The legal
standard for termination of parental rights varies from state
to state. In the state of Florida, the state cannot petition
for termination of parental rights if the parent or parents
are in substantial compliance with a performance agreement
developed by the Department of Children and Families. However,
if the child has been abandoned by the parent and the parents
whereabouts cannot be determined; or the parent's abuse and
neglect present a serious threat to the life or well-being
of the child despite the provision of services, the state
may petition for termination of parental rights without ever
formulating a performance agreement. If the parent continues
to demonstrate abuse, abandonment, or neglect as evidenced
by a failure to comply with a performance agreement or permanent
placement plan, the state can petition for involuntary termination
of parental rights.
The typical
termination of parental rights evaluation includes interviews
and psychological testing with the individual; and contacting
current treatment programs and/or the psychotherapist for
the patient. The psychologist who conducts these types of
evaluations must be aware of the psychological research that
has delineated the different traits of good parenting.
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