 ), but that the parents failed to adequately plan for the children's future (see, Social Services Law § 384-b[7][a], [f]; Matter of Gregory B., 74 N.Y.2d 77 ; Matter of Alicia Shante H., 245 A.D.2d 509 ). The paramount concern at a dispositional hearing is the best interests of the child (see, Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 N.Y.2d 136, 147 ; Matter of Commissioner of Social Servs. of City of N Y v. Leona W., 192 A.D.2d 602, 603 ). Here, there is ample evidence that the best interests of the subject children would be served by freeing them for adoption by the foster parent and not subjecting them to the potential harm that could result from their being returned to their parents (see, Matter of Sylvia Esther O., 253 A.D.2d 465 ).

SANTUCCI, J.P., SULLIVAN, FLORIO, and SCHMIDT, JJ., concur.