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In re A.L.D.

Orphans' court erred by postponing termination of mother's parental relationship in light of years of failed reunification services and mother's inability to "come to terms" with situation rather than blaming reunification agency and foster parents.

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� 1 In this appeal and cross-appeal of M.D., the natural mother of A.L.D., Jr. (“Mother”) and Washington County Children and Youth Services (“CYS”) respectively, we must determine whether the Washington County Orphans’ Court erred in postponing the termination of Mother’s parental rights. We must also determine whether the court erred (1) in directing Mother and CYS to make additional attempts toward the reunification of Mother and A.L.D., Jr. and (2) in providing for another hearing in six months regarding the termination of Mother’s parental rights. For the following reasons, we hold that the portion of the Orphans’ court order relating to Mother is inadequate and in error. Accordingly, we affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand with instructions.

� 2 The certified record, including the testimony presented at the termination proceedings, discloses the following relevant facts and procedural history of this case. CYS became involved with the family in January 1994, upon allegations that Mother, Father and their three-year old daughter were living under deplorable housing conditions, including assertions that their daughter was dirty and unfed and the home had a gas leak. Mother and Father unofficially placed their daughter with relatives and left the home.

� 3 A.L.D., Jr. was born on February 21, 1994. Mother and Father were then residing in the home of Father’s stepbrother, Ray Williams, and his wife, Priscilla Williams. When A.L.D., Jr. was two months old, Mother and Father moved to independent housing. Nine days later, on April 22, 1994, the court approved the emergency removal of A.L.D., Jr. and his sister, based on CYS’ investigation of allegations that Father had performed sexual acts on his young nephews. A.L.D., Jr. was placed in the physical care of Priscilla and Ray Williams, which was considered a “relative” placement, under the supervision of CYS. A.L.D., Jr.’s sister was placed in foster care. Both children were adjudicated dependent and continued in their placements. A.L.D., Jr. has remained in the Williams’ home since that time, and has spent virtually his entire life as part of the Williams’ family. A.L.D., Jr. is now almost eight years old.

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