IN RE GARY A DEAN MINOR
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
In the Matter of G. A. D., Minor.
FAMILY INDEPENDENCE AGENCY,
UNPUBLISHED
December 1, 2000
Petitioner-Appellee,
v
No. 225379
Gogebic Circuit Court
Family Division
LC No. 98-200040-NA
ROBIN DEAN,
Respondent-Appellant.
Before: Gribbs, P.J., and Kelly and Hoekstra, JJ.
MEMORANDUM.
Respondent appeals as of right from a family court order terminating her parental rights to
the minor child pursuant to MCL 712A.19b(3)(c)(i) and (g); MSA 27.3178(598.19b)(3)(c)(i) and
(g). We affirm.
The family court did not clearly err in finding that the statutory grounds for termination
were established by clear and convincing evidence. In re Vasquez, 199 Mich App 44, 51-52; 501
NW2d 231 (1993). Likewise, the family court did not clearly err in finding that termination was
in the child’s best interests. In re Trejo, 462 Mich 341, 356-357; 612 NW2d 407 (2000).
Because the court found that termination was in the child’s best interests, it was not required to
forego termination and place the child with relatives. In re IEM, 233 Mich App 438, 453; 592
NW2d 751 (1999); In re McIntyre, 192 Mich App 47, 52; 480 NW2d 293 (1991).
We reject respondent’s claim that the family court erred in ruling that any privileges
applicable to the testimony of various witnesses called by petitioner were abrogated pursuant to
MCL 722.631; MSA 25.248(11). Section § 11 abrogates any relevant privilege applicable to
evidence “in a civil child proceeding resulting from a report made pursuant to” the Child
Protection Law. Because this proceeding resulted from a report of suspected child neglect
authorized under § 4 of the act, MCL 722.624; MSA 25.248(4), the testimony of respondent’s
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doctor, therapists and counselors was admissible. In re Brock, 442 Mich 101, 118-119; 499
NW2d 752 (1993).
Affirmed.
/s/ Roman S. Gribbs
/s/ Michael J. Kelly
/s/ Joel P. Hoekstra
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