Neglect Allegations Not Proven by Hearsay Testimony Based On Statements Made by Mother

The Third Department affirmed the dismissal of a neglect petition after a hearing where the only evidence was the hearsay testimony of the caseworker based on what the caseworker was told by the mother:

“To establish neglect, [a] petitioner must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a child’s physical, mental or emotional condition was harmed or is in imminent danger of harm as a result of a failure on the part of the parent to exercise a minimum degree of care”… . At a fact-finding hearing, only “competent, material and relevant evidence” may be admitted (Family Ct Act § 1046 [b] [iii]…).Here, the only proof offered by petitioner was the testimony of its caseworker, who had no personal knowledge of the events that led to the filing of the petition.  Rather, the caseworker’s testimony concerning the alleged acts constituting neglect consisted entirely of what he was purportedly told by the mother.  Upon our review of the record and notwithstanding the absence of any contrary testimony, we discern no error in Family Court’s determination that the testimony of the caseworker was insufficient to sustain petitioner’s burden of proof… .  Matter of Lydia DD…, 515237, 3rd Dept 10-31-13