In re O.C. , 2022 Ohio 190 ( 2022 )

[Cite as In re O.C., 2022-Ohio-190.]
COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
IN RE O.C. :
A Minor Child :
No. 110568
[Appeal by L.C., Mother] :
:
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
JUDGMENT: REVERSED AND REMANDED
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: January 27, 2022
Civil Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Juvenile Division
Case No. AD18909707
Appearances:
Edward F. Borkowski, Jr., for appellant.
Michael C. O’Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting
Attorney, and Michelle A. Myers and Joseph C. Young,
Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys, for appellee Cuyahoga
County Division of Children and Family Services.
Rachel A. Kopec, for appellee Guardian ad Litem.
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, J.:
Appellant L.C. (“Mother”) appeals from the juvenile court’s decision
granting the appellee Guardian ad Litem’s (“GAL”) motion for permanent custody
of her minor child, O.C., to the appellee Cuyahoga County Division of Children and
Family Services (“CCDCFS” or “the agency”). The agency has filed a brief in support
of Mother asking this court to reverse. After a thorough review of the record, we
reverse.
Factual and Procedural History
O.C. was born to Mother on August 2, 2018. Four days later, on
August 6, 2018, CCDCFS filed a complaint for dependency, alleging that Mother
lacked stable housing, could not provide for O.C.’s basic needs, had inconsistently
engaged in mental-health treatment, and had four other children that were
previously adjudicated neglected and dependent and placed in the permanent
custody of the agency.1 The complaint sought temporary custody of O.C. The agency
simultaneously filed a motion for emergency predispositional custody of O.C. The
juvenile court granted the agency’s motion for predispositional temporary custody,
and O.C. was placed in a foster home.
On January 2, 2019, the court adjudicated O.C. dependent. The court
also approved the agency’s case plan, which listed objectives for Mother related to
basic needs, housing, mental health, and parenting. The permanency plan was
reunification.
On April 25, 2019, the agency filed a motion to modify temporary
custody to permanent custody. The motion referred to Mother’s “chronic
1 Paternity was not confirmed when the complaint was filed. J.W. was
subsequently confirmed as O.C.’s father. J.W. was minimally involved in the proceedings
and is not a party to this appeal.
intellectual disability” and alleged that Mother had “failed to demonstrate the ability
to independently provide appropriate care for the child long-term.”
On August 15, 2019, Mother filed a motion for in-home unsupervised
visitation. The motion cited agency social worker Cynthia Hurry’s (“Hurry”) recent
semiannual review (“SAR”), in which Hurry stated that Mother had been doing well
at supervised visits in her home and that O.C. “is comfortable in her care.” Hurry
also stated that she had consulted with the GAL, who attended a visit and agreed
“that mother would be able to have unsupervised visits in her home with O.C. and it
would not present a safety issue.” Following an attorney conference on August 26,
2019, the court denied Mother’s motion for in-home unsupervised visitation.
On September 27, 2019, the agency filed a motion to amend its April
25, 2019 motion for permanent custody to a motion for a first extension of
temporary custody. On October 3, 2019, the court appointed a new GAL (“GAL 2”)
for O.C., after the initial GAL asked to be removed from the case due to a conflict of
interest because she had been the GAL for Mother’s other children who were placed
in the permanent custody of the agency. Following a hearing on December 3, 2019,
the court granted the agency’s motion for a first extension of temporary custody.
On January 8, 2020, the agency filed a motion for a second extension
of temporary custody and request for specific findings of fact. On January 21, 2020,
the court held a hearing on this motion. Hurry testified at the hearing that Mother
had been very consistent over the course of the case. Specifically, Hurry testified
that Mother had been going to mental health counseling weekly, had completed a
supportive visitation program, had completed a nurturing parenting program, and
had progressed to another parenting program known as Help Me Grow. Hurry
testified that O.C. did not have any specialized needs pursuant to the case plan, but
he was involved in the Help Me Grow program with Mother. Hurry also addressed
Mother’s alleged intellectual disability, stating that she had spoken at length with
Mother’s counselor, who believed that while Mother “does have some mild cognitive
impact,” the counselor was “not suspicious that mother would ever meet any criteria
to receive services.” Following the hearing, the court granted the agency’s motion
for a second extension of temporary custody on January 24, 2020.
On July 6, 2020, the agency filed a motion to terminate temporary
custody with an order of protective supervision. The motion sought an order vesting
legal custody in Mother with protective supervision by CCDCFS. In its brief in
support of the motion, the agency stated:
[I]t is in the best interest of the child to be returned home to the mother,
because she has substantially complied with the case plan and has
reduced the risk that initially caused the child to be removed.
Specifically, the mother has completed parenting, mental health
services, and has obtained appropriate housing. Mother is also
involved in the child’s intervention services.
On July 15, 2020, the court held a telephonic hearing on the agency’s
July 6, 2020 motion. At the outset of the hearing, the court inquired as to the status
of Mother’s neuropsychological evaluation. The agency informed the court that
Mother had completed an evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic in June and it was
waiting on the report from that evaluation. Specifically, Hurry testified:
There’s been allegations of her having a low mental capacity, so part of
it was developmental and determining if there were any kind of delays
that would impact her parenting.
We have not seen any evidence of that in this case since I’ve been
appointed to this case, but given the history of the case we wanted to
make sure we had crossed every T, dotted the I’s and this was the last
thing she was asked to complete.
Hurry also stated that none of the support professionals engaged with Mother
through her case plan, including her therapist, believed that the evaluation was
necessary. The court held the motion in abeyance and sua sponte continued the
matter until the outstanding report was received.
On September 2, 2020, the court held a dispositional review hearing.
At the outset of this hearing, the CCDCFS attorney informed the court that because
it had learned that morning that GAL 2 would be changing her recommendation,
the agency would be requesting a continuance in order to conduct an interactional
evaluation between Mother and O.C. GAL 2 then addressed the court, stating that
her concerns about Mother’s intellectual functioning were not alleviated upon her
review of Mother’s neuropsychological evaluation. GAL 2 went on to state that she
would join the agency’s request for an interactional evaluation and would ultimately
file a motion for permanent custody.
After an extended discussion of changes to the juvenile court’s filing
system that resulted in a proposed amendment to the case plan being filed
incorrectly, the court stated that it was suspending the overnight visitation that had
begun in May 2020. Mother’s attorney asked the court if witnesses could be heard
on the issue of visitation, and the court allowed this. Hurry testified that the agency
wanted to continue overnight visitation. She expressed concern that as a result of
cancelling visitation, O.C. would miss contacts with three of his own service
providers. Hurry explained that O.C. had recently been diagnosed with a speech
delay and a speech therapist had begun working with O.C. and Mother during her
in-home visits. Hurry also testified that an early childhood mental health provider
and a Help Me Grow worker were working with O.C. and Mother during their visits.
Hurry expressed concern that if overnight visitation were suspended and the visits
were limited to one day, it would be challenging to coordinate all of the service
providers. Furthermore, Hurry testified that suspending overnight visitation would
be detrimental to both O.C. and Mother because there would be minimal time for
them to interact with each other. Hurry also testified that Mother had “always been
very good in visits” and “has always been very attentive to [O.C.].”
On September 3, 2020, the court issued a journal entry granting the
parties’ request for a continuance so that an interactional evaluation could take place
and adopting GAL 2’s recommendation for two days of unsupervised visitation. The
journal entry also stated:
The Court finds that the Agency did not comply with statutory
requirements for implementing a change in the case plan and started
overnight visitation two weeks before filing an amended case plan.
Additionally, the Agency did not properly file the amended case plan
that was submitted on May 22, 2020.
Based on this finding, the court denied the amended case plan filed on
August 20, 2020 and suspended overnight visitation. The court
referred Mother to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Diagnostic
Clinic for an interactional [evaluation].
On September 4, 2020, the court issued a journal entry finding that
the parties were no longer requesting an interactional evaluation. The court
amended its September 3, 2020 order to exclude the interactional evaluation.
On October 7, 2020, GAL 2 for O.C. filed a motion to modify
temporary custody to permanent custody.
On December 18, 2020, the court arraigned Mother on GAL 2’s
motion for permanent custody in a telephonic hearing. Visitation was again
addressed at this hearing. The agency requested that Mother have an extended visit
with O.C. from December 21, 2020, to January 7, 2021, or at a minimum, the agency
requested that weekly visitation be increased from two nights to three nights. The
agency made this request in part because it believed it was “appropriate based on
the progress of [O.C.] and mother’s relationship and their bonding and the therapy
that’s involved,” but also in part due to the inherent risk in transporting O.C. back
and forth between his foster placement in Lorain County and Mother’s home in
Cuyahoga County at a peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. GAL 2 objected to both
requests. The court denied the agency’s request.
On January 7, 2021, GAL 2 for O.C. requested to be removed from the
case:
It has been brought to my attention that the mother of my ward [O.C.]
has a sister and that I was involved in the sister’s permanent custody
case representing foster parents who were adverse to the sister.
While neither of these cases intertwine, it is because they are sisters I
am concerned having discussed this with several other attorneys and
with [Mother’s counsel] that there is an appearance of bias because I
have been involved with the family in different roles.
So I am asking the court to remove me as Guardian ad Litem to avoid
any potential appellate issues regarding the appearance of bias in this
case.
The court granted GAL 2’s request to withdraw and appointed a new GAL (“GAL 3”)
for O.C.
On February 10, 2021, the agency filed a motion to dismiss GAL 2’s
motion to modify temporary custody to permanent custody filed on October 7, 2020.
The motion argued that because GAL 2 was no longer a party to the case, she was no
longer capable of prosecuting the motion. The motion went on to state that:
O.C. and his mother have been ready for re-unification since at least
July 2020, and the former GAL’s actions of filing a strained motion
requesting Permanent Custody of O.C. to CCDCFS have unduly delayed
this family’s right to be free from unnecessary state involvement, and
kept a child in foster care rather than being reunified with his family.
On March 26, 2021, Mother filed a motion to terminate temporary custody and for
legal custody to be granted to her. On April 2, 2021, GAL 3 filed a motion to modify
temporary custody to permanent custody.
Trial
Trial on GAL 3’s motion to modify temporary custody to permanent
custody began on May 5, 2021. The parties’ opening statements reflected the unique
nature of this case. GAL 3 stated that “this is a very different case than what we’re
used to” and explained that this was the first time he had ever filed a motion for
permanent custody. The agency attorney stated that the agency “does not consent
to an order of permanent custody because [O.C. and Mother] have been resilient in
joining together with an unbreakable bond.”
I. Neuropsychologist Dr. Rachel Galioto
GAL 3 called five witnesses. Dr. Rachel Galioto (“Dr. Galioto”), a
neuropsychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, testified as to the neuropsychological
evaluation of Mother she completed in June 2020. Dr. Galioto testified that she
understood that Mother was referred to her to “basically confirm a history of
intellectual disability.” Dr. Galioto described how the evaluation was conducted,
stating that she spoke with Mother for approximately 30 minutes to gather some
relevant personal history and discuss any concerns Mother may have over her
cognitive functioning. Next, Mother spent several hours with a technician,
completing a variety of tests designed to evaluate her intellectual abilities. Dr.
Galioto testified that among other things, Mother was given the Wechsler Adult
Intelligence Test, which is designed to assess intellectual abilities including “verbal,
visual, reasoning, skills processing, and speed working memory.” According to Dr.
Galioto, the tests overall showed “a mild intellectual disability.” Dr. Galioto also
testified that Mother’s Full Scale IQ (“FSIQ”) was 64, and traditionally a score under
75 would be indicative of an intellectual disability. Dr. Galioto testified that this
score was the average of eight to 10 different index scores on multiple tests making
up the Wechsler test. Dr. Galioto explained that because there was a significant
scatter among Mother’s composite index scores, the FSIQ was not an accurate
reflection of her ability. Specifically, Mother scored extremely low for verbal skills
and significantly higher for nonverbal skills.
Dr. Galioto went on to testify that an intellectual disability involves
both intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning. Because Dr. Galioto was
with Mother for a short period of time and was only determining her intellectual
functioning, she could not say for sure that Mother had an intellectual disability.
Referencing her report, Dr. Galioto also reiterated her conclusion that she has no
position whether any intellectual disability in any way prevents Mother from
successfully parenting. Finally, Dr. Galioto testified that while Mother’s intellectual
ability was stable and would not improve or deteriorate over time, her functioning
could improve over time.
II. GAL 2
Next, GAL 3 called GAL 2 as a witness. GAL 2 testified that she was
assigned to this case for a little over one year, during which time she was able to
regularly observe Mother. GAL 2 described the bond between O.C. and Mother “as
more of a friend bond,” and testified that she observed a stronger bond between O.C.
and his foster parents. GAL 2 also testified that she had concerns about Mother’s
residence, stating:
I think it’s appropriate for a couple. My concern with raising a child
there is there’s very limited space for him to play. There’s no outside
area to play. It is an apartment, but there’s a parking lot around it.
GAL 2 testified that O.C. had his own bedroom with appropriate furniture and toys.
Beyond the lack of outdoor play space, GAL 2 did not elaborate on her concerns
about Mother’s home, and she went on to testify that Mother’s home was safe and
had everything that O.C. needed.
GAL 2 went on to testify that she had ongoing concerns about
Mother’s intellectual disability, and upon reviewing Dr. Galioto’s report and journal
entries from the removal proceedings for Mother’s older children, GAL 2 believed
that Mother’s developmental delays were one of the reasons that Mother would not
be able to parent children long term. According to GAL 2, this is why she filed her
motion for permanent custody. Specifically, GAL 2 testified:
When I reviewed the neuropsych that was completed during this case,
it raised concerns about mother’s IQ level and her ability, from my
perspective, to be able to parent in particular a special needs child long
term without substantial supports.
Now, I understand that any parent would potentially have supports for
a special needs child. In this case mother has additional delays that
raise concerns related to her ability to consistently engage in those
services and follow through with what those services are intended to
accomplish for [O.C.].
When asked to clarify O.C.’s special needs, GAL 2 testified that O.C. has significant
speech delays and “when he cannot make himself understood he has temper
tantrums.” GAL 2 believed that O.C. would likely need speech therapy for an
extended period of time, as well as additional early intervention services.
GAL 2 also confirmed that this case was the first time she had ever
filed a motion for permanent custody. During GAL 2’s testimony, she was
questioned at length regarding her review of numerous journal entries from the
removal proceedings for Mother’s older children. GAL 2 confirmed that the court
in those proceedings never made a finding that Mother had developmental delays
that prevented her from parenting. GAL 2 also testified that the earlier proceedings
involved a significant amount of domestic violence related to the fathers of Mother’s
older children, none of whom are O.C.’s father or otherwise involved in this case.
GAL 2 likewise confirmed that in this case, there have been no allegations of
domestic violence related to Mother or her current partner, J.G. The parties
stipulated as to various journal entries from the removal proceedings for Mother’s
older children, and they were entered into evidence.
III. Agency Social Worker Cynthia Hurry
GAL 3 also called Hurry as a witness. Hurry testified that she was
employed by CCDCFS as a social worker and had been with the agency for 26 years.
Hurry had been assigned to the instant case since its inception in August 2018.
Hurry testified that at the outset of the case, there were no viable placement options
with any family members. Hurry also explained that the agency briefly considered
J.G., Mother’s partner with whom she lived, as a placement option, but that option
was not pursued because “the strengths of mother presented a likelihood that we
could forward for reunification so at that point that’s what we decided to focus on.”
Hurry also testified that she had a “working knowledge” of Mother’s
older children and their proceedings. Hurry explained that because Mother had a
history with the agency, the agency was notified when she gave birth to O.C., and
that history prompted the agency to initiate the underlying dependency proceeding.
The case plan goals for Mother related to mental health and stable housing. Hurry
explained the distinctions between O.C.’s proceedings and that of his siblings,
stating that the issue of domestic violence, which had been the most significant issue
in the other children’s cases according to the agency, was resolved prior to O.C.’s
birth. Hurry testified that there have been no domestic violence concerns for Mother
or her partner J.G., and she described J.G. as having a “calming” influence on
Mother, noting that Mother’s life has grown increasing stable over the course of their
relationship, which began approximately six months before O.C. was born, and this
case. Hurry also testified that J.G. has been very supportive of Mother’s efforts in
this case and that the agency has no concerns about his appropriateness with O.C.
or children in general.
Hurry went on to state that the majority of Mother’s other issues were
resolved early on in O.C.’s case. Mother had secure housing when O.C. was born,
but she was not initially on the lease of her apartment with J.G. In the fall of 2019,
Mother got on the lease and the two moved to a larger apartment. Hurry testified
that Mother and J.G. shared a one-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, and that it
was well-maintained, organized, and safe and appropriate for O.C. When asked if
there had been any concerns as to O.C.’s health and well-being after visits with
Mother, Hurry described an incident that occurred at Mother’s first overnight visit
with O.C. in which the foster parents complained that O.C. returned with diaper rash
and a second incident in which the foster parents complained that there was a spot
of feces in his diaper. After the first incident, the foster parents communicated to
Hurry that O.C. had eczema and had been prescribed a particular lotion to treat it
that Mother did not have, likely because she had no way of knowing that O.C. had
eczema prior to her initial visitation with him. Hurry stated that these things were
not safety concerns and were more appropriately categorized as complaints. Hurry
testified that Mother’s case plan goal for stable housing was completed in October
2019.
Hurry testified that in the past, prior to the proceedings in this case,
Mother had engaged somewhat inconsistently with mental health services, but was
consistently engaged in mental health services throughout the instant case. Hurry
also explained that Mother was already engaged with mental health services when
she first met Mother. Mother was referred to a provider through the hospital where
she had given birth to O.C., but because the provider had a months-long waitlist,
Mother contacted a previous agency she had worked with and scheduled a meeting
with a counselor at that agency. Therefore, Hurry did not make a mental health
referral for Mother, but she included Mother’s mental health services in the case
plan. Mother had a diagnosis of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hurry testified that Mother had met with her counselor regularly since 2018, on a
weekly or biweekly basis. For the duration of this case, according to Hurry, Mother
has consistently engaged with her counselor, meeting with the counselor on a weekly
or biweekly basis as needed. Additionally, Mother took medication as prescribed
until her mental health stabilized.
Hurry described that Mother had a high level of engagement with all
of the other support professionals involved in the case. Hurry also described
Mother’s engagement with a variety of parenting services. The agency referred
Mother for supportive visitation, as is its standard for dependency cases, and Mother
completed that 16-week program. Following that program, the agency
recommended a nurturing parenting program, which Mother also successfully
completed. Hurry described both programs as successful based on her
conversations with the providers involved throughout Mother’s involvement in the
programs. Following the completion of the nurturing parenting program, the parent
educator from that program recommended the home visitor program, which started
in early 2020. According to Hurry, the purpose of this program was to help facilitate
the planned transition of reunification.
Hurry testified that she visited O.C.’s foster parents on a monthly
basis prior to COVID-19. She also testified that because of transportation challenges
during the course of the case, she was often responsible for driving O.C. to and from
his foster home, and at times, she saw the foster parents and Mother up to four times
per week. Hurry testified that she observed O.C. interact with both foster parents,
the foster parents’ biological daughter who was around O.C.’s age, and the foster
parents’ nanny. She described those interactions as positive.
Hurry testified that she had consistent contact with Mother
throughout this case. Hurry would either speak with or visit Mother at least once
during O.C.’s visits with Mother. When asked to describe the bond between Mother
and O.C., Hurry testified that their bond was “very good” and that O.C. was happy
at Mother’s home and “starts getting excited before we stop the car.” Hurry testified
that Mother receives income from social security and has consistently been able to
use this income to provide for O.C.
When questioned as to O.C.’s eating habits and whether Hurry saw
any issues with O.C.’s diet when he was with Mother, the following exchange took
place:
ATTORNEY: Do you see any issues with the way [O.C.] is eating?
HURRY: I don’t.
ATTORNEY: And have you witnessed him eating lunch or —
HURRY: I mean, there’s been times that we’ve gone places with food
being the goal. Birthday visits where she’s brought things. I’ve seen
him eat a variety of things in a variety of settings.
ATTORNEY: Have you ever been a part of any conversations with
[Mother] as far as what type of meal [O.C.] should be given?
HURRY: No, I haven’t seen a real reason to have a concern about what
she’s feeding him. [O.C.] is a perfectly fine weight for his age. There
haven’t been any issues. The issue when I’m talking about his struggles
with eating are more what we see with children that are going through
some displacement that don’t have a lot of control over their setting.
This is sort of what we see typically, and so he’s always in a state of
adjusting. He’s adjusting when he first gets to mom, and then he gets
adjusted, and then he goes [back] to foster care and he’s adjusting
again. So we’ve talked about this with [early childhood mental health
therapist] Miss Scott that that is rather normal, and I’m aware that they
have worked with her on that issue. I have not had that particular
conversation with her because I don’t see anything that she’s done as a
concern. I have never seen her offer him anything that I thought was a
concern.
Hurry went on to give examples of foods she had seen Mother provide for O.C.,
including sandwiches, fruit, scrambled eggs, SpaghettiOs, and chicken nuggets.
Hurry testified that in January 2019, the agency conducted a SAR and
made a finding to continue with reunification. Hurry explained that if the agency
staff working on the case cannot reach a consensus at a SAR meeting, an appeal may
be filed. In this case, the facilitator — an agency supervisor — initiated an appeal
and as a result of that appeal, the agency determined that it would file a motion for
permanent custody. Consequently, the changes that agency staff had planned at that
SAR for increased visitation were not implemented, and the agency filed a motion
for permanent custody in April 2019. Hurry testified that she was only present for
a portion of the SAR meeting and did not know why the facilitator initiated an
appeal.
With respect to Mother’s intellectual capacity, Hurry testified that
while Mother’s limitations may present an additional challenge, she did not think
that it would present an unreasonable challenge for Mother. Hurry explained that
because the agency was aware of Mother’s intellectual limitations from her prior
history with the agency, she was aware that an intellectual disability had been
identified as a concern related to O.C. as well. Hurry described observing Mother at
length during their initial visits, and based on “how she engaged in the visit” and
being “really more than adequate at meeting [O.C.’s] needs, at observing what’s
going on at the moment,” Hurry thought that Mother’s functioning was higher than
it had been described previously. Specifically, Hurry testified that she regularly saw
Mother receive and understand handouts from other service providers, and she has
never seen Mother struggle to read or understand something that has been given or
told to her. Hurry also explained that based on her observations and conversations
with the other service providers involved in the case, Mother is able to communicate
effectively. Furthermore, Hurry testified that Mother has been proactive at
identifying potential issues or questions she has and dealing with them
appropriately, such as recognizing O.C.’s need for a speech therapist, identifying
when he had a fever and suggesting how to treat him, and discerning when O.C. had
an earache. Hurry testified that while Mother’s limitations would likely impact O.C.,
she did not think that the impact would be detrimental to O.C.
Hurry also testified that the foster parents had recently informed her
that they had contacted O.C.’s pediatrician because they believed that he may be on
the autism spectrum. When asked what her opinion would be if O.C. were diagnosed
with autism, Hurry testified:
I mean, it caused me to really look into the future quite a bit. In terms
of her capacity, I think [Mother] is pretty resourceful, pretty savvy in
utilizing systems.
She has been involved with systems throughout her life. She certainly
shows no hesitation to that at this point for [O.C.], and I can only
imagine that if he had a need like that arise, that she would address it.
Beyond this hypothetical diagnosis, Hurry testified that O.C. has a speech delay, but
has no other special needs.
Hurry testified that if Mother and O.C. were reunified, they would
continue to receive every service they were receiving at the time of the trial. She also
explained that Mother had begun to make initial plans for O.C.’s future in
anticipation of their reunification, including researching nearby daycares and
pediatricians.
Hurry testified that overall, Mother has been very committed to O.C.
and to every aspect of her case plan services. Hurry testified that Mother never
missed a visit with O.C. and was generally very consistent in keeping her
appointments with numerous other providers in the case. Hurry testified that at
various points throughout the case, there had been abrupt and sometimes drastic
changes, and Mother has adapted to those changes well and maintained her
motivation to be reunited with her son. Finally, when asked by the court why
reunifying with Mother was in O.C.’s best interest, as opposed to placing him in the
permanent custody of the agency, Hurry testified that the agency did not “have cause
to keep him and we haven’t had cause to keep him for some time.”
IV. Foster Parents
GAL 3 also called both foster parents to testify. Foster father testified
that they had an immediate bond with O.C., and that eventually, O.C.’s first word
was “daddy.” They testified that O.C. has a speech delay and they work with him
and his speech therapist. The foster mother testified that they were concerned that
O.C. might have autism because of his speech delay and his emotional outbursts.
The foster parents testified that they have two biological children, a two-and-a-half-
year-old daughter and a four-month-old son, and that O.C. and their daughter get
along very well and always play together. The foster father described a typical day
for O.C., as well as the typical foods he ate, including oatmeal, pasta, tomato soup,
chicken nuggets, and fruit. The foster parents testified that they considered O.C. a
part of their family and they would be interested in adopting him if the agency was
awarded permanent custody.
GAL 3 offered exhibits into evidence, the court admitted the exhibits
into evidence, and GAL 3 rested.
V. Speech Language Pathologist Anne Sweeney
The agency called Anne Sweeney (“Sweeney”), O.C.’s speech language
pathologist, to testify. Sweeney has worked as a speech language pathologist with
the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for nine years and works
with children up to three years old. Sweeney testified that she began working with
O.C. in July 2020 following a referral from the agency and an assessment of his
needs. Sweeney testified that she worked with O.C. with both Mother and the foster
parents. She explained that her program was heavy in parent coaching in order to
give parents strategies to implement with their children on a regular basis. Sweeney
testified that her work with O.C. and Mother was guided by O.C.’s individualized
family service plan, and outcomes the plan focused on included O.C.’s use of words,
ability to understand words, and ability to remain calm when he was frustrated.
Sweeney testified that she developed the plan with Mother and a service coordinator
based on what Mother expressed that she wanted to work on during their first
meeting. Sweeney testified that Mother had mentioned that O.C. would become
upset and have temper tantrums at times, and she denied that any of O.C.’s
behaviors as described by Mother gave Sweeney serious concern about O.C.
Sweeney also testified that the plan was reevaluated every six months, and at one
point, the plan was updated to remove the outcome relating to O.C.’s ability to
understand words because he had progressed in that area. Sweeney testified that
while she does not diagnose autism in the children she works with, she was familiar
with some of the signs of autism in children O.C.’s age. According to Sweeney,
beyond his limited use of words, she had not observed any of those signs in O.C. She
also testified that while it is difficult to predict, she believed that O.C. had a good
prognosis for being verbal and for using language.
Sweeney said that since July 2020, she would have sessions with O.C.
and Mother either virtually or in person, during which she would observe Mother
and O.C. playing and interacting and give Mother strategies to enhance their
interactions and work towards O.C.’s goals. Sweeney explained that her sessions
were often held during playtime because that was naturally conducive to the work
they were doing with O.C. According to Sweeney, Mother was generally very good
about keeping their appointments. Sweeney perceived Mother to be invested in
O.C.’s progress and to care deeply about the work they were doing. Sweeney also
described Mother’s interactions with O.C. positively, testifying that Mother was
playful and responsive and that Mother and O.C. interacted well. Overall, Sweeney
described Mother and O.C.’s relationship as warm, bonded, and happy. Sweeney
also testified that she observed Mother implement the strategies Sweeney taught her
and carrying them over into other aspects of O.C.’s routine, such as offering O.C.
choices during mealtime. Sweeney testified that Mother understood the strategies
Sweeney taught her. Finally, Sweeney testified that she became aware that Mother
had intellectual limitations after conversations with lawyers involved in this case,
but in the ten months that she had worked with Mother, she never had any concerns
about these limitations impacting Mother’s ability to meet O.C.’s needs. Sweeney
likewise denied having any concerns about O.C.’s safety in the care of Mother.
VI. Behavioral Health Therapist Karen Sabo
Next, the agency called Karen Sabo (“Sabo”), who testified that she
was a behavioral health therapist with The Centers for Families and Children. Sabo
testified that she has worked with Mother since September 2018, and they would
see each other on a weekly or biweekly basis. Sabo testified that Mother’s attendance
at and engagement during their sessions has been very good. Sabo explained that
she diagnosed Mother with mild major depressive disorder. According to Sabo, her
sessions with Mother are focused on helping Mother respond to stressors, regulate
her emotions, improve her relationships, and work on negative self-thoughts. Sabo
also testified that she was aware of the removal proceedings with Mother’s older
children, and they worked on helping Mother process the trauma associated with
those proceedings.
Sabo testified that Mother has demonstrated remarkable growth,
maturity, and resilience. Sabo explained that despite the numerous stressors
Mother had experienced over the course of the case, including COVID-19, the death
of her father, miscommunications with O.C.’s foster parents, and abrupt changes to
visitation, she has dealt with her emotions in a healthy way and continued to make
progress. While Sabo was aware of Mother’s intellectual limitations, she testified
that she had not observed anything that made her concerned about Mother’s ability
to function on a daily basis. With respect to any potential impact on Mother’s ability
to parent, Sabo testified that she had seen Mother and O.C. interact during their
sessions and had not seen anything that caused Sabo to have concerns about O.C.’s
care. Finally, Sabo testified that she referred Mother to the Cleveland Clinic for a
neuropsychological evaluation at the request of the agency and not because she had
made an independent determination that this evaluation was necessary.
VII. Parent Educator Gabriella Asseff
The agency also called Gabriella Asseff (“Asseff”), a parent educator
with the home visitor program through Ohio Guidestone’s Bright Beginnings
Parents and Teachers Program. Asseff testified that she has been a parent educator
for 16 years. In this role, Asseff visited Mother’s home twice a month to provide
education about child development, help with activities Mother could do with O.C.,
and conduct assessments to make sure that O.C. was developing appropriately.
Asseff explained that she has been working with Mother and O.C. since February
2020, when they were referred from Mother’s nurturing parenting program. Asseff
described the family’s curriculum, explaining that she worked with Mother a lot on
picky eating, which she testified was a normal issue for children O.C.’s age. Asseff
testified that Mother has been successful in encouraging O.C. to try new foods. She
also described doing a safety checklist of Mother’s home and testified that Mother
followed through on her suggestions to make her home safer for O.C. Asseff testified
that Mother was “exemplary” at keeping their appointments, and that during their
sessions, Mother exhibited good problem-solving skills and was constantly aware of
O.C.’s needs. Asseff described Mother and O.C. as being able to communicate well
with one another, citing O.C.’s responsiveness to Mother’s calmness and voice and
Mother’s warm and caring attitude toward O.C. Asseff discussed a guideline used to
assess a parent’s interactions with their child, known as PICCOLO, and stated that
pursuant to that guideline, Mother scored very highly. Asseff testified that she had
no concerns about Mother’s ability to care for O.C., and specifically, she had not
observed anything related to Mother’s intellectual functioning that would cause her
to be concerned about Mother’s ability to care for O.C.
VIII. Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist Donna Scott
Finally, the agency called Donna Scott (“Scott”), an early childhood
mental health therapist and consultant with the agency. Scott testified that she was
referred to Mother and O.C. by Hurry in May 2020. At that time, Scott understood
the goal of the case plan to be reunification, so she was tasked with engaging with
the family and determining if there was anything that would help them in that
transition. Scott worked with Mother to strengthen O.C.’s sleeping and eating
routines and to support their relationship. Overall, Scott testified that Mother was
consistent in working with her and was responsive to Scott’s feedback. Scott
explained that beyond O.C.’s speech delay, she did not observe significant
development concerns in him. Further, Scott testified that much of the challenges
she observed were related to sleeping and eating, which was not unusual for children
O.C.’s age, and in particular when the child is nonverbal. Scott also testified as to
the particular difficulty of O.C.’s situation, given that he was in a challenging
developmental stage and that he was frequently transitioning between two different
households, noting that Mother tried to develop a routine and keep her routine
similar to that of the foster family to aid O.C.’s transition.
Scott testified that O.C. had developed healthy attachments to Mother
and the foster parents. She also explained that this case was unusual in that typically
when a child has been away from his biological family for as long as O.C. has been
away from Mother, she would not recommend reunification. In this case, however,
Scott testified that Mother has been doing what was asked of her, had benefited from
her case plan services, had developed a very strong relationship with O.C., and had
spent a significant amount of time with O.C. throughout this case. Scott testified
that she has worked with hundreds of families and considered Mother’s
commitment to O.C. to be exceptionally high. Scott also testified that she had
reviewed Mother’s neuropsychological evaluation. Scott described being somewhat
surprised by the evaluation based on her own impressions of Mother and her
experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. Scott believed that
Mother’s adaptive functioning was high and therefore did not believe that the report
was a complete assessment of whether Mother had an intellectual disability. Finally,
Scott testified because of his strong relationships with all of his caregivers, any
outcome in this case would be challenging for O.C. Ultimately, Scott believed that
reunification was in O.C.’s best interest because he deserved to be with his biological
family and they had such a strong and important relationship.
Following this testimony from the agency’s witnesses, GAL 3
addressed the court and provided his recommendation. He commended Mother’s
progress but ultimately recommended permanent custody. GAL 3 was cross-
examined by the agency attorney and Mother’s attorney. He testified that he had
observed Mother and O.C. together on five occasions and he had seen O.C. and the
foster parents together on two occasions. GAL 3 testified that Mother’s intellectual
limitations were a major factor, but not the only factor, in his recommendation.
When asked why he believed that Mother’s intellectual limitations impacted her
ability to meet O.C.’s basic needs, GAL 3 responded “I just – I don’t see it.” He also
testified that he was concerned about O.C.’s nutrition as a result of what Mother fed
him, based on the three meals that he had seen Mother feed him. Specifically, he
recalled seeing O.C. have chicken nuggets for two meals in a row and described that
as “a major concern.” GAL 3 was also concerned that Mother allowed O.C. to choose
what to eat on various occasions, and he chose to eat SpaghettiOs. He did not
express the same concern that the foster family described allowing O.C. to choose
what to eat for breakfast or feeding him tomato soup with pasta.
On May 25, 2021, the court denied Mother’s motion for legal custody
and granted the GAL’s motion to modify temporary custody to permanent custody.
With respect to the best interest factors under R.C. 2151.414(D)(1), the court made
the following findings, in relevant part:
The child has a very strong, significant bond with his foster
parents/caregivers as well as his foster sibling, who is close in age to the
child. Child has been in this placement since August 2018 and this is
the only home the child has ever resided in. One of the child’s first
words was “daddy” (referring to foster father). Child does not have a
relationship with his biological Father. Child has a bond/relationship
with Mother, but not as strong or significant as the bond is with foster
family. [GAL 2 and GAL 3] both described the relationship between
Mother and Child to be that of a friendship as opposed to parent/child
relationship.
The child is too young to express his wishes. However, three guardians
ad litem assigned to this case have recommended permanent custody
as being in the child’s best interest.
Child has been in Agency custody since his release from the hospital —
2 years and 9 months ago. Child was 4 days old when he came into
Agency custody.
The court also made findings pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(2), (4), (11), and (16).
Mother appeals, presenting two assignments of error for our review:
I. The trial court abused its discretion by granting permanent custody
to CCDCFS against the manifest weight of the evidence.
II. The trial court abused its discretion by denying appellant’s motion
for legal custody.
Law and Analysis
The GAL’s Motion for Permanent Custody
In Mother’s first assignment of error, she argues that the trial court
abused its discretion by granting permanent custody of her child to the agency
against the manifest weight of the evidence. We agree.
As an initial matter, we must emphasize the extraordinary procedural
aspects of this case. In virtually every other parental rights case in this appellate
district where a motion for permanent custody is filed, it is filed by the agency. In
this case, the motion for permanent custody in this case was filed not by CCDCFS,
but by the child’s GAL, when the agency’s own motion to terminate temporary
custody had been pending for nearly a year. Further, while it is relatively rare that
the GAL and CCDCFS are at odds, in the instant appeal, CCDCFS filed an appellee
brief urging this court to reverse the judgment of the lower court.
The United States Supreme Court has recognized that a parent’s
liberty interest in the care, custody, and control of their children “is perhaps the
oldest of the fundamental interests recognized by this court.” Troxel v. Granville,
530 U.S. 57, 65, 120 S.Ct. 2054, 147 L.Ed.2d 49 (2000). In light of this essential and
basic civil right, Ohio courts consistently recognize that “permanent termination of
parental has been described as ‘the family law equivalent of the death penalty in a
criminal case.’” In re A.N., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110608, 2021-Ohio-4214, ¶ 26,
quoting In re Smith, 77 Ohio App.3d 1, 16, 601 N.E.2d 45 (6th Dist.1991). Therefore,
the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section
16, of the Ohio Constitution require that termination of parental rights proceedings
are fundamentally fair and that parents are “afforded every procedural and
substantive protection the law allows.” Id., quoting In re Hayes, 79 Ohio St.3d 46,
48, 679 N.E.2d 680 (1997).
While a parent’s interest is paramount, it is not absolute and is
“‘always subject to the ultimate welfare of the child, which is the polestar or
controlling principle to be observed.’” In re L.D., 2017-Ohio-1037, 86 N.E.3d 1012,
¶ 29 (8th Dist.), quoting In re Cunningham, 59 Ohio St.2d 100, 106, 391 N.E.2d
1034 (1979).
A trial court must make two determinations before granting
permanent custody. R.C. 2151.414 provides that a trial court may grant permanent
custody of a child to an agency if, after a hearing, the court determines by clear and
convincing evidence that one of the factors enumerated in R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(a)
through (e) applies and that an award of permanent custody is in the child’s best
interest. Therefore, “an appellate court will not reverse a juvenile court’s decision
awarding permanent custody to an agency if the judgment is supported by clear and
convincing evidence.” In re Ka.R., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110504, 2021-Ohio-4125,
¶ 29, quoting In re AR.S., 2021-Ohio-1958, 174 N.E.3d 28 (8th Dist.), citing In re
J.M-R., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98902, 2013-Ohio-1560, ¶ 28. The Ohio Supreme
Court defines clear and convincing evidence as “‘that measure or degree of proof
which is more than a mere “preponderance of the evidence,” but not to the extent of
such certainty as is required “beyond a reasonable doubt” in criminal cases, and
which will produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to
the facts sought to be established.’” In re A.N., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110608,
2021-Ohio-4214, at ¶ 29, quoting In re K.H., 119 Ohio St.3d 538, 2008-Ohio-4825,
895 N.E.2d 809, ¶ 42, quoting Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118(1954), paragraph three of the syllabus. Likewise, we will not reverse a juvenile
court’s award of permanent custody as being against the manifest weight of the
evidence when the record contains competent, credible evidence by which the court
could have found that the essential statutory elements for any award of permanent
custody have been established. Id., citing In re B.P., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 107732
and 107735, 2019-Ohio-2919, ¶ 22.
In this case, it is undisputed that O.C. had been in the temporary
custody of the agency for 12 or more months of a consecutive 22-month period, thus
satisfying the condition under R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(d). Therefore, the issue at the
heart of this appeal is whether the trial court’s finding that permanent custody was
in the best interest of the child was supported by clear and convincing evidence.
When considering the best interest of a child, R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)
directs the court to consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to: (a) the
interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child’s parents, siblings,
relatives, foster caregivers and out-of-home providers; (b) the wishes of the child, as
expressed directly by the child or through the child’s guardian ad litem; (c) the
custodial history of the child; (d) the child’s need for a legally secure permanent
placement and whether that type of placement can be achieved without a grant of
permanent custody to the agency; and (e) whether any of the factors set forth in R.C.
2151.414(E)(7) through (11) apply. While a trial court is required to consider each of
the R.C. 2151.414(D)(1) factors in making its permanent custody determination,
“there is not one element that is given more weight than the others pursuant to the
statute.” In re Schaefer, 11 Ohio St.3d 498, 2006-Ohio-5513, 857 N.E.2d 532, ¶ 56.
Here, the trial court considered the best-interest factors under R.C.
2151.414(D)(1)(a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). While the court pointed to specific evidence
in the record in support of its findings for some of the best-interest factors, the
court’s findings were based on testimony from the foster parents and GAL 2 and
GAL 3 in the case and appeared to largely ignore the overwhelming evidence from
the six professionals, with combined decades of experience, that did not support the
trial court’s findings. It is worth reiterating that GAL 2 was removed from the case
due to a conflict of interest, and GAL 3 was assigned to the case for several months
and only interacted with Mother and O.C. on five occasions. The agency
professionals and other support professionals who testified at trial have combined
decades of experience and have interacted with Mother and O.C. on a regular, even
weekly, basis for the duration of this case.
With respect to R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(a), O.C.’s interaction and
interrelationship with his parents, siblings, relatives, and foster caregivers, the
juvenile court found that O.C. had “a very strong, significant bond” with his foster
parents and sibling, noting that O.C.’s first word was “daddy.” The court
acknowledged that O.C. and Mother also had a bond and relationship, but described
it as a “friendship as opposed to parent/child relationship” and “not as strong or
significant as the bond is with [his] foster family.” These findings mirror the
testimony of the foster parents and the guardians ad litem and seem to disregard the
extensive testimony from Hurry, Sabo, Asseff, Sweeney, and Scott that described the
significant bond between O.C. and Mother. The trial court also ignored the evidence
that J.G., Mother’s partner, had positive and appropriate interactions with O.C.
While the GALs described Mother and O.C.’s relationship as a friendship, it is
unclear what exactly was meant by this description, let alone why it is problematic.
The trial court also found that O.C. had been at his foster placement
since August 2018 and “this is the only home the child has ever resided in.” While
the trial court is correct that O.C. was placed with the same foster family for the
duration of this case, the record also reflects that as the case progressed, O.C. spent
significant time with Mother, including unsupervised visitation at her home three
days a week. As Scott testified at trial, “at one point [O.C.] was at [Mother’s] house
as much as he was at his foster home”; this is not a case where Mother had minimal
interaction with her child. For these reasons, this factor does not weigh in favor of
permanent custody.
With respect to R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(b), the wishes of the child, the
court found that O.C. was too young to express his wishes, but all three guardians
ad litem assigned to this case recommended permanent custody. As discussed
above, and as will be discussed more fully below, these recommendations generally
went against the opinions of numerous professionals involved in the case and
ultimately went against the agency’s request that temporary custody be terminated.
According to testimony from GAL 2 and GAL 3, as well as all of the
GALs’ recommendations and reports submitted throughout the case, these
recommendations were based largely on Mother’s intellectual limitations. GAL 3’s
report filed before trial stated that Mother’s neuropsychological evaluation “would
seem to demonstrate that there is an intellectual disability on the part of [Mother]
that would not make it in the best interest of the child to be reunified.” The report
also stated that GAL 3 believed that Mother’s intellectual disability “would prevent
her from providing adequate care for O.C.” Neither of these statements are
adequately explained, and both are undermined by the record. Dr. Galioto, who
conducted Mother’s neuropsychological evaluation and prepared the corresponding
report, testified that while the tests administered showed that Mother had an
intellectual disability, this was an incomplete assessment because she did not assess
Mother’s adaptive functioning. Perhaps more significantly, nothing in the report or
Dr. Galioto’s testimony indicated that Mother’s limitations, whether or not she
actually has an intellectual disability, would in any way prevent her from providing
adequate care for O.C. Moreover, beyond concerns about O.C.’s nutrition that
appeared to be largely unfounded, no GAL was able to point to anything indicating
that Mother has failed to provide adequate care for O.C. at any point throughout the
case. On the contrary, GAL 2 supported multiple extensions of temporary custody
because she recognized that Mother had made significant progress and she had no
safety concerns for O.C. spending time with Mother.
Additionally, the GALs expressed concern that Mother would not be
able to accommodate O.C.’s “special needs” on a long-term basis. When asked to
define O.C.’s alleged special needs, GAL 2 testified that he has a significant speech
delay and has been engaged in speech and occupational therapy. Contrary to this
testimony from GAL 2, O.C. has never been engaged in occupational therapy.
Finally, GAL 3 cited a potential autism diagnosis as additional evidence that Mother
would not be able to meet O.C.’s long-term needs. While there was minimal
testimony presented at trial that the foster parents discussed the potential of an
autism diagnosis with O.C.’s pediatrician, no actual medically based evidence was
presented at trial that O.C. had been or would be diagnosed with autism. No
evidence was presented that O.C. had demonstrated any early signs of autism,
beyond his speech delay, and none of the professionals who worked with O.C. on a
regular basis had ever observed any signs of autism in the child. Therefore, this
factor does not weigh in favor of permanent custody.
With respect to R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(c), the custodial history of the
child, the court found that O.C. has been in agency custody since he was released
from the hospital at birth in August 2018. While the agency concedes O.C.’s
custodial history, it does not concede that this factor weighs in favor of permanent
custody as alleged by the GAL. Instead, the agency has emphasized that it attempted
reunification in July 2020 when it filed a motion to terminate temporary custody,
but this request was delayed by the trial court and remained pending on the court’s
docket for ten months. During this ten-month period, the agency repeatedly
attempted to increase Mother’s visitation, in accordance with its goal of
reunification. At multiple points, the trial court denied these requests to increase
visitation, not because of any safety concern expressed by anyone involved in the
case, but because of perceived errors in filing the proposed visitation in the juvenile
court. Additionally, we reiterate that although O.C. was in the agency’s custody for
nearly three years, he spent a significant amount of time with Mother during that
period. Therefore, this factor does not necessarily weigh in favor of permanent
custody.
With respect to R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(d), the child’s need for a legally
secure placement and whether that type of placement can be achieved without a
grant of permanent custody, the court found that O.C. “deserves a safe, stable,
consistent, and nurturing environment where his basic needs, daily needs, and any
medical needs can be met and he can thrive.” This finding cannot be disputed. It
does not, however, resolve the question of whether Mother could provide such an
environment for O.C. According to the overwhelming evidence presented at trial,
Mother had been providing a safe and nurturing environment for O.C. and would
continue to do so upon reunification.
Finally, with respect to R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(e), whether any factors in
R.C. 2151.414(E)(7) to (11) apply, the court found that (E)(11) applies to Mother. R.C.
2151.414(E)(11) states:
The parent has had parental rights involuntarily terminated with
respect to a sibling of the child pursuant to this section or section
2151.353 or 2151.415 of the Revised Code, or under an existing or
former law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is
substantially equivalent to those sections, and the parent has failed to
provide clear and convincing evidence to prove that, notwithstanding
the prior termination, the parent can provide a legally secure
permanent placement and adequate care for the health, welfare, and
safety of the child.
The agency and Mother do not dispute that Mother’s older children
were placed in the permanent custody of the agency. They do dispute, however, that
Mother has failed to clearly and convincingly establish that she can provide a legally
secure placement and adequate care for O.C. We reiterate that Mother established
that she was capable of providing a legally secure permanent placement and
adequate care for O.C. throughout the duration of this case. She had extensive
visitation with O.C., and the record reflects that she has had a stable home and has
been able to provide for O.C.’s basic needs for the duration of this case.
Further, the record reflects that the issues leading to the removal of
her older children were either resolved or inapplicable with respect to O.C. In those
removal proceedings, the identified issues were related to domestic violence,
Mother’s lack of stable housing and inability to provide for the children’s basic
needs, and her failure to consistently engage in counseling sessions. The record is
clear that domestic violence has never been an issue in the instant case. The record
also reflects that Mother has maintained stable and appropriate housing and has
been able to meet O.C.’s needs for nearly three years. Further, the record reflects
that Mother has consistently engaged in mental health counseling and has benefited
from that service. In fact, the record reflects that Mother has consistently,
proactively, and enthusiastically engaged with all of her case plan services and has
benefited from these services.
Finally, GAL 2 and GAL 3 both referred to these findings in the
journal entries from prior removal proceedings as evidence that Mother’s
intellectual disability continues to prevent her from providing adequate care for O.C.
and cited her neuropsychological evaluation as evidence that Mother failed to
benefit from her case plan services in this regard. The only evidence in the record
supporting these findings are unsupported assertions by the GALs. Not only were
these assertions unsupported, they were directly contradicted by other testimony in
the record. Professionals who had regularly interacted with O.C. and Mother over
the course of nearly three years and who had extensive experience in early childhood
development, adults with developmental disabilities, and mental health, all testified
that Mother was able to adequately care for O.C. regardless of her intellectual
limitations.
The trial court’s findings largely mirrored testimony and arguments
from GAL 2 and GAL 3 at trial, even when these arguments were incorrect or
overwhelmingly unsupported by the other evidence introduced at trial and the
entirety of the record in the case. The statutory factors do not weigh in favor of
permanent custody. Therefore, we find that the trial court’s finding that permanent
custody would be in O.C.’s best interest was not supported by clear and convincing
evidence.
Additionally, we note that, while it was not required to do so in order
to grant the GAL’s motion for permanent custody, the trial court found that O.C.
cannot be placed with Mother or should not be placed with Mother within a
reasonable time, pursuant to findings under R.C. 2151.414(E). The trial court found
that Mother’s chronic intellectual disability is so severe that it renders her unable to
provide an adequate permanent home for O.C., pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(2), and
that she has had parental rights terminated with respect to O.C.’s older siblings and
failed to provide evidence that she can provide for O.C. pursuant to R.C.
2151.414(E)(11). As described above, these findings are explicitly contradicted by
the evidence and the record in this case.
The trial court also found that the parent has demonstrated a lack of
commitment toward the child by failing to regularly support, visit, or communicate
with the child pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(4). Because the trial court did not clarify
whether it was referring to Mother or Father when it made this finding, we can only
assume that it intended the finding to refer to both parents. This finding is not based
on any evidence, let alone clear and convincing evidence. In fact, even the GALs who
moved for permanent custody repeatedly commended Mother for her commitment
to O.C. and her case plan services throughout the case.
Finally, with respect to any other factor the court found relevant
under R.C. 2151.414(E)(16), the court found that Mother’s neuropsychological
evaluation indicated that Mother “was cooperative but appeared to give up
somewhat easily at times during difficult tasks and the Behavioral Observations for
Thought Processes indicate they were somewhat scattered.” The evaluation and
report did include this statement. Viewing this statement in the context of not only
the entire evaluation and report, but the relevant evidence in this case, including
testimony from Dr. Galioto, reveals that this statement is dispositive of neither
Mother’s intellectual abilities nor her ability to adequately parent O.C.
While we appreciate the concern of the GALs and the trial court
regarding Mother’s ability to care for O.C., we find these concerns to be unfounded.
The evidence in this case did not support a finding that permanent custody was in
O.C.’s best interest, and it unequivocally did not support a finding that O.C. cannot
be placed with Mother or should not be placed with her within a reasonable time.
Therefore, following a thorough review of the record and law, we conclude that the
trial court’s judgment was against the manifest weight of the evidence. Mother’s
first assignment of error is sustained.
Mother’s Motion for Legal Custody
In her second assignment of error, Mother argues that the trial court
abused its discretion by denying her motion for legal custody. R.C. 2151.353
provides that if a child is adjudicated abused, neglected, or dependent, the court
may:
Award legal custody of the child to either parent or to any other person
who, prior to the dispositional hearing, files a motion requesting legal
custody of the child or is identified as a proposed legal custodian in a
complaint or motion filed prior to the dispositional hearing by any
party to the proceedings.
R.C. 2151.353(A)(3). Legal custody is:
a legal status that vests the custodian the right to have physical care and
control of the child and to determine where and with whom the child
shall live, and the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the
child and to provide the child with food, shelter, education, and medical
care, all subject to any residual parental rights, privileges, and
responsibilities.
R.C. 2151.011(B)(22). Because legal custody is not as drastic a remedy as permanent
custody, the trial court’s standard of review in a legal-custody proceedings is not
clear and convincing evidence, but “merely preponderance of the evidence.” In re
C.V.M., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98340, 2012-Ohio-5514, ¶ 7, citing In re D.P., 10th
Dist. Franklin No. 05AP-117, 2005-Ohio-5097, ¶ 52. The court must determine the
appropriateness of legal custody in accordance with the best interest of the child as
supported by a preponderance of the evidence presented at the dispositional
hearing. In re R.B., 2019-Ohio-1656, 136 N.E.3d 42, ¶ 48 (8th Dist.), citing In re
T.R., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102701, 2015-Ohio-4177, ¶ 44. A “preponderance of
the evidence” is “evidence that’s more probable, more persuasive, or of greater
probative value.” In re D.P. at ¶ 52, quoting State v. Finkes, 10th Dist. Franklin No.
01AP-310, 2002 Ohio App. LEXIS 1422 (Mar. 28, 2002).
As discussed at length in our analysis of Mother’s first assignment of
error, the trial court’s findings and its denial of Mother’s motion for legal custody,
was not supported by a preponderance of the evidence. Therefore, the trial court’s
denial of Mother’s motion for legal custody, which motion was supported by
competent and credible evidence and bolstered by the agency’s own motion to
terminate temporary custody, was error. Mother’s second assignment of error is
sustained.
The trial court’s judgment granting permanent custody to CCDCFS
and denying Mother’s motion for legal custody is reversed and the case is remanded
for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Judgment reversed and remanded.
It is ordered that appellant recover from appellee costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the
common pleas court, juvenile division, to carry this judgment into execution.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27
of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
MARY EILEEN KILBANE, JUDGE
KATHLEEN ANN KEOUGH, J., CONCURS;
SEAN C. GALLAGHER, A.J., DISSENTS (WITH SEPARATE OPINION
ATTACHED)
SEAN C. GALLAGHER, A.J., DISSENTING:
I respectfully dissent and would affirm the decision of the juvenile
court.
Although Mother should be commended for her demonstrated
commitment to case-plan services and her efforts to regain custody of her child, the
focus must remain on the best interest of the child, not the parent. Ultimately, the
natural rights of a parent are always subject to the ultimate welfare of the child,
which is the controlling principle to be observed. In re B.C., 141 Ohio St.3d 55, 2014-
Ohio-4558, 21 N.E.3d 308, ¶ 20, citing In re Cunningham, 59 Ohio St.2d 100, 106,
391 N.E.2d 1034 (1979).
Because the best interest of the child is paramount in any custody
case, “we are to liberally interpret the statutes to provide for the care and protection
of the child * * *.” In re A.B., 110 Ohio St.3d 230, 2006-Ohio-4359, 852 N.E.2d 1187,
¶ 32. “R.C. 2151.414(D)(1) requires a juvenile court to consider all relevant factors,
including but not limited to the five factors set out in R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(a) through
(e), in determining the best interest of a child in a permanent-custody case.”
(Emphasis added.) In re A.M., Slip Opinion No. 2020-Ohio-5102, ¶ 42. “The statute
requires a weighing of all the relevant factors” and “does not even require the court
to weigh [one] factor more heavily than other factors.” In re Schaefer, 111 Ohio St.3d
498, 2006-Ohio-5513, 857 N.E.2d 532, ¶ 64. As such, “[t]he weight given to the R.C.
2151.414(D)(1) factors is within the juvenile court’s discretion.” In re R.S., 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 110210, 2021-Ohio-2271, ¶ 37, citing In re P.B., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
Nos. 109518 and 109519, 2020-Ohio-4471, ¶ 76.
In this case, the juvenile court heard the testimony of the
professionals, the guardians ad litem, the social worker, and the foster parents. The
juvenile court was well aware of the professionals’ opinions and Mother’s progress
through her engagement with the professionals in this case. The juvenile court also
was aware that the position of CCDCFS is at odds with the recommendations of the
guardians ad litem. It is evident that the recommendations of the guardians ad litem
focused on the best interest of the child. The guardians ad litem recognized Mother’s
commitment to case-plan services, but they had ongoing concerns about Mother’s
intellectual limitations and her ability to independently provide appropriate care for
the child long term. A juvenile court has “discretion to consider the wishes of the
children expressed through their guardian ad litem. R.C. 2151.414(D)(2).” In re
C.F., 113 Ohio St.3d 73, 2007-Ohio-1104, 862 N.E.2d 816, ¶ 58. “Ultimately,
parental interests are subordinate to the child’s interest * * *.” In re B.C., 141 Ohio
St.3d 55, 2014-Ohio-4558, 21 N.E.3d 308, at ¶ 20, quoting In re Cunningham, 59
Ohio St.2d at 106, 391 N.E.2d 1034.
The juvenile court complied with its statutory duty to consider all the
best-interest factors, including those R.C. 2151.414(D)(1) requires, and found by
clear and convincing evidence that it is in the child’s best interest to be placed in the
permanent custody of the CCDCFS. The juvenile court was not required to provide
an analysis of all the evidence. See In re A.M. at ¶ 42. Nonetheless, the juvenile
court did set forth some analysis of the best-interest factors in support of its
decision.
The juvenile court considered that O.C. “has a very strong, significant
bond with his foster parents/caregivers as well as his foster sibling” and that the
child “has been in this placement since 2018 and this is the only home the child has
ever resided in.” Although O.C. was bonded with Mother, the bond was not as strong
and the relationship with Mother as described by two of the GALs in the case as “that
of a friendship as opposed to a parent/child relationship.” The juvenile court
considered that all three guardians ad litem assigned to the case “have
recommended permanent custody as being in the child’s best interest.” The juvenile
court considered that O.C. was “4 days old when he came into Agency custody” and
that O.C. had been in the custody since “2 years and 9 months ago.” It was evident
to the juvenile court that the “[c]hild deserves a safe, stable, consistent, and
nurturing environment where his basic needs, daily needs, and any medical needs
can be met and he can thrive.”
I find that the trial court’s determination that permanent custody
would be in O.C.’s best interest is supported by clear and convincing evidence. There
was evidence showing Mother’s developmental delays and her level of intellectual
functioning, which would likely impact O.C. O.C. has some special needs and
receives therapy, and the guardians ad litem expressed concerns with Mother’s
ability to meet the needs of O.C. long term. Mother already had four other children
removed from her custody. At the time of trial, O.C. had been in the care of the foster
family for over two and a half years. O.C. was placed in the foster home shortly after
birth and has developed a significant bond with the foster family, even referring to
his foster father as “Daddy.” It was undisputed that Mother loves her child and she
demonstrated her commitment to case plan services; however, permanent custody
pertains to what is in the child’s best interest. See In re A.N., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 110608, 2021-Ohio-4214, ¶ 42. Guardian Ad Litem Richard D. Summers
stressed this point in his recommendation.
The record reflects that the trial court satisfied its statutory duty
under R.C. 2151.414(D) and properly exercised its discretion in weighing the best-
interest factors. Because the juvenile court’s determination is supported by clear
and convincing evidence and is not against the manifest weight of the evidence, I
believe the decision to terminate Mother’s parental rights and to commit the child
to the agency should be affirmed.