COOKS, Judge.
Kenneth Kirkman, Sr., appeals the trial court's judgment terminating his parental rights. For the following reasons, we affirm.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On August 14, 1991, J.K. was born in Santa Rosa County, Florida. The mother of the child is Penelope Nutrall Powers. She alleges Kenneth Michael Kirkman is the biological father of the child. Kirkman does not dispute he is the child's father. On December 10, 1993, the child was removed from the custody of the mother, who severely abused him physically, and placed in the State's protective custody. The child was adjudicated a "Child in Need of Care" on December 14, 1993. He has remained continually in the State's custody.
ANALYSIS
Article 1032 of the Louisiana Children's Code provides:
An examination of the record reveals that Kenneth Kirkman did not have any contact with his child or provide any support for him since birth. The State attempted on several occasions to locate the father and inquire if he could provide a stable and safe home for his son. Eventually, Christy Callens, a case manager with the Office of Community Services, located Kenneth Kirkman in North Carolina. On January 3, 1995, she spoke with him on the telephone. At that time Kenneth Kirkman expressed a desire to have his son come and live with him. Callens testified she explained in detail to Kirkman his parental rights and the problems his son was experiencing as a result of prior abuse. The case manager stressed to Kirkman the importance of developing a paternal relationship with the child. Callens testified she recommended he send photos, letters and cards to the child. Thereafter, she addressed several certified letters to Kenneth Kirkman. The letters stressed further that consistent participation was necessary to develop a father-son relationship and that inaction on Kirkman's part could result in the loss of his parental rights. Callens received special permission from the Louisiana state office to personally intervene in the interstate process hoping to expedite Kirkman's home study.
In August 1995, Callens returned to school, and a new case manager, Charlene Melancon, was assigned. After the January 3, 1995 phone call Callens never heard from Kenneth Kirkman again. Melancon testified she received correspondence from the North Carolina Social Services in November, 1995, indicating they had attempted to complete a home study on Kenneth Kirkman but could not do so because Kirkman would not cooperate. At this point Melancon attempted to get in touch with Kirkman, but could only reach his mother, who informed her that Kirkman, his girlfriend and their baby were living with her. The mother further questioned her son's ability to care for another child, and questioned whether he was the child's biological father. Melancon left her number with Kirkman's mother and requested that Kirkman call her as soon as possible.
On May 15, 1996, Melancon again called Kirkman's mother. On this occasion, Kirkman's mother told Melancon he had moved out of her home but she did not know the address. After Kirkman's mother indicated she would see him in a few days, Melancon again left her number asking that Kirkman call her. Kirkman did not call her. Kirkman
Kirkman also contends the State failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he abandoned his child. Parental rights to the care, custody, and management of children is a fundamental liberty interest warranting great deference and vigilant protection under the law. State in the Interest of Q.P., 94-609 (La.App. 3 Cir. 11/2/94); 649 So.2d 512. On this basis, the Louisiana legislature has imposed statutorily strict procedural and evidentiary requirements which must be met before issuance of a judgment terminating parental rights. The evidentiary standard established in termination cases mandates that the State present proof by clear and convincing evidence of the parents' failure to comply with all the enumerated conditions relied upon in the specific paragraph(s) of Louisiana Children's Code Art. 1015 before terminating parental rights. State in the Interest of J, 582 So.2d 269 (La.App. 1 Cir.), writ denied, 583 So.2d 1145 (La.1991). However, we review the record for manifest error in determining whether the lower court properly applied the clear and convincing evidentiary standard. Rosell v. ESCO, 549 So.2d 840 (La.1989).
To obtain a judgment terminating parental rights on the grounds of abandonment, Louisiana Children's Code Article 1015(9) requires proof of the following elements:
Thus, the State is required to prove that Kirkman abandoned his child for a period of at least four months and that he failed to provide for his care and support without just cause. State in the Interest of JL, 93-352 (La.App. 3 Cir. 5/18/94); 636 So.2d 1186. Ultimately though, the juvenile court is charged with determining whether the totality of the circumstances indicates a parent intended to permanently avoid parental responsibility and abandoned the child. State in the Interest of Q.P., 649 So.2d 512; State in the Interest of P.R.B., 622 So.2d 716 (La. App. 5 Cir.1993). After reviewing the record, we cannot say the trial court erred in concluding the State proved by clear and convincing evidence that Kenneth Kirkman abandoned his son.
DECREE
For the foregoing reasons, the judgment terminating Kenneth Kirkman's parental rights is affirmed.
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