A-21-0542, In re Interest of Gabriel B.
Separate Juvenile Court for Douglas County, Judge Mary Stevens
Attorney for Appellant: Mary Rose Donahue (Douglas County Public Defender’s Office)
Attorney for Appellee: Nathan Barnhill (Douglas County Attorney’s Office)
Juvenile Action: Termination of parental rights
Action Taken by Trial Court: The juvenile court granted the State’s motion that the case worker be deemed an essential witness, allowing her to remain in the courtroom for certain witnesses’ testimony despite a sequestration order. The juvenile court found that the State proved by clear and convincing evidence that statutory grounds for termination of dad’s parental rights existed pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-292(2), (6), and (9), and that termination of dad’s parental rights was in Gabriel’s best interests.
Assignments of Error on Appeal: Did the juvenile court err in finding that the State proved by clear and convincing evidence that Gabriel was a minor child within the meaning of § 43-292(2), (6) and (9)? Did the juvenile court err in finding that the State proved by clear and convincing evidence that termination was in Gabriel's best interests? Did the juvenile court err in allowing the case worker to remain present in the courtroom during the testimony of Dr. DeLaet?