In re A.S. , 2021 Ohio 218 ( 2021 )

[Cite as In re A.S., 2021-Ohio-218.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
TENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
In the matter of: :
No. 20AP-93
(A.S.), : (C.P.C. No. 16JU-10193)
(S.P., : (REGULAR CALENDAR)
Appellant). :
D E C I S I O N
Rendered on January 28, 2021
On brief: Yeura Venters, Public Defender, and Robert D.
Essex, for appellant.
On brief: Emily L.M. Butler, for Franklin County Children
Services.
On brief: Daniel W. Sullenberger, Guardian ad Litem.
APPEAL from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas,
Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch
LUPER SCHUSTER, J.
{¶ 1} Appellant, S.P., mother of A.S., appeals from the decision and entry of the
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile
Branch, terminating her parental rights and placing A.S. in the permanent custody of
appellee, Franklin County Children Services ("FCCS"). For the following reasons, we
affirm.
I. Facts and Procedural History
{¶ 2} This case involves FCCS's request for permanent custody of A.S., born
December 5, 2010. On August 24, 2016, FCCS filed a complaint alleging A.S. to be an
abused, neglected, and dependent child. FCCS filed the complaint after receiving
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information that A.S., who was five years old at the time, was the victim of both physical
and sexual abuse and had lost a considerable amount of weight. Mother shared custody of
A.S. with A.S. Sr. ("father"), but father had primary physical custody. Father reported to
FCCS that A.S., while living with father and his girlfriend, was engaged in sexualized
behavior with herself, would attempt to engage in sexualized behavior with the other
children in the home, and was demonstrating concerning eating habits. Father indicated
to FCCS he no longer wanted A.S. in his home because of her interactions with the other
children. The complaint further stated that A.S. reported that an unnamed man at her
mother's home had touched A.S.'s vagina, that her mother made her sleep on the floor, and
that her mother made her eat dog food as cereal and drink urine because there was no
water. During a medical exam, A.S. reported eating toilet paper and toothpaste because of
hunger, and medical personnel determined A.S.'s weight loss and extreme hunger were due
to environmental neglect. A.S. also reported that both mother and father had struck her
with a belt.
{¶ 3} The same day FCCS filed the complaint, the trial court entered an order
placing A.S. in the emergency temporary care of FCCS. The next day, August 25, 2016, the
trial court conducted a preliminary hearing and found sufficient information to grant a
temporary order of custody ("TOC") to FCCS. The trial court ordered mother and father to
complete mental health counseling and suspended mother's and father's visitation rights
with A.S.
{¶ 4} Following a November 16, 2016 hearing, the trial court granted the state's
request to dismiss the abused child causes of action and issued a judgment entry that the
matter would proceed uncontested as to the neglect and dependency actions. The trial
court issued an order of temporary court commitment ("TCC") to be in effect until further
notice of the court, and it approved and adopted a case plan for both mother and father.
{¶ 5} Prior to the scheduled annual review hearing, FCCS filed a motion on July 13,
2017, along with Permanent Family Solutions Network ("PFSN"), to extend the trial court's
TCC order. FCCS stated in the motion that mother had ceased visiting with A.S., had not
maintained contact with the assigned caseworker, and had not completed any objectives of
her case plan which included a mental health assessment, random urine screens, and
parenting classes. FCCS further alleged that father had been inconsistent with supervised
No. 20AP-93 3
visits and had not completed his mental health assessment. The trial court conducted an
annual review hearing on August 23, 2017, following which the trial court granted FCCS's
motion to extend the TCC for six months.
{¶ 6} After the annual review hearing, a maternal aunt intervened in the
proceedings as a potential custodial placement for A.S., but the maternal aunt ultimately
was not considered for placement. On March 19, 2018, FCCS and PFSN filed a motion
requesting a second extension of TCC, again alleging neither mother nor father had
significantly completed their case plans. Following several continuances, the trial court, on
June 15, 2018, granted the motion for the second extension of TCC for another six-month
period.
{¶ 7} On August 13, 2018, the guardian ad litem for A.S. filed a motion requesting
that permanent court custody ("PCC") of A.S. be granted to FCCS. Once the trial court was
able to perfect service on mother and father, it set the PCC hearing for July 11, 2019. Prior
to the hearing, on July 3, 2019, the guardian ad litem filed a report and recommendation
that it was in the best interest of A.S. that the trial court grant the motion for PCC and that
A.S. be permanently committed to FCCS.
{¶ 8} The trial court conducted a trial on the motion for PCC on November 25,
2019. Father did not participate in the trial. During the trial, mother testified she has four
children but did not have custody of any of them. Mother admitted that she did not attend
visits with A.S. for the nearly two-year period from April 24, 2017 to March 6, 2019 but
testified she had most recently visited with A.S. the week before the trial. She further
admitted that although the case plan required her to submit to drug screens, attend
parenting classes, alcohol and drug class ("AOD"), and anger management classes, she had
generally not complied with the requirements of the case plan other than to submit to some
of the drug screens.
{¶ 9} Mother testified she struggled with stability in the past, but that her current
housing was a two-bedroom apartment and that she had maintained a level of consistent
employment at various restaurants, a hotel, and a hair salon. Though she testified she did
not make enough money to support herself and A.S., she stated she could find another job
that would provide enough. She testified she was willing to address her mental health
issues, though she agreed she was not currently receiving any mental health treatment.
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Mother stated she believed she had a bond with A.S. and believed they interacted well
during their visits. Mother also admitted to currently using marijuana, and she testified
she was not in family counseling because she had not been invited to participate.
{¶ 10} The PFSN caseworker assigned to the case testified that mother's case plan
required her to complete random drug screens, parenting classes, family counseling
sessions as determined by A.S.'s clinician, provide for A.S.'s basic needs, show stability in
the home, and provide stable housing and permanency for A.S. The caseworker testified
that mother had completed drug screens but had not completed mental health services.
Further, the caseworker testified that when mother reengaged with visitations with A.S. in
March 2019, A.S. appeared to enjoy the visits but that A.S. appeared less bonded to mother
than her brother, who was also at the visits. The caseworker stated mother would attempt
to reengage A.S. during the visits if A.S. appeared disconnected, and mother would bring
arts and crafts, movies, and snacks for the children. The caseworker described mother's
behavior as "appropriate" during the visits, but he testified he would not describe A.S. as
being "connected" or bonded with mother. (Nov. 25, 2019 Tr. at 30, 35.) He also testified
that mother had obtained housing three weeks prior to the start of trial, but he had not
conducted a home visit at that time.
{¶ 11} After observing A.S. with her foster parent, the caseworker testified that A.S.
appeared to be well-bonded to her foster mother. Additionally, the caseworker testified
that A.S. had several treatment concerns, including taking ADHD medication and issues
with hoarding. He stated PFSN had not provided any transportation assistance to mother
to attend A.S.'s counseling sessions because the clinician had not yet approved mother's
attendance at those sessions. The caseworker testified he believed A.S.'s need for
permanency could not be achieved without a grant of permanent custody to FCCS.
{¶ 12} The guardian ad litem testified she had conducted at least 39 visits with A.S.
She testified that A.S.'s physical appearance had improved from the "frail" condition A.S.
was in at the opening of the case, and she described A.S. as looking healthy at the time of
trial. (Nov. 25, 2019 Tr. at 67.) The guardian ad litem described A.S. as having a
comfortable relationship with her foster mother and testified A.S. responded well to her.
After observing six visits between A.S. and mother, the guardian ad litem testified that A.S.
seemed to enjoy the visits with mother. Having visited mother's home, the guardian ad
No. 20AP-93 5
litem testified mother's home was nice, clean, and appropriate. The guardian ad litem also
described A.S.'s ongoing treatment needs, including ADHD, hoarding issues, and her
history of sexual abuse that created enduring trauma. She testified that mother had not
been asked to engage in family counseling with A.S. because A.S.'s treatment provider had
not recommended it.
{¶ 13} The guardian ad litem testified A.S. has been in the continuous custody of
FCCS for more than three years, and the trial occurred just prior to A.S.'s ninth birthday.
The guardian ad litem stated she had discussed the concept of permanent custody with A.S.,
and A.S. consistently expressed a desire to be adopted by her foster mother. Ultimately, the
guardian ad litem testified it was her recommendation that the trial court grant the motion
for PCC and place A.S. in the permanent custody of FCCS.
{¶ 14} Following the hearing, the trial court granted the guardian ad litem's motion
for PCC and terminated the parental rights of both mother and father. The trial court
considered the factors in R.C. 2151.414(D) and determined there was clear and convincing
evidence that it was in A.S.'s best interest to grant the motion for permanent custody. The
trial court journalized its decision in a January 22, 2020 decision and judgment entry.
Mother timely appeals.
II. Assignment of Error
{¶ 15} Mother assigns the following error for our review:
The trial court committed reversible error by terminating the
appellant-mother's parental rights when the decision was
against the manifest weight of the evidence.
III. Analysis
{¶ 16} In her sole assignment of error, mother argues the trial court erred in
granting permanent custody to FCCS. More specifically, mother asserts the decision to
grant the motion for PCC was against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶ 17} "In reviewing a judgment granting permanent custody to FCCS, an appellate
court 'must make every reasonable presumption in favor of the judgment and the trial
court's findings of facts.' " In re J.T., 10th Dist. No. 11AP-1056, 2012-Ohio-2818, ¶ 8,
quoting In re P.G., 10th Dist. No. 11AP-574, 2012-Ohio-469, ¶ 37. " '[I]f the evidence is
susceptible of more than one construction, we must give it that interpretation which is
No. 20AP-93 6
consistent with the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the [juvenile] court's
verdict and judgment.' " In re Brooks, 10th Dist. No. 04AP-164, 2004-Ohio-3887, ¶ 59,
quoting Karches v. Cincinnati, 38 Ohio St.3d 12, 19 (1988).
{¶ 18} "Judgments are not against the manifest weight of the evidence when all
material elements are supported by competent, credible evidence." J.T. at ¶ 8. "Pursuant
to R.C. 2151.414(B)(1), a trial court may grant permanent custody if after a hearing it
determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that * * * such relief is in the best interest of
the child." Id. at ¶ 9. "Clear and convincing evidence is that degree of proof that will
produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the facts to be
established." In re K.L., 10th Dist. No. 13AP-218, 2013-Ohio-3499, ¶ 14. "It is more than a
mere preponderance of the evidence but does not require proof beyond a reasonable
doubt." Id.{¶ 19} "Parents have a constitutionally-protected fundamental interest in the care,
custody, and management of their children." In re H.D., 10th Dist. No. 13AP-707, 2014-
Ohio-228, ¶ 10, citing Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000). The Supreme Court of
Ohio recognizes the essential and basic rights of a parent to raise his or her child. In re
Murray, 52 Ohio St.3d 155, 157 (1990). However, these rights are not absolute, and a
parent's natural rights are subject to the ultimate welfare of the child. In re Cunningham,
59 Ohio St.2d 100, 106 (1979). In certain circumstances, therefore, the state may terminate
the parental rights of natural parents when such termination is in the best interest of the
child. H.D. at ¶ 10, citing In re E.G., 10th Dist. No. 07AP-26, 2007-Ohio-3658, ¶ 8.
{¶ 20} In deciding to award permanent custody, the trial court must take a two-step
approach. K.L. at ¶ 18. The court must first determine if any of the factors set forth in R.C.
2151.414(B)(1) apply. Id. Here, there is no dispute that A.S. was in the temporary custody
of one or more public children services agencies or private child placing agencies for 12 or
more months of a consecutive 22-month period, satisfying R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(d).
{¶ 21} Once the trial court determines that one of the circumstances in R.C.
2151.414(B)(1) applies, the trial court must then determine whether a grant of permanent
custody is in the best interest of the child. In re A.J., 10th Dist. No. 13AP-864, 2014-Ohio-
2734, ¶ 16; R.C. 2151.414(B)(1). In determining the best interest of a child, R.C.
No. 20AP-93 7
2151.414(D)(1) directs that the trial court must consider all relevant factors including, but
not limited to, the following:
(a) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the
child's parents, siblings, relatives, foster caregivers and out-of-
home providers, and any other person who may significantly
affect the child;
(b) The wishes of the child, as expressed directly by the child or
through the child's guardian ad litem, with due regard for the
maturity of the child;
(c) The custodial history of the child, including whether the
child has been in the temporary custody of one or more public
children services agencies or private child placing agencies for
twelve or more months of a consecutive twenty-two-month
period, or the child has been in the temporary custody of one
or more public children services agencies or private child
placing agencies for twelve or more months of a consecutive
twenty-two-month period and, as described in division (D)(1)
of section 2151.413 of the Revised Code, the child was
previously in the temporary custody of an equivalent agency in
another state;
(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;
(e) Whether any of the factors in divisions (E)(7) to (11) of this
section apply in relation to the parents and child.
R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(a) through (e).
{¶ 22} The trial court considered all of the above statutory factors with respect to
A.S. and concluded that an award of permanent custody was in the best interest of the child.
Mother disagrees with the trial court's conclusions. More specifically, mother argues the
trial court erred in determining permanent custody was in A.S.'s best interest given the
progress mother had made on her case plan objectives since the opening of the case.
{¶ 23} Mother's argument is not a challenge to any specific finding of the trial court
under R.C. 2151.414(D)(1). Instead, mother argues the trial court should have placed more
emphasis on her compliance with the case plan objectives. Mother's argument presupposes
that the evidence at trial supported a finding that she substantially complied with her case
No. 20AP-93 8
plan. We note, however, that the uncontroverted testimony was that mother had only
submitted to some of the random drug screens expected of her, and she had not complied
with the mental health, AOD, and parenting class components of the case plan. Even if this
court were to construe mother's securing appropriate housing as demonstrating a level of
substantial compliance with the case plan, we are mindful that " 'R.C. 2151.414(D) does not
require courts to deny a children services agency's motion for permanent custody solely by
virtue of a parent's substantial compliance with the case plan.' " In re S.T., 10th Dist. No.
19AP-24, 2019-Ohio-4341, ¶ 26, quoting In re Brooks at ¶ 62. Thus, it was within the
discretion of the trial court, as part of its best interest analysis, to decide the weight to give
evidence of mother's compliance with the case plan. As set forth below, the evidence at trial
supported the trial court's determination that granting permanent custody to FCCS was in
A.S.'s best interest.
{¶ 24} Under R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(a), the trial court must, in making its best interest
determination, consider the interactions and relationships between the child and the
individuals in the child's life, including the child's parents, siblings, relatives, and "any other
person who may significantly affect the child." Here, the trial court found that although
mother tried to establish a bond with A.S. by bringing appropriate activities to their visits,
A.S. nonetheless did not have a strong bond with mother. The trial court further found that
A.S is strongly bonded to her foster parent. The evidence supported these findings,
including the testimony of the caseworker and the guardian ad litem who both testified A.S.
was not significantly bonded with mother, and A.S. was strongly bonded to her foster
parent. Additionally, the evidence demonstrated mother did not attend visits with A.S. for
a nearly two-year period.
{¶ 25} Next, R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(b) required the trial court to consider the wishes of
the child. The guardian ad litem testified that A.S. repeatedly expressed a desire to remain
in her current foster home and be adopted by the foster parent.
{¶ 26} R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(c) then requires the court to consider the custodial
history of the child. A.S. had been continuously in the custody of FCCS since August 2016,
when she was five years old. At the time of trial, A.S. was approaching her ninth birthday.
Thus, A.S. had spent a considerable portion of her life in the custody of a public children
services agency.
No. 20AP-93 9
{¶ 27} R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(d) addresses the child's need for a legally secure
placement and requires the court to consider whether this can be achieved without a grant
of permanent custody to the agency. The trial court concluded mother was unable to meet
A.S.'s needs and that legally secure placement could not be achieved for A.S. without an
order of permanent custody to FCCS. Mother asserts that the issues in the complaint
leading to A.S.'s initial placement in the custody of FCCS – A.S.'s physical and sexual abuse
and her resultant eating disorder – have been remedied, and thus A.S. should be returned
to mother's care. However, mother's argument discounts that the improvements in A.S.'s
physical, emotional, and behavioral wellbeing occurred outside of mother's care when she
was in the care and custody of FCCS receiving extensive services through PFSN, her school,
and other resources. Mother's testimony demonstrated a lack of understanding of why A.S.
was removed from her care in the first instance as well as a continued lack of understanding
of A.S.'s ongoing treatment needs. Additionally, by the time of trial more than three years
after A.S.'s placement in FCCS's custody, mother had not addressed her own mental health
needs. All of this evidence supports the trial court's finding that mother had not adequately
addressed the concerns which resulted in A.S.'s removal and that mother was not able to
provide a legally secure placement for A.S.
{¶ 28} Finally, R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(e) requires the court to consider any applicable
factors set forth in R.C. 2151.414(E)(7) through (11). The trial court noted mother has a
criminal history that includes attempted child endangering but found that no evidence was
presented at trial related to a conviction of those charges. Mother advances no argument
relative to this factor. The trial court noted it was also considering the guardian ad litem's
recommendation that FCCS be granted permanent custody as an additional relevant factor
under R.C. 2151.414(D)(1).
{¶ 29} Here, the record demonstrates the trial court thoroughly reviewed and
weighed the evidence in relation to all factors relevant to determining whether granting
permanent custody to FCCS was in A.S.'s best interest. Having reviewed the record, we find
competent, credible evidence supported the trial court's determinations as to each of those
factors and its ultimate conclusion that granting the motion for permanent custody to FCCS
was in the child's best interest. Thus, because the trial court's decision to grant the motion
No. 20AP-93 10
for permanent custody and terminate mother's parental rights was not against the manifest
weight of the evidence, we overrule mother's sole assignment of error.
IV. Disposition
{¶ 30} Based on the foregoing reasons, the trial court's decision granting the motion
for permanent custody was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Having
overruled mother's sole assignment of error, we affirm the judgment of the Franklin County
Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch.
Judgment affirmed.
DORRIAN, P.J., and HESS, J., concur.
HESS, J., of the Fourth Appellate District, sitting by
assignment in the Tenth Appellate District.