DCPP VS. A.L.A. AND M.Z., IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF L.A.A. (FG-04-0176-17, CAMDEN COUNTY AND STATEWIDE) (RECORD IMPOUNDED) ( 2018 )


Menu:
  •                                       RECORD IMPOUNDED
    NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
    APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
    This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court." Although it is posted on the
    internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.
    SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
    APPELLATE DIVISION
    DOCKET NO. A-1991-17T1
    NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF CHILD
    PROTECTION AND PERMANENCY,
    Plaintiff-Respondent,
    v.
    A.L.A.,
    Defendant,
    and
    M.Z.,
    Defendant-Appellant.
    ________________________________________
    IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP
    OF L.A.A.,
    a Minor.
    ________________________________________
    Argued October 24, 2018 – Decided November 5, 2018
    Before Judges Nugent, Reisner, and Mawla.
    On appeal from Superior Court of New Jersey,
    Chancery Division, Family Part, Camden County,
    Docket No. FG-04-0176-17.
    Anne E. Gowen, Designated Counsel, argued the cause
    for appellant (Joseph E. Krakora, Public Defender,
    attorney; Anne E. Gowen, on the briefs).
    Jennifer A. Lochel, Deputy Attorney General, argued
    the cause for respondent (Gurbir S. Grewal, Attorney
    General, attorney; Melissa H. Raksa, Assistant
    Attorney General, of counsel; Jennifer A. Lochel, on
    the brief).
    Linda V. Alexander, Designated Counsel, argued the
    cause for minor (Joseph E. Krakora, Public Defender,
    Law Guardian, attorney; Meredith A. Pollock, Deputy
    Public Defendner, of counsel; Linda V. Alexander, on
    the brief).
    PER CURIAM
    Defendant M.Z. appeals from a December 14, 2017 judgment terminating
    his parental rights to his son, L.A.A. We affirm.
    The following facts are taken from the record. M.Z. and A.L.A. are the
    biological parents of L.A.A., who was born in January 2016, as well as another
    child born prior to L.A.A. M.Z. is also the father of four other children from
    another relationship. With the exception of L.A.A., M.Z. has surrendered his
    parental rights to all of his children.
    A-1991-17T1
    2
    M.Z.'s surrenders came as the result of previous involvement with the
    Division of Child Protection and Permanency (Division) and failure to comply
    with several recommended services, including anger management, parenting
    classes, and inpatient drug treatment and drug screens. The incidents giving rise
    to the Division's involvement began in November 2007, when M.Z. was
    involved in a domestic violence incident and found in possession of a crack pipe,
    causing removal of M.Z.'s four oldest children.         In January 2010, another
    domestic violence incident, in which M.Z. employed a hammer, resulted in
    another removal. In September 2012, the Division was alerted to issues of
    substance abuse and domestic violence between M.Z. and A.L.A. in the presence
    of one of the children, resulting in a third removal.
    M.Z. also had a history of criminality, which absented him from L.A.A.'s
    life. He has been incarcerated since December 2015, and his earliest release
    date is December 2020. As a result, M.Z. has had no contact with L.A.A., never
    met the child, and has been incarcerated for the child's entire life.
    The Division continued to receive referrals after M.Z.'s incarceration. In
    April 2016, the Division received a referral from the Waterford Township Police
    Department regarding an ongoing domestic violence incident involving a verbal
    altercation between A.L.A. and her mother, J.M. A.L.A. had been living for
    A-1991-17T1
    3
    approximately one month in J.M.'s home with L.A.A., and two of the child's
    half-siblings. J.M. requested A.L.A. leave due to her behavior.
    A Division caseworker interviewed A.L.A. at the police station. A.L.A.
    reported she and M.Z. had moved to Florida in October 2015, but she moved
    back to Philadelphia in December 2015, after M.Z. was incarcerated. A.L.A.
    explained her living circumstances had been transient. She lived with friends,
    before spending a period of time living in a Philadelphia shelter after L.A.A.'s
    birth. In March 2016, A.L.A. moved into her mother's home with L.A.A., who
    was then two months old.
    A.L.A. told the caseworker she suffered from multiple psychological
    disorders and had not been compliant with her current medication regimen.
    When the caseworker questioned J.M., she stated the argument between her and
    A.L.A. was only verbal, she had asked A.L.A. to leave the home, and "if a
    removal was needed for the baby, she [did not] want to be considered for
    placement." A.L.A. and L.A.A. continued to live transiently after leaving J.M.'s
    residence.
    In May 2016, A.L.A. brought L.A.A. to the Division office. A.L.A. made
    unfounded accusations claiming J.M.'s live-in partner had sexually abused one
    of A.L.A.'s children. It was apparent to the caseworker A.L.A. was experiencing
    A-1991-17T1
    4
    a mental health episode. The Division became concerned regarding A.L.A.'s
    condition and homelessness. As a result, the Division removed L.A.A., and
    placed him with his resource mother, J.F.
    The Division filed a complaint under Title 9 and Title 30 for services on
    May 5, 2016, naming both parents as defendants. At a hearing on May 19, 2016,
    the Division indicated it was actively searching for M.Z., who it understood was
    incarcerated in Florida.
    After the removal and commencement of the litigation, J.M. stated she
    was unwilling to care for L.A.A. She cited her health, well-being, and the safety
    of herself and the two children already in her care.          L.A.A.'s paternal
    grandmother, T.Z., was also interviewed by the Division and L.A.A. was
    ultimately placed in T.Z.'s home seven days after the removal. However, six
    days later, T.Z. returned L.A.A. because she did not want to continue interacting
    with A.L.A. Therefore, L.A.A. was returned to the home of his resource parent,
    J.F., where he has remained ever since.
    At a July 15, 2016 hearing, the Division advised the court it had located
    M.Z. in a Florida prison. The Division also advised M.Z. declined to complete
    a paternity test.
    A-1991-17T1
    5
    In December 2016, A.L.A. was fatally struck by a vehicle. After A.L.A.'s
    death, the Division contacted J.M. to inquire whether she would serve as a
    relative placement for L.A.A. J.M. expressed an interest, and the Division
    arranged for visitation to occur twice weekly. The Division also fostered a
    relationship between J.M. and J.F. in order to preserve the potential for L.A.A.'s
    placement with family.
    In February 2017, M.Z. was appointed counsel. At a permanency hearing
    in March 2017, the Division advised its plan was termination of parental rights
    followed by adoption by J.M. within one year. The judge rejected the Division's
    plan and ordered bonding evaluations "to get a little bit more information."
    At the second permanency hearing held in April 2017, the Division re-
    proposed a plan of termination of parental rights followed by adoption, pending
    bonding evaluations and expert reports. The judge approved the revised plan.
    The Division filed a guardianship complaint on June 2, 2017, and the court
    terminated the Title 9 litigation. M.Z. was represented by appointed counsel
    during this time and through the initial hearing in the guardianship matter.
    During a case management conference in July 2017, the Division advised
    the judge it had difficulty serving M.Z. with the guardianship complaint because
    he had moved between correctional facilities in Florida. However, once M.Z.
    A-1991-17T1
    6
    was served, the attorney who had previously represented him was reappointed.
    Additionally, the caseworker traveled to Florida to meet M.Z. and make
    arrangements for his participation in the guardianship proceedings.
    The guardianship trial occurred over two days in November 2017. M.Z.
    appeared by telephone.      The Division offered the testimony of forensic
    psychologists, Drs. Alan Lee and Lina Jeffrey, and caseworker Tara Lange. J.F.,
    J.M., and T.Z. also testified. M.Z. did not.
    Dr. Lee had performed an evaluation of M.Z. in Florida. He testified M.Z.
    had an extensive criminal history, including juvenile charges and two prison
    terms served as an adult. He also testified M.Z. had admitted he was jailed or
    detained approximately twenty other times, and had numerous arrests related to
    drugs, thefts, burglary, or domestic violence.
    Dr. Lee concluded M.Z.'s criminal history demonstrated a larger pattern
    of propensity for criminality and impulse control problems, antisocial behaviors,
    and a substantial risk of recidivism. Dr. Lee also found M.Z.'s history of
    polysubstance abuse problematic because he was not fully invested in substance
    abuse treatment and thus had not benefitted from it. Based on the psychological
    testing conducted by Dr. Lee, he classified M.Z. as having a "cluster of
    A-1991-17T1
    7
    antisocial and narcissistic personality traits" which "reflects on his long history
    of behavior and attitude problems."
    Dr. Lee concluded M.Z.'s incarceration prevented him from caring for
    L.A.A., and his criminal behavior would create an unsafe parenting environment
    for the child. Dr. Lee opined M.Z. would not be able to parent L.A.A. because
    he lacked any knowledge of parenting and child rearing, and provided erroneous
    answers to basic questions regarding a child's common developmental
    milestones. Dr. Lee testified M.Z. lacked the ability to parent into the future
    because his potential to show any kind of significant lasting changes as a parent
    was "poor."
    Dr. Jeffrey performed psychological and bonding evaluations of J.M., her
    partner, and L.A.A. She also conducted separate evaluations of J.F. and L.A.A.
    Dr. Jeffrey's diagnostic impression of J.M. indicated she had adjustment
    disorder, anxiety, and narcissistic tendencies. She found J.M. defensive and
    exhibiting signs of deception throughout the evaluation. She noted J.M.'s "lack
    of candor, narcissistic tendencies, . . . lack of personal insight and lack of
    empathy." J.M. also indicated she experienced stress and anxiety regarding her
    financial situation and her partner's work schedule, but did not explain why she
    had been unemployed since 2013.
    A-1991-17T1
    8
    J.M. had also provided a written statement, which gave Dr. Jeffrey
    concern.     J.M. explained she called the police when A.L.A. began to act
    erratically, in order to protect herself, and her other grandchildren, but not
    L.A.A.      Dr. Jeffrey testified this decision showed questionable parental
    judgment because it was:
    problematic that [J.M.] indicated that her sense . . .
    [A.L.A.] . . . was off her medication, that she was
    delusional, and that she was at risk of harm. Whereas,
    what was . . . reported[] to the police [w]as not that and
    hence the police did not think that they had the basis
    [to] arrest . . . [A.L.A.].
    I think that the bottom line was the . . . statement "I
    chose to keep myself, [H.Z.] and [J.Z.] 1 safe." She did
    not choose to keep [L.A.A.] safe.
    In other words, despite believing that A.L.A. was having a psychotic episode,
    J.M. let her leave the house with L.A.A., and did not alert the police to that
    danger. Dr. Jeffrey concluded this decision was emblematic of J.M.'s emotional
    immaturity, inability to take responsibility, and adequately problem solve.
    Dr. Jeffrey also testified J.M. had a "grandiose sense of self[,]" and placed
    her needs above others. She testified that J.M.'s narcissistic tendencies and lack
    of empathy impact her ability to parent L.A.A., because she is likely to prioritize
    1
    H.Z. and J.Z. are J.M.'s other grandchildren.
    A-1991-17T1
    9
    her needs above the child's. Dr. Jeffrey opined "a child's most important role
    model[s are] the primary care givers in a child's life. A child's sense of what an
    adult is, is derived from their care givers, their parents." Dr. Jeffrey concluded
    J.M.'s adjustment disorder impacted her ability to parent because it created a
    lack of stability and an inability to serve as a child's role model.
    Dr. Jeffrey also expressed concern regarding J.M.'s intention to parent
    with her partner because his answers to questions during the bonding evaluation
    demonstrated he lacked any knowledge regarding L.A.A. Dr. Jeffrey testified
    that during the bonding evaluation with L.A.A. attended by J.M., her other
    grandchildren, and her partner, neither J.M. nor her partner attempted to provide
    structure for the children. Instead, both remained in their chairs throughout the
    evaluation and J.M. resorted to verbal exhortation to attempt to control the
    children.
    Dr. Jeffrey noted "[L.A.A.] did not display any spontaneous affection to
    [J.M.]" In the second bonding evaluation, which included only J.M. and L.A.A.,
    Dr. Jeffrey noted there was a lack of greater interpersonal interactions indicative
    of a bond. She testified J.M.'s behavior indicated she lacked attunement to
    L.A.A., and L.A.A. did not display spontaneous affection for J.M. Dr. Jeffrey
    A-1991-17T1
    10
    concluded L.A.A. related to J.M. as a "familiar playmate and a pleasant visitor,"
    but L.A.A. would not suffer a harm if the relationship were severed.
    The bonding evaluation between L.A.A. and J.F. was quite different. Dr.
    Jeffrey's testified J.F. and L.A.A. maintained "good eye contact[,]" and J.F.
    provided "gentle yet effective" guidance to L.A.A. She also noted L.A.A. was
    relaxed and comfortable with J.F., used her as a "home base," and remained
    close in proximity to her as he explored the room. Dr. Jeffrey concluded there
    was a bond between J.F. and L.A.A., and a severance of the relationship would
    cause him serious harm and hinder his development.
    Dr. Jeffrey testified J.M. would have difficulty mitigating the substantial
    harm L.A.A. would suffer if his relationship with J.F. were severed because she
    failed to comprehend the nature of the attachment between L.A.A. and J.F. Dr.
    Jeffrey found J.M.'s inability to empathize with L.A.A. demonstrated she would
    not provide the care and support to adequately ameliorate the harm. Dr. Jeffrey
    opined J.F. had become L.A.A.'s "psychological parent."          Therefore, she
    concluded that a permanent placement with J.F. was crucial to L.A.A.'s
    development.
    J.F.'s testimony corroborated Dr. Jeffrey's findings. She testified L.A.A.
    refers to her as "mommy" and has formed relationships with her adult daughter,
    A-1991-17T1
    11
    her extended family, neighbors, friends, and members of J.F.'s church. She
    expressed an unequivocal desire to adopt L.A.A. and also maintain his
    relationship with his blood relatives.
    J.M. and T.Z. both testified they had not offered themselves as placement
    options when the case began. J.M. explained she offered herself as placement
    option only after A.L.A. died, and T.Z. testified she offered herself as a
    placement only after she was made aware of the Division's plan to terminate
    parental rights.
    The trial judge rendered a comprehensive oral opinion finding the
    Division had proved the four prongs of N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a) by clear and
    convincing evidence, and a termination of parental rights followed by adoption
    by J.F. was in L.A.A.'s best interests.       At the outset, the judge noted the
    testimony of Drs. Lee and Jeffrey was undisputed. The judge found the experts'
    testimony that was credible and corroborated by the facts.
    Regarding prongs one and two, the judge credited Dr. Lee's testimony
    M.Z. had a long history of substance abuse and behavioral deficiencies , which
    prohibited him from parenting at the time or in the foreseeable future. The judge
    noted, although M.Z.'s expected release date from prison was December 2020,
    A-1991-17T1
    12
    his drug use and behavioral disorders prevented him from adequately parenting
    even if he were released on time.
    With respect to prong three, the judge credited the caseworker's testimony,
    and found the Division had met its burden to make reasonable efforts to reunify
    the family by offering services to both parents. The judge noted M.Z. had been
    provided services by the Division in connection with the removals of his o ther
    children, namely, "parenting [classes], anger management, and counseling."
    However, the judge found M.Z. had never asked for services after his
    incarceration.
    The judge also concluded the Division had satisfied its burden to prove by
    clear and convincing evidence there were no alternatives to termination of
    parental rights and had assessed relative placements. The judge noted although
    the Division is required to assess relative placements, there was no presumption
    in favor of placing the child with relatives. Citing to N.J. Div. of Youth &
    Family Servs. v. M.F., 
    357 N.J. Super. 515
     (App. Div. 2003), the judge found
    "a presumption of custody only exists in favor of a natural parent as opposed to
    placement with relatives or foster parents."
    The judge noted it was undisputed J.M. was not interested in caring for
    L.A.A. when the Division took emergency custody of him and inquired whether
    A-1991-17T1
    13
    she was available for placement. J.M. had allowed L.A.A. to leave with A.L.A.
    despite her knowledge of A.L.A.'s housing instability and concerns for the
    child's safety. The judge also noted T.Z. took custody of L.A.A. for six days
    before giving him up for placement with the resource parent.         The record
    indicated neither J.M. nor T.Z. had communicated with the Division for a period
    of ten months while L.A.A. was placed with J.F. The judge found these facts
    supported the conclusions drawn by Dr. Jeffrey, that J.M. had a sense of
    entitlement, self-absorption, and lacked compassion, attunement, and the ability
    to mitigate the harm to L.A.A., which would result from severing his
    relationship with J.F.
    Notwithstanding, the judge found the Division still arranged for visitation
    once J.M. indicated her interest in becoming a placement option for L.A.A. The
    judge credited the Division's efforts to preserve the family by securing bonding
    and psychological evaluations to determine the viability of a relative placement.
    However, the judge found J.F. was the only viable permanency option for
    L.A.A. The judge found she placed L.A.A. interests above her own, and had a
    substantial support system and experience caring for foster children. Notably,
    although the judge found both J.M. and J.F. reported anxiety and depression
    A-1991-17T1
    14
    during their evaluations, she concluded only J.F. was committed to engaging in
    counseling and treatment.
    The judge concluded the fourth prong had been met because L.A.A. had
    been placed with a stable and nurturing psychological parent. The judge found
    L.A.A. had a significant attachment to J.F. and would be harmed by severing the
    relationship, which would not meet the statutory goals of ensuring the physical
    and psychological well-being of the child. The judge concluded the only means
    of assuring L.A.A. permanency and healthy development was to terminate
    M.Z.'s parental rights.
    The judge granted the Division guardianship. This appeal followed.
    I.
    "Appellate review of a trial court's decision to terminate parental rights is
    limited[.]" In re Guardianship of J.N.H., 
    172 N.J. 440
    , 472 (2002). "Because
    of the Family Part's special jurisdiction and expertise in family matters, we
    accord particular deference to a Family Part judge's fact-finding." N.J. Div. of
    Youth & Family Servs. v. T.M., 
    399 N.J. Super. 453
    , 463 (App. Div. 2008); see
    Cesare v. Cesare, 
    154 N.J. 394
    , 413 (1998). Deference is appropriate because
    the trial judge has a "'feel for the case' that can never be realized by a review of
    the cold record." N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. R.G., 
    217 N.J. 527
    , 552
    A-1991-17T1
    15
    (2014). A reviewing court will not disturb a family court's termination of
    parental rights so long as the decision is "supported by substantial and credible
    evidence on the record." N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. F.M., 
    211 N.J. 420
    , 448 (2012) (citations and internal quotations omitted).
    "When the credibility of witnesses is an important factor, the trial court's
    conclusions must be given great weight and must be accepted by the appellate
    court unless clearly lacking in reasonable support." N.J. Div. of Youth & Family
    Servs. v. F.M., 
    375 N.J. Super. 235
    , 259 (2005) (citing In Re Guardianship of
    DMH, 
    161 N.J. 365
    , 382 (1999)). In other words, a family court decision is
    overturned only when the fact-findings are "so wide of the mark that [the
    Appellate Division's] intervention is necessary to correct an injustice." F.M.,
    211 N.J. at 447. The factual findings of the trial court should not be disturbed
    on appeal unless "they are so wholly insupportable as to result in a denial of
    justice[.]" In re Guardianship of J.T., 
    269 N.J. Super. 172
    , 188 (App. Div. 1993)
    (citing Rova Farms Resort, Inc. v. Investors Ins. Co. of Am., 
    65 N.J. 474
    , 483-
    84 (1974)).     When the trial court's findings are "supported by adequate,
    substantial and credible evidence" those findings should be upheld on appeal.
    
    Ibid.
    A-1991-17T1
    16
    On appeal, M.Z. argues he was deprived of counsel at the Title 9 stage of
    the proceedings, which in turn deprived him of the ability to advocate for
    L.A.A.'s placement with family rather than a resource parent. M.Z. claims he
    was prejudiced because he was not produced from jail to attend the trial. He
    contends his counsel was ineffective for failing to advocate for him at the Title
    9 stage and avoid the guardianship filing. He also claims his counsel was
    ineffective in the guardianship phase for failing to pursue a bonding evaluation
    between the child and J.M., and for failing to advocate for adoption by J.M.
    M.Z. also challenges the judge's prong three findings, claiming the Division
    made minimal efforts to facilitate his participation in the trial, involve J.M. and
    T.Z. in the case, and pursue a permanency placement with relatives.
    II.
    We first address M.Z.'s claims he was deprived of counsel during critical
    stages of the proceedings, was not produced to attend court, and that his counsel
    was ineffective. At the outset, we note these arguments are raised for the first
    time on appeal. Generally, "issues not raised below will ordinarily not be
    considered on appeal unless they are jurisdictional in nature or substantially
    implicate the public interest." N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. M.C. III,
    
    201 N.J. 328
    , 339 (2010) (citing Cty. of Essex v. First Union Nat'l Bank, 186
    A-1991-17T1
    
    17 N.J. 46
    , 51 (2006)); see also Neider v. Royal Indem. Ins. Co., 
    62 N.J. 229
    , 234
    (1973).
    Notwithstanding, we are unpersuaded M.Z.'s claims warrant reversal of
    the judgment. In N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. B.R., 
    192 N.J. 301
    (2007), our Supreme Court adopted the two-part test for assessing ineffective
    assistance of counsel from Strickland v. Washington, 
    466 U.S. 668
     (1984). This
    test establishes:
    (1) counsel's performance must be objectively
    deficient—i.e., it must fall outside the broad range of
    professionally acceptable performance; and (2)
    counsel's deficient performance must prejudice the
    defense—i.e., there must be "a reasonable probability
    that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result
    of the proceeding would have been different."
    [
    192 N.J. at 307
     (quoting Strickland, 446 U.S. at 694).]
    M.Z. argues the deprivation of counsel is presumed to be prejudicial, and
    therefore negates the requirement to prove the second prong of the Strickland
    standard. Specifically, he relies upon United States v. Cronic, 
    466 U.S. 648
    (1984); State v. Miller, 
    216 N.J. 40
     (2013); and United States v. Gonzalez-
    Lopez, 
    548 U.S. 140
     (2006).
    M.Z. also relies upon In re Guardianship of M., 
    158 N.J. Super. 585
     (J. &
    D.R. Ct. 1978). In M. the court voided a parent's voluntary surrender, entered
    A-1991-17T1
    18
    after the guardianship complaint was filed, where the Division negotiated the
    surrender without the parent's attorney present. 
    158 N.J. Super. 593
    -94. The
    court noted it was not convinced the parent made a knowing and intelligent
    waiver of her constitutional right to counsel. 
    Id. at 593
    . The court described
    the parent's frailties, and stated she:
    [wa]s blind. Alcohol has been a problem for her. . . .
    she had difficulty when walking and negotiating the
    steps to the witness stand even with assistance, and her
    hands were constantly shaking as if in a tremor. From
    her testimony and demeanor it was obvious that she was
    not a very intelligent woman.
    [Ibid.]
    The court also noted the Division had direct contact with the parent over her
    counsel's objection. 
    Id. at 593-94
    . The court stated this "conduct may itself be
    a sufficient overriding equitable consideration so as to invalidate the signing of
    the [s]urrender [c]onsent form." 
    Id. at 594
    .
    M.Z.'s circumstances are far different and do not persuade us there was a
    presumptive prejudice. Indeed, M.Z. does not suffer from the various deficits
    outlined by the court in M. Although M.Z. was without counsel for the majority
    of the Title 9 proceedings, it was because he was not the target of the litigation.
    Moreover, because A.L.A. was alive and M.Z. was incarcerated, the Division's
    goals were reunification with A.L.A. Once it became obvious reunification with
    A-1991-17T1
    19
    A.L.A. was not a possibility, and when she died, M.Z. was assigned counsel and
    remained represented throughout the litigation and its most critical phases.
    M.Z. argues New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Servives v. R.G.,
    
    397 N.J. Super. 439
     (App. Div. 2008) is dispositive. We disagree. In R.G. the
    trial court held a fact finding hearing, heard a dispositive motion, and
    adjudicated that the parent had committed abuse or neglect—all before the
    parent had been appointed counsel. 
    Id. at 444-45
    . The parent's only ability to
    confer with counsel was an informal discussion with a public defender who
    happened to be present in the courtroom.        
    Ibid.
     Although we found these
    conditions warranted a reversal of the abuse and neglect finding, we did not, as
    M.Z. contends, decide the matter under the prejudice prong of the Strickland
    test. 
    Id. at 450
    .
    Moreover, the parent in R.G. was the target of the Title 9 proceedings, and
    was deprived of counsel at the most critical fact-finding phase of the case.
    M.Z.'s circumstances were much different. He was able to consult with his
    attorney at all critical points of the litigation. He was represented when the court
    dismissed the Title 9 litigation, and the dismissal occurred without an
    adjudication of abuse or neglect against either parent. Thus, R.G. is inapposite,
    A-1991-17T1
    20
    and the circumstances presented do not support a finding of a presumption of
    prejudice.
    M.Z. also relies upon In re Adoption of J.E.V., 
    226 N.J. 90
     (2016), where
    the Supreme Court mandated the appointment of counsel for a biological parent
    who could not afford an attorney in a contested private adoption. Id. at 108.
    The Court held reversal of the judgment of adoption was required where "a
    complete denial of counsel casts doubt on the fairness of the process followed."
    Id. at 115 (citing State v. Shirley E. (In re Torrance P.), 
    724 N.W.2d 623
     (Wis.
    2006)). Again, for the reasons we have previously expressed, the circumstances
    of J.E.V. are wholly dissimilar from the facts presented here. There was no
    "complete deprivation" of counsel for M.Z. Instead, the judge took special care
    to assure the appointment of the same attorney for M.Z. in both the Title 9 and
    guardianship phases of the litigation. For these reasons, we decline to find a
    presumption of prejudice requiring us to obviate a consideration of the second
    Strickland prong.
    M.Z. asserts the deprivation of counsel during the Title 9 proceedings
    prior to A.L.A.'s death, during the period between the Title 9 dismissal and the
    initiation of the guardianship matter, all prevented him from influencing the
    future of the case. Specifically, M.Z. asserts if he had been included in the Title
    A-1991-17T1
    21
    9 litigation, he would have advocated for greater participation by T.Z. and J.M.,
    and against L.A.A.'s placement in a resource home. We are unpersuaded.
    Not only was there the lack of presumption of prejudice on M.Z.'s behalf,
    the facts do not support a finding of actual prejudice, and thus, a reason to
    disturb the guardianship judgment. Indeed, as we noted, M.Z. was incarcerated
    throughout the Title 9 litigation and the Division's objective was reunification
    with A.L.A. Nothing in the record indicates reunification was not possible prior
    to A.L.A.'s death. When A.L.A. passed away, M.Z. was represented by counsel
    at two hearings, which ultimately resulted in dismissal of the Title 9 matter
    without a determination of abuse or neglect. There is no dispute M.Z. was
    represented by counsel throughout the Title 30 litigation. Additionally, he was
    produced telephonically from prison in Florida and participated in the
    proceedings.
    In N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. A.P., 
    408 N.J. Super. 252
    , 255
    (App. Div. 2009), we addressed whether "a parent's appeal of an order that
    dismisses a Title 9 action brought by the Division . . . before . . . an adjudication
    of abuse or neglect and entry of a final order of disposition is mooted by the
    Division's filing of a Title 30 action for termination of parental rights." We
    noted Title 9 and Title 30 matters are separate proceedings and the Division may
    A-1991-17T1
    22
    file a Title 30 action without filing a Title 9 complaint or having obtained a
    finding of abuse or neglect. 
    Id. at 259-60
     (citations omitted).
    We also discussed the significance of a dismissal of a Title 9 action
    without an adjudication regarding abuse or neglect.
    [The Division]'s dismissal of a Title 9 action without an
    adjudication that the parent has abused or neglected his
    or her child has none of the adverse consequences of a
    final order of disposition based on a finding of abuse or
    neglect. Such a disposition, like the dismissal of any
    other action by a plaintiff under Rule 4:37-1,
    "adjudicates nothing," Malhame v. Borough of
    Demarest, 
    174 N.J. Super. 28
    , 30 (App. Div. 1980)
    (quoting Christiansen v. Christiansen, 
    46 N.J. Super. 101
    , 109 (App. Div. 1957)), and thus cannot provide a
    predicate for relief against the defendant. Moreover,
    the voluntary dismissal of an action "leaves the
    situation so far as procedures therein are concerned the
    same as though the suit had never been brought, thus
    vitiating and annulling all prior proceedings and orders
    in the case." A.B. Dick Co. v. Marr, 
    197 F.2d 498
    , 502
    (2d Cir. 1952); accord Nat'l R.R. Passenger Corp. v.
    Int'l Ass'n of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, 
    915 F.2d 43
    , 48 (1st Cir. 1990).
    [Id. at 262-63.]
    Thus, we held the appeal was moot under the circumstances presented, and
    emphasized the parent's due process rights would be fully protected by the trial
    of the Title 30 action. Id. at 264. We stated a Title 30 trial would:
    afford . . . the opportunity . . . to contest the charges of
    abuse or neglect or other harm to the child caused by
    A-1991-17T1
    23
    the parental relationship, [the parent]'s willingness and
    ability to address the causes of that harm, the adequacy
    of remedial services [the Division] provided . . . , and
    whether termination of . . . parental rights . . . would do
    more harm than good. Moreover, [the Division] will
    bear the burden of establishing the standards for the
    termination of parental rights by "clear-and-
    convincing-evidence" rather than the lesser burden of
    proof by a "preponderance of the evidence" that would
    apply in an action under Title 9.
    [Id. at 264 (citing K.M., 136 N.J. at 557).]
    Here, M.Z. did not appeal from the dismissal of the Title 9 litigation.
    Regardless, because the Title 9 dismissal "adjudicate[d] nothing[,]" it had no
    prejudicial effect on M.Z.'s rights in the guardianship proceeding. As we noted,
    at the outset of the guardianship matter, the judge obtained the necessary
    information for M.Z. to complete an application for the appointment of counsel,
    and he was provided the same public defender who represented him during the
    Title 9 proceedings. The Division sent a caseworker to Florida to meet with
    M.Z. to discuss the case and arrange for his participation in the trial. M.Z.'s trial
    counsel represented him throughout the guardianship matter and M.Z.
    participated in the proceedings. At trial, M.Z.'s counsel offered a vigorous
    defense of the Division's case, cross-examined its experts, and adduced
    testimony from the T.Z. and J.M. in support of M.Z.'s defense. M.Z. does not
    contest these facts.
    A-1991-17T1
    24
    Furthermore, the record clearly indicates the Division had involved T.Z.
    and J.M. from the onset of the litigation. As we noted, the Division contacted
    J.M. immediately after L.A.A.'s removal and she indicated she was not
    interested in caring for the child. The Division placed L.A.A. with T.Z. for a
    brief period, but she indicated she no longer wanted to be considered as a
    placement option. It was only after A.L.A.'s death and approval of the Division's
    permanency plan of a termination of parental rights followed by adoption that
    either T.Z. or J.M. expressed a serious interest in caring for L.A.A. Even then,
    the Division was responsive and engaged J.M. with a visitation schedule and
    multiple evaluations to determine whether a placement with her was viable.
    Moreover, despite M.Z.'s contention that the disposition of the Title 9
    matter made the guardianship litigation a formality, the record indicates the
    Division's plan was adoption by J.M. The record demonstrates the permanency
    plan changed after the Title 30 proceedings commenced and expert evaluations
    were submitted—not during the transition from the Title 9 proceedings into the
    guardianship. M.Z. was represented by competent counsel and was fully capable
    of defending the guardianship and advocating for L.A.A.'s placement with a
    grandparent.   The facts do not support M.Z.'s claim the Division had not
    thoroughly vetted and sought a placement with T.Z. or J.M. early in the
    A-1991-17T1
    25
    proceedings, or that M.Z.'s advocacy for a relative placement at some unknown
    point before A.L.A.'s death would have changed the trajectory of the litigation.
    The record lacks evidence of an ineffective assistance of counsel to meet
    either prong of the Strickland standard. To the extent we have not further
    addressed M.Z.'s arguments on this account, it is because they are without
    sufficient merit to warrant discussion in a written opinion. R. 2:11-3(e)(1)(E).
    III.
    Finally, we address M.Z.'s claims the Division failed to prove the third
    prong of the best interests test. M.Z. argues the Division failed to meet its
    burden to make reasonable efforts to provide services and did not adequately
    assess relative placements in violation of its statutory burden. M.Z. argues the
    clear and convincing standard requires proof the Division made reasonable
    efforts to help the parent remedy the problems leading to the child's removal.
    He alleges the Division ignored him until shortly before the trial, ignored T.Z.'s
    interest in being a placement option for L.A.A., and failed to assist J.M. in
    remedying the parenting deficiencies cited by Dr. Jeffrey.
    Under N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a), the Division must prove by clear and
    convincing evidence termination is in the best interest of the child. F.M., 211
    N.J. at 447. The clear and convincing evidence standard is satisfied when, in
    A-1991-17T1
    26
    the mind of the factfinder, there is a "firm belief or conviction as to the truth of
    the allegations sought to be established, evidence so clear, direct and weighty
    and convincing as to enable the fact finder to come to a clear conviction, without
    hesitancy, of the precise facts in issue." N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v.
    I.S., 
    202 N.J. 145
    , 168 (2010) (quoting In re Seaman, 
    133 N.J. 67
    , 74 (1993)
    (citation, internal quotation and editing marks omitted)).
    Pursuant to the "best interest of the child" standard, the Division must
    prove by clear and convincing evidence:
    (1)    The child's safety, health, or development has
    been or will continue to be endangered by the
    parental relationship;
    (2)    The parent is unwilling or unable to eliminate the
    harm facing the child or is unable or unwilling to
    provide a safe and stable home for the child and
    the delay of permanent placement will add to the
    harm. Such harm may include evidence that
    separating the child from his resource family
    parents would cause serious and enduring
    emotional or psychological harm to the child;
    (3)    The [D]ivision has made reasonable efforts to
    provide services to help the parent correct the
    circumstances which led to the child's placement
    outside the home and the court has considered
    alternatives to termination of parental rights; and
    (4)    Termination of parental rights will not do more
    harm than good.
    A-1991-17T1
    27
    [N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a).]
    "Importantly, those four prongs are not 'discrete and separate,' but 'relate to and
    overlap with one another to provide a comprehensive standard that identifies a
    child's best interests.'" N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. G.L., 
    191 N.J. 596
    , 606-07 (2007) (quoting In re Guardianship of K.H.O., 
    161 N.J. 337
    , 348
    (1999)).
    Under prong three, the court must consider whether the Division "made
    reasonable efforts to provide services to help the parent correct the
    circumstances which led to the child's placement outside the home[.]" N.J.S.A.
    30:4C-15.1(a)(3). The Division's efforts must be analyzed "with reference to
    the circumstances of the individual case[,]" including the parent's degree of
    participation. In re Guardianship of DMH, 161 N.J. at 390 (citing In Re Tricia
    & Trixie H., 
    126 N.H. 418
     (1985)).
    N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(c) defines diligent efforts as those "attempts by an
    agency authorized by the [D]ivision to assist the parents in remedying the
    circumstances and conditions that led to the placement of the child and in
    reinforcing the family structure[.]" The statute lists examples of "reasonable
    efforts" at reunification, including but not limited to:
    (1) consultation and cooperation with the parent in
    developing a plan for appropriate services;
    A-1991-17T1
    28
    (2) providing services that have been agreed upon, to
    the family, in order to further the goal of family
    reunification;
    (3) informing the parent at appropriate intervals of the
    child's progress, development and health; and
    (4) facilitating appropriate visitation.
    [Ibid.]
    Further, "[the Division]'s efforts in providing [services] must by their very
    nature take into consideration the abilities and mental conditions of the
    parents[,]" but the determination of reasonableness does not turn on the success
    of those efforts. N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. A.G., 
    344 N.J. Super. 418
    , 442 (App. Div. 2001).
    Relative placement is among many of the resources available to the
    Division to satisfy its reasonable efforts obligation.     Although there is no
    presumption of favorability for relative placements, the assessment for such
    placements help the Division demonstrate its reasonable efforts at family
    reunification. See N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. K.L.W., 
    419 N.J. Super. 568
    , 580-81 (App. Div. 2011).          Additionally, while kinship legal
    guardianship (KLG) is an alternative to termination of parental rights, it is only
    available where the relative is unwilling to adopt. 
    Id. at 579
    ; see also N.J. Div.
    A-1991-17T1
    29
    of Youth & Family Servs. v. T.I., 
    423 N.J. Super. 127
    , 130 (App. Div. 2011)
    ("[W]hen a caregiver in a case brought by the [Division] unequivocally asserts
    a desire to adopt, the finding required for a KLG that 'adoption of the child is
    neither feasible nor likely' cannot be met."); N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs.
    v. P.P., 
    180 N.J. 494
    , 512-13 (2004) (where our Supreme Court stated KLG
    should only be considered when adoption is not an option). "If the [Division]
    determines that the relative is unwilling or unable to assume the care of the child,
    the [Division] shall not be required to re-evaluate the relative." N.J.S.A. 30:4C-
    12.1(b).
    We reject M.Z.'s claims the third prong of the best interests test was not
    met. There is no credible dispute M.Z. had not met L.A.A., played no role in
    his life, and was incapable of parenting the child at any point during the
    litigation or into the foreseeable future.        Moreover, the record clearly
    demonstrates the Division engaged A.L.A. with services aimed at reunification
    when she was the only parent available to care for L.A.A. due to M.Z.'s
    incarceration.
    When the removal occurred, the Division immediately sought a relative
    placement with T.Z. and J.M., who for different reasons each declined the
    opportunity to be considered as placement options. When A.L.A. died and J.M.
    A-1991-17T1
    30
    requested consideration as a placement option, the Division supported this
    request by establishing a reasonable visitation schedule and multiple evaluations
    to determine whether placement with J.M. was a viable option. The Division
    engaged J.M. even though it had previously determined she was unwilling to
    care for the child and was no longer statutorily required to consider her as a
    placement option.
    M.Z.'s argument also ignores the fact the Division assessed all available
    relative placements and ruled them out because they were not viable parenting
    options pursuant to the undisputed expert testimony.         Indeed, Dr. Jeffrey
    testified without rebuttal that J.M. suffered from behavioral deficiencies, had
    narcissistic tendencies, and possessed no psychological connection with L.A.A.
    The expert testimony proved J.M. suffered from adjustment disorder and would
    be unable to mitigate the substantial harm L.A.A. would suffer if his relationship
    with J.F. were severed.
    The record amply supports the trial judge's prong three findings.
    Moreover, the judge's findings as a whole are supported by substantial credible
    evidence to warrant granting the judgment of guardianship.
    Affirmed.
    A-1991-17T1
    31