In Re Boren

The state appeals from the dismissal of a petition to terminate the parental rights of father. The trial court made findings, to which we give considerable weight, because it had the opportunity to observe the witnesses firsthand. See State ex rel Juv. Dept. v. Geist, 310 Or 176, 194, 796 P2d 1193 (1990). However, our review is de novo, ORS 419.561(4), and we must independently assess and evaluate the evidence.