Termination of Parental Rights-Evidentiary Sufficiency

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WI Court of Appeals – District I

Case Name: State of Wisconsin v. J. G., III

Case No.: 2026AP000469

Officials: Colón, P.J.

Focus: Termination of Parental Rights-Evidentiary Sufficiency

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed orders terminating John’s parental rights to his six children. The court held that the State proved grounds for termination under the “continuing CHIPS” (children in need of protection or services) statute for all six children and additionally proved failure to assume parental responsibility for the three youngest children.

The case began after Milwaukee Child Protective Services found the family home in severe disrepair, with trash, choking hazards, strong odors of cat urine, and unsafe conditions. Concerns also arose about the parents’ discipline practices and the neglect of the youngest child, Nick, who was diagnosed with failure to thrive. Despite intensive in-home services, conditions did not improve, and the children were removed in 2022.

John argued that the agency failed to make reasonable efforts tailored to his alleged learning difficulties and poverty-related housing problems. The court rejected those claims, finding the agency provided appropriate referrals and services, while John frequently failed to cooperate, blocked communication, and did not follow through with services, including a psychological evaluation.

The court also rejected John’s arguments that he had maintained sufficient parental relationships with the children and that the circuit court improperly relied on post-removal conduct or speculative testimony. It emphasized evidence that the home conditions were unsafe, the older children were forced to care for younger siblings, and the younger children lacked meaningful parental bonds.

Finally, the court upheld the dispositional ruling that termination was in the children’s best interests, citing their stability in foster placements, lack of ongoing substantial relationships with John, and prospects for adoption.

Affirmed.

Decided 05/15/26

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