There are certain criteria that shall be met first before the court can issue a termination for parental rights. Here is the list: (Source: NRS 128.105)
1. It is the best thing to do for the child.
This is self- explanatory. Frequently abusing the child in any way that can permanently affect him/her is a valid reason for termination of parental rights.
2. Abandonment
This happens when the child is left to fend on his own intentionally. (I.E. The child’s health has been disregarded; there is no food supply; the parent does not want to send the child to school; leaving the baby in a dumpster, etc.)
3. Neglect
Neglect is quite similar to abandonment, except that it is unintentional. In other words, it is the failure to provide the needs of a child – food, clothing, home, failure to administer medicine, etc.
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Common signs of Neglect
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Poor personal hygiene
- Poor health
- Medical problems
4. Unfitness of the parent to raise his/her child
Here are some questions that can help determine the fitness of a parent to raise his/her child:
- Is he financially stable?
- Does he have a vice?
- Can he provide the basic needs of the child?
- Does he have a history of child abuse?
- Is he on illegal or prescription drugs
5. Failure of Parental Adjustment
This happens when the child is left outside the home unexpectedly and the parents are not doing any effort to bring the child back home. (I.E. Not fetching the child after school and leaving the child in another household and not coming back to fetch him.
6. Physical, Emotional, Mental Abuse
Once proven, these factors can become huge reasons for termination of parental rights, especially if there are signs of abuse. Some of the signs of abuse include:
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Physical
- Injuries
- Bruises
- Scratches
- Burnt skin
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Emotional and Mental Abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Easy to get frightened
- Aggressive behavior towards others
- Being a bully
- Loss of self-confidence
- Low self esteem
7. Token Efforts
Token efforts are characterized as the actions done by the parents because they are “deemed” necessary. (I.E. Calling the child once in a while, feeding the child just because they have to, visiting the child at school only when it is convenient, etc.)
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