The trial court in this child-protective proceeding did not “articulate an adequate basis or make sufficient factual findings to justify its denial of jurisdiction” over the minor child, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled.

The trial court erroneously admitted an exhibit that contained hearsay and, as a result, the adjudication, termination order and injunctive order must all be vacated.

The MI SCT is considering whether to hear the case of a mother whose parental rights were terminated after the trial court agreed with the petitioning agency that she had subjected her children to “aggravated circumstances”.

The trial court improperly dismissed an authorized petition to terminate the respondent’s parental rights because it did not issue a decision on the merits of the case.