In re C.A.B.

Summary

The Court held that the trial court erred by denying respondent-father’s request for a brief continuance when a COVID-19 lockdown prevented him from attending and preparing for the termination hearing. His absence created a meaningful risk of error because the termination grounds depended substantially on information about his conduct and efforts while incarcerated, which no other witness could provide. The Court concluded that the constitutional error was prejudicial, vacated the termination order, and remanded for further proceedings.