In the Int. of: Z.J.M., a Minor Appeal of: M.B., In the Int. of: Z.J.M., a Minor Appeal of: M.B. No. 1208 MDA 2016

Decrees dated June 28, 2016 terminated Mother's (and Father's) parental rights to Z.O.B. and Z.J.M. and changed their permanency goals to adoption.
Mother appealed; Attorney DeStefano filed an Anders brief and petition to withdraw; this Court conducted an independent review.
Trial court found Mother made little progress meeting service objectives and that placement exceeded 32 months.
Bonding assessment showed no close Mother–children bond; children had formed a strong bond with the foster family.
Foster family provided stability and love; adoption was in the children’s best interests; Father’s rights were also terminated.
Court affirmed the termination decrees and granted Attorney DeStefano withdrawal, applying §2511 grounds and best-interests analysis.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether the goal change to adoption was proper	Mother contends error in changing goal	SSCY argues goal change is appropriate	Goal change affirmed
Whether termination of parental rights was supported by law and record	Mother argues insufficient evidence for termination	SSCY proves grounds under §2511	Termination upheld on clear and convincing evidence

In re S.M.B., 856 A.2d 1235 (Pa. Super. 2004) ( Anders withdrawal standards; independent review of frivolousness required)
In re J.D. WM, 810 A.2d 688 (Pa. Super. 2002) (clear-and-convincing evidence standard; termination burden on agency)
In re J.E., 745 A.2d 1250 (Pa. Super. 2000) (best interests analysis; developmental needs must guide the outcome)
In re K.Z.S., 946 A.2d 753 (Pa. Super. 2008) (bonding/needs analysis; parental rights not preserved by passive interest)