Matter of A.M. (N.L.)

Holding The Appellate Division affirmed the Family Court’s finding that the appellant was legally responsible for the child and had abused the child, as the evidence established caretaking responsibilities and nonaccidental trauma. The court rejected the appellant’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and bias, finding that counsel pursued a reasonable strategy and no specific prejudicial conduct was identified.

The court’s words

appellant exercised control over the child's living environment and assumed caretaking responsibilities

2026 NY Slip Op 06554, at the official text

The severity, nature, and location of the injuries supported a finding of nonaccidental trauma

2026 NY Slip Op 06554, at the official text

appellant failed to rebut ACS's prima facie showing by establishing that the injuries occurred at a time when he was not caring for the child

2026 NY Slip Op 06554, at the official text

appellant's counsel pursued a reasonable litigation strategy, adequately cross-examined the witnesses, made appropriate objections to certain exhibits

2026 NY Slip Op 06554, at the official text

he identifies no specific rulings or comments by the court demonstrating that the court harbored any personal bias

2026 NY Slip Op 06554, at the official text