M.E.W. v. C. R‪.‬

ANDREW JACKSON HIGGINS, Chief Justice The juvenile court ordered termination of C.R.'s parental rights to her son, M.E.W., Jr., born May 8, 1977. 1 The Court of Appeals, Western District, reversed the termination; this Court transferred the case to examine whether the evidence was sufficient to support the termination under section 211.447.2(2)(i)b, RSMo Supp. 1984 (repealed). Affirmed. The juvenile court acquired jurisdiction over M.E.W., Jr. on March 22, 1979, due to the injurious environment in which he resided. The juvenile officer's petition specified bruises and lacerations which evidenced physical abuse of the child. On July 5, 1979, the court ordered M.E.W., Jr. committed to the Division of Family Services for placement in foster care. Upon review, October 25, 1979, the Division was authorized to return M.E.W., Jr. to his mother and stepfather; he was removed again in December 1979 when the child was found with a three-inch patch of hair missing from his head. The pleadings noted the emotionally dangerous environment caused by marital difficulties of the mother and stepfather and the lack of a permanent residence as the basis for further action. The court continued the child in foster care subject to periodic review. In its order of August 24, 1983, the court again continued M.E.W., Jr. in the Division's custody and noted conditions that needed correction in C.R.'s household: the marital stability of Ms. R., R.R.'s alcoholism, the recognition of the child's special needs and the necessary abilities to provide for them and the appropriateness of the living environment.