In the Matter of Howard A.W., Respondent, v. Nyah Vernell J., Appellant. (Proceeding No. 1.); In the Matter of Wayne Devine P., Respondent, v. ACS-Kings, Respondent, and Nyah Vernell J., Appellant. (Proceeding No. 2.) In the Matter of K'Mora W. Administration for Children's Services, Respondent; Nyah J., Appellant. Howard A.W., Nonparty Respondent. (Proceeding No. 3.) In the Matter of Quam P. Administration for Children's Services, Respondent; Nyah J., Appellant. Wayne Devine P., Nonparty Respondent. (Proceeding No. 4.)

In the Matter of Howard A.W., Respondent, v Nyah Vernell J., Appellant. (Proceeding No. 1.) In the Matter of Wayne Devine P., Respondent, v ACS-Kings, Respondent, and Nyah Vernell J., Appellant. (Proceeding No. 2.) In the Matter of K’Mora W. Administration for Children’s Services, Respondent; Nyah J., Appellant. Howard A.W., Nonparty Respondent. (Proceeding No. 3.) In the Matter of Quam P. Administration for Children’s Services, Respondent; Nyah J., Appellant. Wayne Devine P., Nonparty Respondent. (Proceeding No. 4.) [930 NYS2d 483] [MAJORITY] The “essential consideration” in the placement of children in a neglect proceeding and in making an award of custody is the best interests of the children, and the Family Court’s exercise of its discretion must have a sound and substantial basis in the record (Matter of Ramazan U., 303 AD2d 516, 517 [2003]; see Eschbach v Eschbach, 56 NY2d 167 [1982]; Matter of Reyes v Polanco, 83 AD3d 849, 850 [2011]; Matter of Daniel R. [Lucille R.], 70 AD3d 839, 842 [2010]). Under the totality of the circumstances, releasing the subject children to their respective fathers and granting the fathers custody of their children had a sound and substantial basis in the record and will not be disturbed. The mother’s remaining contentions are without merit. Dillon, J.E, Eng, Sgroi and Miller, JJ., concur.