IN RE SAVANNAH WILLIAMS

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STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS In the Matter of SAVANNAH WILLIAMS, a/k/a BABY GIRL WILLIAMS, Minor. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, UNPUBLISHED January 3, 2008 Petitioner-Appellee, v No. 278473 Ottawa Circuit Court Family Division LC No. 06-055998-NA MICHAEL WILLIAMS and LINDA LOUISE WILLIAMS, Respondents-Appellants. Before: Murray, P.J., and Hoekstra and Wilder, JJ. MEMORANDUM. Respondents appeal as of right from a circuit court order terminating their parental rights to the minor child pursuant to MCL 712A.19b(3)(l). We affirm. This appeal is being decided without oral argument pursuant to MCR 7.214(E). Respondents do not challenge the trial court’s finding that there was sufficient evidence to establish jurisdiction and to warrant termination under § 19b(3)(l). Petitioner presented evidence that respondents had neglected seven other children and that their parental rights to those children had been terminated by courts in Muskegon and Newaygo Counties. Respondents contend only that the trial court erred in its finding regarding the child’s best interests. We disagree. Petitioner’s witnesses established that the four older children were subjected to extreme neglect, yet respondents steadfastly denied this despite that the children were removed from their care and that their parental rights were later terminated. Further, respondents did not know why the children had been removed, why their parental rights were terminated, or why petitioner might be concerned about Savannah, the child involved in this case. Considering that respondents were unaware of any deficiencies in their parenting abilities and had done nothing since the prior terminations to improve their parenting skills, it was likely that Savannah would be subject to the same neglect if entrusted to their care. The trial court did not clearly err in concluding that termination was not clearly contrary to the child’s best interests. In re Trejo, 462 Mich 341, 354; 612 NW2d 407 (2000); MCL 712A.19b(5). -1- Affirmed. /s/ Christopher M. Murray /s/ Joel P. Hoesktra /s/ Kurtis T. Wilder -2-

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