In re B.S. , 2015 Ohio 4805 ( 2015 )


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  • [Cite as In re B.S., 
    2015-Ohio-4805
    .]
    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
    THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
    ALLEN COUNTY
    IN RE:                                                      CASE NO. 1-15-44
    B.S.
    ADJUDICATED DEPENDENT
    CHILD.                                                      OPINION
    [REBECCA S. - APPELLANT]
    Appeal from Allen County Common Pleas Court
    Juvenile Division
    Trial Court No. 2014 JG 31328
    Judgment Affirmed
    Date of Decision: November 23, 2015
    APPEARANCES:
    Brian J. Vennekotter for Appellant
    Mariah M. Cunningham for Appellee
    Case No. 1-15-44
    SHAW, J.
    {¶1} Mother-appellant Rebecca S. (“Rebecca”) brings this appeal from the
    June 23, 2015 judgment of the Allen County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile
    Division, granting permanent custody of adjudicated dependent child “B.S.” to the
    Allen County Children’s Services Board (“ACCSB”).
    {¶2} The facts relevant to this appeal are as follows.      B.S. was born
    prematurely in February of 2014 with a number of congenital medical problems
    and cranial facial deformities. He was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, “which
    is an airway and oral anomaly genetically * * * driven * * * requiring
    supplemental oxygen, [an] apnea monitor at birth” and frequent smaller feedings
    due to the increased risk of choking. (May 13, 2015, Tr. at 7-8). B.S.’s specific
    issues related to Pierre Robin Sequence included micrognathia, which was defined
    as an undersized jaw that can lead to difficulty swallowing and breathing, and
    ankyloglossia, which was defined as prohibiting movement of the tongue. B.S.
    also developed upper respiratory issues.
    {¶3} While B.S. was in the hospital just after his birth, Rebecca and Robert
    S., B.S.’s father and Rebecca’s husband, were observed by hospital personnel
    turning off B.S.’s monitor and not notifying hospital personnel when the alarm
    sounded.   B.S. was also observed lying on his back when the parents were
    specifically advised not to allow it. Medical personnel feared that Rebecca and
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    Robert might not be competent to care for B.S. given his life-threatening
    conditions.
    {¶4} Based on these facts the ACCSB filed an ex parte motion for
    emergency custody of B.S. On March 4, 2014, a shelter care hearing was held and
    B.S. was ultimately placed in the shelter care of the ACCSB.
    {¶5} On March 4, 2014, the ACCSB filed a complaint alleging that B.S.
    was a dependent child. (Doc. No. 5). The trial court then appointed a Guardian ad
    litem for B.S. In addition, due to the cognitive limitations of Rebecca and Robert,
    a Guardian ad litem was appointed for each of them as well.
    {¶6} On March 31, 2014, a case plan was filed wherein Rebecca and
    Robert were required to demonstrate that they could provide for B.S. They were
    also required, inter alia, to complete parenting classes and demonstrate the learned
    skills from those classes, and to submit to psychological assessments.
    {¶7} On April 23, 2014, a magistrate conducted an adjudicatory hearing
    wherein the parties agreed that B.S. was a dependent child.         The trial court
    reviewed the magistrate’s decision finding that B.S. was dependent and
    determined that B.S. was a dependent child as defined in R.C. 2151.04(C).
    {¶8} On May 7, 2014, a dispositional hearing was held wherein the
    magistrate determined that B.S. should be placed in the temporary custody of the
    ACCSB.        On July 2, 2014, the trial court agreed with the magistrate’s
    recommendation and placed B.S. in the temporary custody of the ACCSB.
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    {¶9} Pursuant to the case plan, psychological evaluations were performed
    of both Rebecca and Robert by Dr. Thomas Hustak. The evaluation determined
    that Rebecca had an IQ composite of 70, indicating that approximately 98% of
    people Rebecca’s age were doing better intellectually and only 1% were doing
    worse. The evaluation indicated that Rebecca’s verbal ability corresponded to that
    of a 10 year old and her nonverbal ability to that of an 8 year old. Rebecca was
    also considered “high risk” for being physically abusive.
    {¶10} Similar to Rebecca, Robert also had an IQ composite of 70. In
    addition, the evaluation mentioned that Robert had previously been charged with
    Gross Sexual Imposition of a 6 year old boy, but when Robert’s competency was
    evaluated to see if he could stand trial, he was found not competent to stand trial.
    Robert had also been found guilty of Domestic Violence against Rebecca, and
    Rebecca indicated that she was fearful of him at times.
    {¶11} The psychological evaluation indicated that neither parent could
    identify B.S.’s problems or how they would deal with them. The evaluation also
    indicated that neither parent had the ability to anticipate problems that would arise
    as a result of parenting a child, particularly one with special needs.
    {¶12} In summation, the evaluation contained the following information.
    Sadly, one cannot fault either of these parents for their limited
    intellectual understanding. Their cognitive skills are genetic and
    developmentally based, not learned behavior. Therefore, they
    have their own developmental problems that are established by
    history and demonstrated in the present record. What is
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    problematic, however, is that this is not likely to get better over
    time because part of the major problem is developmental and,
    therefore, this is a static condition. You cannot expect them to
    grasp the full implications of how to manage a child when they
    can barely manage themselves.
    Their developmental limitation is a condition of their
    living and is not going to get better with the passage of time.
    There will be “a ceiling” to improve, even with educational
    classes to enhance their skills. By definition, they will always be
    in a rather dependent situation with their child. Since neither
    parent can seem to control their own emotions historically and
    presently, one would have to conclude that they are placed into
    the category of High Risk parents. A child would also be
    considered a High Risk for physical abuse in this environment.
    One would also have to anticipate that the child would be
    considered High Risk for “neglect,” since the parents don’t have
    a good understanding of the risk factors involved with their
    child and what will be needed to address those factors. One
    would conclude that some form of supervision, family aid, family
    training and education, and close monitoring will be a lifelong
    problem until they get older and the child grows to the point
    where the child can express their own needs at a much later age
    (i.e., age 10 on up). Until that time, a child placed in the care of
    Robert and Rebecca Smith will be considered at high risk based
    upon the history, the present evidence, the personality testing,
    and the intellectual limitations.
    (ACCSB Ex. 1).
    {¶13} On November 7, 2014, the ACCSB filed a motion requesting
    permanent custody of B.S.       The motion indicated that the agency had made
    reasonable and diligent efforts to assist B.S.’s parents in remedying their issues but
    the parents had failed to substantially remedy those conditions that led to B.S.
    being taken.
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    {¶14} On May 6, 2015, a deposition was taken of Dr. Hustak, who had
    conducted the psychological evaluations of Rebecca and Robert. In his deposition
    Dr. Hustak further clarified his findings from his evaluation. Dr. Hustak testified
    that he was concerned with Rebecca and Robert’s ability to care for themselves,
    let alone a child with special needs. Dr. Hustak testified that it is possible for
    someone of Rebecca and Robert’s intelligence to parent a child; however, he
    testified that it would likely require a full-time caregiver or assistant to be present
    to oversee the situation and watch what was being done. (Hustak Depo Tr. at 43-
    44). Dr. Hustak testified that Rebecca would need “an awful lot of supervision” to
    be an effective parent.
    {¶15} Dr. Hustak testified that Rebecca would have difficulty caring for a
    child because she has a difficult time remembering things and she was not really
    aware of how to take care of a child. Dr. Hustak testified, “[Y]ou can’t fix
    something you don’t recognize.” (Id. at 11). Dr. Hustak further testified that
    Rebecca could not articulate what B.S.’s problems even were, minimizing any
    issues and stating that everything would be “fine.” (Tr. at 12). Dr. Hustak also
    testified that his concerns for Rebecca in that regard were the same for Robert.
    {¶16} On May 13-14, 2015, this case proceeded to a hearing on the
    ACCSB’s motion for permanent custody. Although Rebecca attended the hearing,
    as did her GAL and Robert’s GAL, Robert did not attend the hearing. At the
    hearing the parties stipulated that Dr. Hustak’s deposition and his psychological
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    evaluation would be entered into evidence and could thus be considered by the
    trial court. The ACCSB then presented its case and began by calling Karen
    Martin, a pediatric nurse at Health Partners of Western Ohio who had been B.S.’s
    primary care provider since his birth. Martin testified to B.S.’s early health issues
    and his ongoing health issues, which now included asthma.
    {¶17} Martin testified that B.S.’s breathing treatments required specific
    medication to be administered to B.S. via an aerosol mask. Martin also testified
    that B.S. would need reliable transportation to Columbus for his cranial facial
    evaluations, to his speech therapy and to his primary care visits. Martin also
    testified that B.S. would need constant supervision due to his condition for
    choking hazards.     Lastly, Martin testified that B.S.’s foster mother had been
    bringing B.S. to all of his appointments and was meeting B.S.’s medical needs.
    {¶18} The ACCSB next called Jessie Spencer, B.S.’s foster mother.
    Spencer testified that B.S. lived with her, her husband, and her three children.
    Spencer testified as to B.S.’s ongoing medical issues and what she does for them.
    Specifically, Spencer testified that B.S. has developmental delays, that she works
    with B.S. daily, and that B.S. has physical therapy weekly. Spencer testified that
    she has a good relationship with Rebecca and that Rebecca was cooperative when
    Rebecca exercised visitation. Spencer testified that B.S. was integrated with her
    family and that she would consider adopting B.S. if he was placed in the ACCSB’s
    permanent custody.
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    {¶19} The ACCSB next called Mary Knippen, a “case aid” with the
    ACCSB. Knippen testified that she supervised B.S.’s visits with Rebecca and
    Robert. Knippen testified that Rebecca regularly attended for her visitation but
    Robert did not regularly attend. Knippen testified that during the pendency of this
    case Rebecca and Robert split.
    {¶20} As to the visits, Knippen testified that she was constantly coaching
    Rebecca and instructing her on basic safety. Knippen testified that Rebecca was
    easily distracted and constantly had to be redirected.      Knippen testified that
    Rebecca was willing to listen, but she still had to constantly be reminded of proper
    safety issues. Knippen testified that she had concerns for Rebecca being able to
    care for B.S.
    {¶21} Next the ACCSB called Sara Ridenour, a social worker/caseworker
    with the ACCSB. Ridenour testified that Rebecca and Robert’s ability to house
    B.S. had been an issue since the inception of this case. Ridenour testified that
    when B.S. was born Rebecca and Robert had no identified place to take him.
    Ridenour testified that from March 2014 to December 2014 Rebecca and Robert
    changed residences ten times. Ridenour testified that Rebecca and Robert were
    only on one lease out of those ten residences and they were evicted from that
    residence for using marijuana and not paying rent. (Tr. at 63). Further, Ridenour
    testified that since January of 2015 Rebecca had changed residences four times,
    making fourteen residences in just over a year.
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    Case No. 1-15-44
    {¶22} In addition, Ridenour testified that Rebecca now resided with
    Robert’s parents and that there were smokers in the home. Ridenour testified that
    due to B.S.’s respiratory issues, that was not a proper environment for B.S.
    Ridenour also testified that Robert still smoked cigarettes and marijuana despite
    being told that smoke would be extremely harmful to B.S. in his condition.
    {¶23} Ridenour testified that she had concerns about B.S.’s parents meeting
    B.S.’s basic needs as they relied heavily on others.       Ridenour testified that
    Rebecca received social security and was her own payee (she had not been at one
    time), but she often ran out of money and spent her money on things like cigarettes
    for Robert so that he would not get angry with her. Ridenour testified that Robert
    had no job, though he reported trying to get one.
    {¶24} Ridenour testified that the agency had made diligent and reasonable
    efforts to reunite Rebecca and Robert with B.S.       Ridenour testified she had
    referred them to parenting classes, had referred them to get vouchers for clothing,
    and had referred Robert to drug treatment. Ridenour testified that Rebecca and
    Robert suggested six individuals to place B.S. with, all of whom were investigated
    and found not to be proper for placement.
    {¶25} Ridenour testified that despite attending the parenting classes,
    Rebecca and Robert had not been able to demonstrate the skills learned there.
    Ridenour testified that ultimately the agency had helped Rebecca and Robert be
    the best parents that they could be and she did not think that they would ever be
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    able to parent B.S. At the conclusion of Ridenour’s testimony, the ACCSB rested
    its case.
    {¶26} Rebecca then testified on her own behalf. Rebecca testified that she
    had done all the parenting classes required of her, and that she had watched
    younger children before.     Rebecca testified that she helped babysit children
    sometimes. Rebecca testified that she did not have a job, but she received SSI in
    the amount of $488 per month.
    {¶27} Rebecca also testified that she was separated from Robert and that
    Robert was now living with his “minor girlfriend.” (Tr. at 96). Rebecca testified
    that Robert was still smoking marijuana. Rebecca also admitted that there is a
    smoker in the residence she is currently staying in.
    {¶28} At the conclusion of Rebecca’s testimony the hearing was continued
    to a second day to give Robert a chance to appear. However, on the second day,
    Robert again did not appear and he had told Rebecca he was not coming. In brief
    closing arguments, the court appointed advocate for B.S. recommended that
    permanent custody be granted to the ACCSB. In addition, both the GAL for
    Rebecca and the GAL for Robert recommended that permanent custody be granted
    to the ACCSB, stating that it was in the best interests of Rebecca and Robert
    respectively.
    {¶29} On June 23, 2015, the trial court filed a judgment entry on the matter.
    In the entry the trial court summarized the evidence and made a number of factual
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    findings.   The trial court analyzed all the testimony and the psychological
    evaluations and ultimately determined that permanent custody should be granted
    to the ACCSB.
    {¶30} It is from this judgment that Rebecca appeals, asserting the following
    assignments of error for our review.
    ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR 1
    THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED A REVERSIBLE ERROR
    BY FINDING THAT REASONABLE CASE PLANNING AND
    DILIGENT EFFORTS WERE MADE BY THE AGENCY TO
    ASSIST THE PARENTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEMS
    THAT INITIALLY CAUSED THE CHILD TO BE PLACED
    OUTSIDE THE HOME, [AND BY FINDING THAT] THE
    PARENT HAS FAILED TO CONTINUOUSLY AND
    REPEATEDLY     SUBSTANTIALLY   REMEDY    THE
    CONDITIONS CAUSING THE CHILD TO BE PLACED
    OUTSIDE THE CHILD’S HOME WHERE THE MOTHER
    DID ALL CASE PLAN SERVICES.
    ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR 2
    TRIAL COURT COMMITTED A REVERSIBLE ERROR BY
    FINDING THAT CHRONIC MENTAL ILLNESS, CHRONIC
    EMOTIONAL    ILLNESS,   MENTAL  RETARDATION,
    PHYSICAL DISABILITY, OR CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
    OF THE MOTHER IS SO SEVERE THAT IT MAKES THE
    PARENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE
    PERMANENT HOME FOR THE CHILD WHERE THE
    MOTHER HAS COMPLETED THE CASE PLAN, IS ABLE
    TO MAKE HER OWN FINANCIAL DECISIONS, AND HAS
    PROVIDED FOR KIDS IN THE PAST.
    First Assignment of Error
    {¶31} In her first assignment of error Rebecca argues that the ACCSB did
    not make reasonable and diligent efforts toward reunification in this case, and that
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    she complied with her case plan making the trial court’s findings to the contrary
    pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(1) improper. Rebecca also argues that she regularly
    attended her visitation, that she completed her parenting classes and always
    cooperated and expressed her willingness to comply with the case plan.
    {¶32} Revised Code 2151.414(E) sets forth a number of factors the juvenile
    court must consider in determining if “a child cannot be placed with either parent
    within a reasonable period of time or should not be placed with the parents.” The
    juvenile court need only find the existence of one of the enumerated factors. In re
    D.C., 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2015–03–006, 
    2015-Ohio-3178
    , ¶ 31. “If the trial
    court finds one of the factors present by clear and convincing evidence, the trial
    court must make a finding that the child cannot be placed with the parent(s).” In
    re K.R., 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2015-T-08, 
    2015-Ohio-2819
    , ¶ 13.
    {¶33} Here, the trial court made findings under R.C. 2151.414(E)(1) and
    R.C. 2151.414(E)(2), both indicating that B.S. could not be placed with either
    parent within a reasonable period of time or should not be placed with them.
    Under this assignment of error, Rebecca challenges the trial court’s finding under
    R.C. 2151.414(E)(1), which reads,
    (E) In determining at a hearing held pursuant to division (A) of
    this section or for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section
    2151.353 of the Revised Code whether a child cannot be placed
    with either parent within a reasonable period of time or should
    not be placed with the parents, the court shall consider all
    relevant evidence. If the court determines, by clear and
    convincing evidence, at a hearing held pursuant to division (A)
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    Case No. 1-15-44
    of this section or for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section
    2151.353 of the Revised Code that one or more of the following
    exist as to each of the child's parents, the court shall enter a
    finding that the child cannot be placed with either parent within
    a reasonable time or should not be placed with either parent:
    (1) Following the placement of the child outside the child's home
    and notwithstanding reasonable case planning and diligent
    efforts by the agency to assist the parents to remedy the
    problems that initially caused the child to be placed outside the
    home, the parent has failed continuously and repeatedly to
    substantially remedy the conditions causing the child to be
    placed outside the child's home. In determining whether the
    parents have substantially remedied those conditions, the court
    shall consider parental utilization of medical, psychiatric,
    psychological, and other social and rehabilitative services and
    material resources that were made available to the parents for
    the purpose of changing parental conduct to allow them to
    resume and maintain parental duties.
    Rebecca specifically challenges the trial court’s findings that the agency made
    reasonable efforts to support reunification and the trial court’s finding that she did
    not comply with the case plan.
    ACCSB’s Reasonable Efforts
    {¶34} “ ‘Reasonable efforts’ have been described as the state’s efforts to
    resolve a threat to a child’s health or safety before removing the child from the
    home or permitting the child to return home again, which follow an intervention to
    protect a child from abuse or neglect.” In re H.H., 9th Dist. Summit No. 25463,
    
    2010-Ohio-5992
    , ¶ 10, citing In re C.F., 
    113 Ohio St.3d 73
    , 2007–Ohio–1104, at ¶
    28 (additional citations omitted).     These efforts are required because of the
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    fundamental nature of the right to parent one’s children. 
    Id.
     citing In re C.F.,
    2007–Ohio–1104, ¶ 21.
    {¶35} The Ohio Supreme Court has emphasized that the broad purpose of
    Ohio’s child-welfare laws is “to care for and protect children, ‘whenever possible,
    in a family environment, separating the child from the child's parents only when
    necessary for the child’s welfare or in the interests of public safety.’ ” In re C.F.,
    supra, at ¶ 29, quoting R.C. 2151.01(A). Various sections of the Revised Code
    refer to the agency’s duty to preserve or reunify the family unit. Id. In other
    words, when the state intervenes in a parent-child relationship, it has a
    considerable duty to rehabilitate the family through a comprehensive plan of
    reunification.
    {¶36} Nevertheless, the Ohio Supreme Court has held that the trial court is
    not obligated by R.C. 2151.419 to make a determination that the agency used
    reasonable efforts to reunify the family at the time of the permanent custody
    hearing unless the agency has not established that reasonable efforts have been
    made prior to that hearing. See In re C.F., 
    113 Ohio St.3d 73
    , 2007–Ohio–1104,
    ¶¶ 41, 43. According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court is only obligated
    to make a determination that the agency has made reasonable efforts to reunify the
    family at “adjudicatory, emergency, detention, and temporary-disposition
    hearings, and dispositional hearings for abused, neglected, or dependent children,
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    Case No. 1-15-44
    all of which occur prior to a decision transferring permanent custody to the state.”
    Id. at ¶ 41.
    {¶37} In this case, the magistrate entered a finding that the agency had
    made reasonable efforts to reunify the family on multiple occasions including the
    adjudicatory hearing and the dispositional hearing.      (Doc. Nos. 35, 38).     In
    reviewing the magistrate’s decisions from those hearings, the trial court also made
    the findings that the ACCSB had made reasonable efforts to reunify the family.
    (Doc. Nos. 46, 48). Thus according to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court was
    not required to even make this finding again in its permanent custody entry.
    {¶38} Regardless of whether the trial court needed to make the finding
    regarding reasonable efforts towards reunification again, the trial court did make
    the finding that the ACCSB had made reasonable efforts to reunify the family in
    its judgment entry granting permanent custody, and contrary to Rebecca’s
    arguments it is supported by the record. The only argument that Rebecca makes to
    establish that the agency did not make reasonable efforts is that Rebecca should
    have been granted more visitation with B.S. Rebecca provides no legal support or
    factual support as to how this establishes that the ACCSB did not make reasonable
    efforts toward reunification.
    {¶39} Moreover, the record established that the ACCSB made a number of
    attempts to assist Rebecca, evaluate her, reunite her with B.S., and even find
    alternative placement for B.S. The record established that Rebecca was placed in
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    classes, that she was referred to places that would provide her clothing and that
    she was closely monitored in her interactions with B.S.          The record further
    established that the case aids regularly assisted Rebecca during her interactions
    with B.S. Unfortunately the record also demonstrated that Rebecca was simply
    not going to be capable of parenting B.S.
    {¶40} On the basis of the record before us Rebecca has not demonstrated
    that the trial court erred in determining that the agency made reasonable efforts
    toward reunification. Thus Rebecca’s argument is not well-taken.
    Compliance with Case Plan
    {¶41} Rebecca’s next argues that the trial court erred in determining that
    she continuously failed to complete the case plan. While everyone agrees that
    Rebecca completed her parenting classes and regularly attended her visitation, the
    only testimony presented was that Rebecca did not demonstrate what she had
    learned in those classes and that she had to constantly be monitored and redirected
    as to how to care for B.S. in the visitation she did exercise.
    {¶42} In addition, Rebecca did not show she was able to provide for B.S.,
    which was part of the case plan. She also did not establish that she had a suitable
    home for B.S. to live in. Rebecca had lived in approximately fourteen residences
    in just over a year, and her current residence, where she wanted B.S. to live,
    contained a smoker, which was extremely hazardous to B.S.’s condition. Notably
    Rebecca was also staying in the living room of that home. Thus we cannot find
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    Case No. 1-15-44
    that the trial court erred in finding that Rebecca failed to complete the case plan as
    she clearly failed to complete several important facets. Accordingly, Rebecca’s
    first assignment of error is overruled.
    Second Assignment of Error
    {¶43} In Rebecca’s second assignment of error she argues that the trial
    court erred by finding pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(2) that B.S. could not be
    placed with her in a reasonable amount of time. Specifically, Rebecca argues that
    despite any cognitive limitations she managed her own funds, was capable of
    caring for herself and that she testified to caring for other children.
    {¶44} At the outset we would note that the trial court only has to find that
    one factor in R.C. 2151.414(E) is present to support its grant of permanent custody
    before proceeding to determine whether granting permanent custody is in the
    child’s best interest.1            In this case the trial court found two factors of R.C.
    2151.414(E) present, both (E)(1) and (E)(2). In the previous assignment of error
    we already determined that the trial court did not err in finding reasonable efforts
    toward reunification had been made and that it did not err in finding that Rebecca
    failed to comply with the case plan pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(1), thus we need
    not proceed to determine whether the trial court’s finding pursuant to R.C.
    2151.414(E)(2) was supported by the record as it is a superfluous finding and
    would not impact the judgment even if we found Rebecca’s argument well-taken.
    1
    Rebecca does not challenge the trial court’s finding regarding B.S.’s best interests on appeal.
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    Case No. 1-15-44
    In re Matthews, 3d Dist. Marion Nos. 9-07-28, 9-07-29, 9-07-34, 
    2008-Ohio-276
    ,
    ¶ 34. Nevertheless, in the interest of justice we will address Rebecca’s argument.
    {¶45} Under this assignment Rebecca challenges the trial court’s finding
    regarding R.C. 2151.414(E)(2), which reads,
    (E) In determining at a hearing held pursuant to division (A) of
    this section or for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section
    2151.353 of the Revised Code whether a child cannot be placed
    with either parent within a reasonable period of time or should
    not be placed with the parents, the court shall consider all
    relevant evidence. If the court determines, by clear and
    convincing evidence, at a hearing held pursuant to division (A)
    of this section or for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section
    2151.353 of the Revised Code that one or more of the following
    exist as to each of the child's parents, the court shall enter a
    finding that the child cannot be placed with either parent within
    a reasonable time or should not be placed with either parent:
    ***
    (2) Chronic mental illness, chronic emotional illness, mental
    retardation, physical disability, or chemical dependency of the
    parent that is so severe that it makes the parent unable to
    provide an adequate permanent home for the child at the
    present time and, as anticipated, within one year after the court
    holds the hearing pursuant to division (A) of this section or for
    the purposes of division (A)(4) of section 2151.353 of the Revised
    Code[.]
    {¶46} On appeal Rebecca argues that the trial court’s finding pursuant to
    R.C. 2151.414(E)(2) was not supported because she manages her own funds and
    because she testified to occasionally caring for other children. Rebecca contends
    this is not consistent with a developmental disability so severe that it rendered her
    unable to provide an adequate permanent home for B.S.
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    {¶47} Despite Rebecca’s arguments, the record made clear that she had
    significant cognitive limitations. In addition, the psychological evaluation of her
    indicated that she was at high risk to physically abuse B.S. due to her emotional
    state. The evaluation also indicated that parenting classes would not likely ever
    improve Rebecca’s ability to parent to the point where she could parent a child
    without supervision. Thus on the basis of Dr. Hustak’s evaluation, we cannot find
    that the trial court erred by entering a finding pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(2).
    Therefore, Rebecca’s second assignment of error is overruled.
    {¶48} Having found no error prejudicial to Rebecca in the particulars
    assigned, Rebecca’s assignments of error are overruled and the judgment of the
    Allen County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, is affirmed.
    Judgment Affirmed
    PRESTON and WILLAMOWSKI, J.J, concur.
    /hlo
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Document Info

Docket Number: 1-15-44

Citation Numbers: 2015 Ohio 4805

Judges: Shaw

Filed Date: 11/23/2015

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 4/17/2021