A-25-0832, In re Interest of Esperanza C., Heather Smith – objector (Appellant)
Separate Juvenile Court of Douglas County, Judge Vernon C.R. Daniels
Attorney for Appellant: Anne E. Troia
Attorney for Appellee: Allyson Talpash (Deputy Douglas County Attorney), Patrick Ryan (Special Assistant Attorney General for Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services), Janine F. Ucchino (Guardian Ad Litem for minor child).
Civil: Termination of parental rights
Action Taken by Juvenile Court: In 2021, the juvenile court adjudicated Esperanza C. under 43-247(3)(a) and placed her in the custody of NDHHS. In 2023, following a hearing, the juvenile court overruled the Appellants motion seeking a “negative reasonable efforts finding.” In December 2025, following a hearing on the State’s motion, the juvenile court terminated the Appellant’s parental rights.
Assignments of Error on Appeal: In these consolidated appeals, appellant assigns that the juvenile court erred by denying her motion for a “negative reasonable efforts finding” and failed to specify evidence supporting the denial of her motion for a “negative reasonable efforts finding.” Appellant further assigns that the juvenile court erred by terminating her parental rights pursuant to § 43-292(2) and (6) and finding that termination was in Esperanza’s best interests.