Supreme Court of North Carolina
In re S.M.
March 18, 2022
Summary
The Court affirmed the termination of both parents’ rights after concluding that the trial court properly determined termination was in Sarah’s best interests. The trial court considered the statutory dispositional factors, relied on competent and permissible evidence concerning Sarah’s relationships and progress, and reasonably weighed the benefits of adoption against the parent-child bond and placement uncertainties. The Court also held that several factual inaccuracies and evidentiary errors were harmless and did not undermine the disposition.