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In the Interest of C. C.

The evidence did not support a finding that the child was deprived due to the mother's lengthy history of mental health problems.

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S. J. C., the mother of C. C., appeals the termination of her parental rights. In two separate opinions, we have already reversed a finding of deprivation based on evidence presented at a hearing held on February 16, 20001 and a subsequent finding of termination based on that deprivation order.2 The trial court has now entered another termination order, but this time based on evidence of deprivation presented at a second hearing, held on August 30 and 31, 2000. The primary issue on appeal is whether the State presented sufficient evidence at the August hearing to sustain the termination order. We hold that although several witnesses presented testimony about S. J. C. and her child, much of the testimony was flawed, weak, or seriously contested, and therefore the decision below must be reversed.

The facts developed at the first hearing are set forth in C. C. I. For the purpose of background, they are summarized here. C. C. was born in 1994. In November 1997, the mother and child moved to Georgia and began living with friends, Mr. and Mrs. Skutka. During this time, S. J. C. was underemployed and had increasing mental health problems. Eventually, Mrs. Skutka, concerned for C. C.’s safety, took over care of the child. In August 1998, S. J. C. sought mental health treatment in Georgia for several months. In December she was admitted to an eight-month, mental health program in Florida. In order to go, she gave temporary custody of C. C. to the Skutkas, who agreed to care for the child and became the child’s temporary guardian. S. J. C. maintained contact with her child between two and four times a month. While in Florida, she attempted suicide. She testified that she had been diagnosed as “bipolar with borderline personality.”

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