AMICUS AI
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Attorney(S)
Are you a practicing lawyer?
Enhance your digital presence and reach by creating a Casemine profile.
Upload pleading to use the new AI search
Cites
Cited by
Citation Codes
Equivalent Citations
citation codes
Attorney(S)

In the Matter of MIKAYLA "U" et al., Alleged to be Neglected Children. TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, Respondent; KATALIN "U", Appellant. (Proceeding No. 1.) In the Matter of MIKAYLA "U" et al., Alleged to be Neglected Children. TOMPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, Respondent; ANDREW "ZZ",fn1 Appellant. (Proceeding No. 2.) Fictitious names.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

CARDONA, P.J.

Petitioner commenced these proceedings in January 1998 alleging that Mikayla "U" (born in 1993) and her three siblings, Logan (born in 1991), Dakota (born in 1987) and Corbiere (born in 1984), were neglected children. The petition against respondent Andrew "ZZ", the mother's live-in boyfriend, alleged, inter alia, that he slept in the same bed with Logan, Corbiere and Dakota, showed pornographic images of adults engaging in sexual acts to Corbiere and Dakota on more than one occasion, discussed his sex life with Dakota, and was on probation having been convicted of endangering the welfare of a child. The petition against respondent Katalin "U", the children's biological mother, alleged,inter alia, that she allowed the conduct by Andrew "ZZ" with the children.

Following a joint fact-finding hearing, Family Court determined all of the children to be neglected by both respondents. Thereafter, on the date scheduled for a dispositional hearing, respondents consented to orders of disposition which, inter alia, placed Katalin "U" under petitioner's supervision with directions to submit to psychological evaluation and counseling and issued an order of protection barring any contact between Andrew "ZZ" and the children until they reach the age of 18. On this appeal, neither respondent contests the adjudications of neglect.

Andrew "ZZ" contends that he was not "a person legally responsible" for the care of the children (see, Family Ct Act § 1012 [a], [g]) and, therefore, not a proper respondent in the Family Court proceeding. This jurisdictional challenge is unpersuasive inasmuch as the record shows that he acted "as the functional equivalent of a parent in a familial or household setting" (see, Matter of Yolanda D. [Alexander W.], 88 N.Y.2d 790, 796). Andrew "ZZ" was an overnight visitor in the children's household on more than one occasion, frequently tucked the children into bed and stayed with them to talk. The children also stayed overnight on more than one occasion at his home, sometimes without their mother. The oldest child, Corbiere, viewed Andrew "ZZ" like a father. We find petitioner's proof sufficient to establish, prima facie, that Andrew "ZZ" was a person legally responsible for the children's care, which proof was not rebutted.

Katalin "U" contends that Family Court erred by entering a one-year dispositional order upon consent rather than holding an evidentiary hearing as required by Family Court Act §§ 1045, 1047 and 1052 (a). We note that the dispositional order has now expired, rendering this issue moot. We also find that none of the exceptions to mootness apply (see, Matter of Hearst Corp. v. Clyne, 50 N.Y.2d 707, 714-715). In any event, were we to decide this issue, we would find, under the circumstances here, that Family Court did not commit reversible error (see, Matter of Jessica FF. [Donald FF.], 232 A.D.2d 891; Matter of Gladys H. [Stephen H.], 206 A.D.2d 606).

We have considered respondents' remaining contentions and find that they lack merit.

MIKOLL, CREW III, YESAWICH JR. and MUGGLIN, JJ., concur.

ORDERED that the appeals in proceeding No. 1 are dismissed, without costs.

ORDERED that the order in proceeding No. 2 is affirmed, without costs.

Use AI to get other relevant cases.

Comments

MATTER OF MIKAYLA "U"
(Nov 24, 1999)