In re Da.R. , 2019 Ohio 2270 ( 2019 )


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  • [Cite as In re Da.R., 
    2019-Ohio-2270
    .]
    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
    THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
    SHELBY COUNTY
    IN RE:
    CASE NO. 17-18-13
    DA.R.
    ADJUDGED DEPENDENT CHILD.
    [FELICITY BERRY - APPELLANT]                                 OPINION
    [JOSHUA ROSS - APPELLANT]
    Appeal from Shelby County Common Pleas Court
    Juvenile Division
    Trial Court No. 2016-DEP-0002
    Judgment Affirmed
    Date of Decision: June 10, 2019
    APPEARANCES:
    Kristina M. Morris for Appellant Felicity Berry
    Jeremy M. Tomb, for Appellant Joshua Ross
    Aaron Lowe for Appellee
    Case No. 17-18-13
    WILLAMOWSKI, J.
    {¶1} Appellants Felicity Berry (“Berry”) and Joshua Ross (“Ross”) bring this
    appeal from the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Shelby County, Juvenile
    Division terminating their parental rights. Both parties challenge the decision of the
    trial court finding that it was in in the best interest of the children to terminate their
    rights. For the reasons set forth below, the judgment is affirmed.
    {¶2} Da.R. was born in July of 2016 to Berry and Ross. Doc. 2. Before
    Da.R. was released from the hospital, the Shelby County Department of Job and
    Family Services (“the Agency”) filed a complaint to take temporary custody of the
    child. Doc. 1. The basis for the complaint was that Da.R.’s older sibling was
    removed from the home in July of 2015 due to dependency and that the reasons for
    the removal had yet to be remedied.1 Doc. 2. The trial court granted an ex parte
    emergency custody motion and set the matter for a hearing. Doc. 4. This entry
    noted that the Agency had made reasonable efforts to prevent the child from being
    removed from the home. 
    Id.
     The hearing was held on July 18, 2016. Doc. 25.
    After the hearing, the trial court ordered that Da.R. would remain in the temporary
    custody of the Agency and determined that reasonable efforts had been made by the
    Agency to make a permanency plan. 
    Id.
     On July 22, 2016, the Agency filed a case
    plan for the family. Doc. 22. The plan required Berry and Ross to 1) cooperate with
    1
    The family had been involved with the Agency since December of 2014, but the older sibling was not
    removed until July of 2015.
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    parenting coaches regarding child care, home maintenance and safety, finances; 2)
    cooperate with medical experts to meet the child’s developmental and medical
    needs; 3) cooperate with developmental disabilities services; 4) cooperate with the
    professional advice offered by the team; and 5) complete psychological evaluations
    and complete mental health services recommended. 
    Id.
    {¶3} On August 25, 2016, an adjudicatory hearing was held. Doc. 38. Both
    Berry and Ross admitted at the hearing that Da.R. was a dependent child. 
    Id.
     The
    trial court then made that finding and ordered that Da.R. remain in the temporary
    custody of the Agency pending disposition. 
    Id.
     The trial court also determined that
    the Agency had made reasonable efforts “to eliminate the removal of the child from
    the home of a parent, however due to the parents’ inability to provide proper care
    for the child at this time, it is in the child’s best interest to remain in the custody of
    [the Agency].” 
    Id.
    {¶4} On October 6, 2016, the GAL filed her report regarding the disposition
    of the matter. Doc. 41. The GAL indicated that she had personally visited with the
    child, Ross, Berry, the foster parents, the home coaches, the caseworker, and other
    people. 
    Id.
     The GAL also indicated that she had reviewed the Agency’s case file
    and the home studies. 
    Id.
     The GAL recommended that custody remain with the
    Agency. 
    Id.
     The disposition hearing was held on October 13, 2016. Doc. 43. The
    trial court ordered that Da.R. would remain in the temporary custody of the Agency.
    The trial court also adopted the case plan previously filed by the Agency. 
    Id.
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    {¶5} On November 1, 2016, the Agency filed a motion for permanent
    custody of Da.R. and his older sibling. Doc. 47. The Agency then filed an amended
    case plan on December 1, 2016, which reflected the change of goal from
    reunification to adoption. Doc. 59.                 However, this motion was subsequently
    withdrawn.2 Doc. 88.
    {¶6} On July 19, 2017, the Agency filed its annual review of the case plan.
    Doc. 107. The review showed that although Berry and Ross had completed the
    psychological evaluations and were continuing to work with mental health services,
    there was only some progress on the case plan. 
    Id.
     A new case plan was filed on
    November 2, 2017, when Da.R. was moved to a new foster home. The case plan
    was again modified on November 13, 2017, when his older sibling was removed
    from the case plan due to permanent custody of the sibling having been granted to
    the Agency. Doc. 121. The modified plan contained the same requirements as the
    previous plans.
    {¶7} On February 8, 2018, the Agency file a motion for permanent custody
    of Da.R. Doc. 127. The basis for the motion was that Da.R. had been in the custody
    of the Agency for twelve or more months of the prior twenty-two month period, that
    the parents had failed to remedy the conditions causing the placement out of the
    home and that termination of parental rights would be in the best interest of Da.R.
    2
    A new motion for permanent custody of Da.R.’s older sibling was evidently filed by the Agency at a later
    date, but did not apply to Da.R. See Doc. 94.
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    Id.
     The GAL filed her report regarding the motion for permanent custody on June
    8, 2018. Doc. 182. The GAL noted that Da.R. is developmentally behind and has
    physical issues which require weekly speech therapy, physical therapy, and
    occupational therapy. 
    Id.
     She also noted that Da.R. wears glasses and has “braces”
    on his feet due to muscle weakness. 
    Id.
     The GAL indicated that although the
    parents have provided a stable home, it has not been maintained in a safe and clean
    manner for extended periods of time without help. 
    Id.
     The GAL noted that she had
    spoken repeatedly with the parents, the foster parents, and the team members. 
    Id.
    She also noted that she had reviewed all of the records in the file. 
    Id.
       The GAL
    then made the following conclusions in her report.
    Although this is very unfortunate for all concerned, [Ross and
    Berry], in my opinion cannot safely take care of [Da.R.] without a
    level of constant supervision. This is apparent due to the
    abundant resources that have been given to them during this past
    23 month period. For all of the resources, there has been little to
    no consistent improvement in [Ross and Berry’s] parenting skills
    to warrant more time with the parents to the detriment of [Da.R.].
    Bottom line is that [Ross and Berry] have made NO advances in
    the area of following instructions: home safety (i.e. dresser
    drawers standing open, expired food in the refrigerator, dirty
    dishes, etc.); marking important appointments on the calendar;
    taking accurate notes at doctor’s appointments for future
    reference even though there has been constant and consistent help
    given to them through [the Agency].
    Therefore, I recommend the following actions be taken:
    * Custody: Permanent custody should be given to [the Agency]
    immediately.
    * Placement: [Da.R.] should be placed for adoption immediately.
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    Id. at 5-6.
    {¶8} The permanent custody hearing was held from June 18 to June 22, 2018.
    On August 21, 2018, the trial court entered judgment granting the Agency’s motion
    for permanent custody and terminating the parental rights of Berry and Ross. Doc.
    217. Both parents filed timely notices of appeal. The following assignments of
    error are raised on appeal.
    Berry’s First Assignment of Error
    [The Agency] failed to provide reasonable case planning and
    diligent efforts to assist [Berry] to remedy the conditions that
    initially caused the removal of the minor child from the home.
    Berry’s Second Assignment of Error
    [The Agency] failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that
    the permanent parental rights of [Berry] should have been
    terminated.
    Berry’s Third Assignment of Error
    The trial court violated [Berry’s] U.S. Constitutional Fourteenth
    Amendment Right to due process and equal protection under the
    law.
    Ross’ First Assignment of Error
    The trial court’s decision was against the manifest weight of the
    evidence because the evidence did not support a finding that
    termination of parental rights of [Ross] was in the child’s best
    interest.
    Ross’ Second Assignment of Error
    The trial court’s decision was against the manifest weight of the
    evidence because the evidence did not support finding that [the
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    Agency] made reasonable efforts to prevent the removal of the
    child or effect reunification.
    Manifest Weight of the Evidence
    {¶9} Berry, in her second assignment of error, and Ross, in his first
    assignment of error, both allege that the trial court’s determination to terminate their
    parental rights was against the manifest weight of the evidence, the burden of proof
    being clear and convincing evidence. The right to parent one's own child is a basic
    and essential civil right. In re Murray, 
    52 Ohio St.3d 155
    , 
    556 N.E.2d 1169
     (1990).
    “Parents have a ‘fundamental liberty interest’ in the care, custody, and management
    of their children.” In re Leveck, 3d Dist. No. 5–02–52, 5–02–53, 5–02–54, 2003–
    Ohio–1269, ¶ 6. These rights may be terminated, however, under appropriate
    circumstances and when all due process safeguards have been followed. 
    Id.
     When
    considering a motion to terminate parental rights, the trial court must comply with
    the statutory requirements set forth in R.C. 2151.414. These requirements include,
    in pertinent part, as follows.
    (B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section, the
    court may grant permanent custody of a child to a movant if the
    court determines at the hearing held pursuant to division (A) of
    this section, by clear and convincing evidence, that it is in the best
    interest of the child to grant permanent custody of the child to the
    agency that filed the motion for permanent custody and that any
    of the following apply:
    (a) The child is not abandoned or orphaned, has not 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 the
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    child cannot be placed with either of the child’s parents within a
    reasonable time or should not be placed with the child’s parents.
    ***
    (d) 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 * * *.
    ***
    For the purposes of division (B)(1) of this section, a child shall be
    considered to have entered the temporary custody of an agency
    on the earlier of the date the child is adjudicated pursuant to [R.C.
    2151.28] or the date that is sixty days after the removal of the child
    from the home.
    ***
    (C) In making the determination required by this section * * *, a
    court shall not consider the effect the granting of permanent
    custody to the agency would have upon any parent of the child. A
    written report of the guardian ad litem of the child shall be
    submitted to the court prior to or at the time of the hearing held
    pursuant to division (A) of this section * * * but shall not be
    submitted under oath.
    If the court grants permanent custody of a child to a movant
    under this division, the court, upon the request of any party, shall
    file a written opinion setting forth its findings of fact and
    conclusions of law in relation to the proceeding. The court shall
    not deny an agency’s motion for permanent custody solely
    because the agency failed to implement any particular aspect of
    the child’s case plan.
    (D)(1) In determining the best interest of a child at a hearing held
    pursuant to division (A) of this section * * * the court shall
    consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the
    following.
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    (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 * * * for twelve or more months of a consecutive
    twenty-two month period * * *.
    (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.    A court’s decision to terminate parental rights will not be
    overturned as against the manifest weight of the evidence if the record contains
    competent, credible evidence by which a court can determine by clear and
    convincing evidence that the essential statutory elements for a termination of
    parental rights have been established. In re S.L., 3d Dist. Shelby Nos. 17-17-17,
    17-17-18, 17-17-19, 
    2018-Ohio-900
    , ¶ 24.
    {¶10} The determination whether to grant a motion for permanent custody
    requires a two-step approach. In re L.W., 3d Dist. Marion Nos. 9-16-55, 9-16-56,
    
    2017-Ohio-4352
    , ¶ 5. The first step is to determine whether any of the factors set
    forth in R.C. 2151.414(B)(1) apply. 
    Id.
     If one of those circumstances applies, then
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    the trial court must consider whether granting the motion is in the best interest of
    the child by considering the factors set forth in R.C. 2151.414(D). 
    Id.
    {¶11} The motion for the termination of parental rights in this case alleged
    that Da.R. had been in the temporary custody for more than 12 out of the prior 22
    month period.        The record shows that Da.R. was “removed” from the home
    officially on July 15, 2016. Doc. 4. The trial court adjudicated Da.R. as dependent
    on September 7, 2016. This date is less than sixty days after the removal from the
    home, so September 7, 2016, is the date to be used in the calculation. R.C.
    2151.414(B)(1)(e). The Agency filed its motion for permanent custody on February
    8, 2018. Doc. 127. This is 17 months after the September 7, 2016, finding of
    dependency. Thus, the factor under R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(d) was met.3
    {¶12} The next step is to determine whether the termination of parental rights
    was in the best interest of Da.R. A review of the judgment entry indicates that the
    trial court considered the factors set forth in R.C. 2151.414(D). The trial court
    specifically addressed each of the factors. Doc. 217. As to Da.R.’s relationships
    with others, the trial court indicated that Berry and Ross both loved Da.R. and
    wanted to have him with them. Janice Geise (“Geise”), as the in-home coach and
    visit supervisor, testified that Da.R. was happy to see Berry and Ross for the visits,
    3
    This Court notes that the trial court also addressed the need to terminate parental rights under R.C.
    2151.414(B)(1)(a), (E)(1 & 2). However since the time requirements are met, we need not address whether
    these requirements were also met. The statute provides that the trial court should move on to consider the
    best interest factors if any of the conditions under R.C. 2151.414(B)(1) are met.
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    but was also happy to return to the foster home. June 19 Tr. 275                          Jody Ross
    (“Jody”), the foster mother, testified that Da.R. was very attached to her husband
    and to herself. June 20 Tr. 123. Jody testified that Da.R. was “a huge part of the
    family.” Id. at 124. Da.R.’s older sibling is also in the home and Jody testified that
    they “are the best of friends and they pick on each other back and forth all day
    long.”4 Id. at 124. Jody also testified that she and her husband intended to adopt
    Da.R. if the parental rights were terminated. Id. at 148.
    {¶13} The next factor is the wishes of the child. R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(b). As
    Da.R. was approximately 23 months as of the hearing date, he was too young to
    express his own wishes directly. However, the GAL in her report recommended
    that permanent custody be given to the Agency and that he be placed for adoption.
    Doc. 182. During the hearing, the GAL testified as follows.
    A. In my opinion, [Da.R.’s] best interests is that he remain with
    Jody and Tom Ross at this point in the agency’s custody.
    Q. And why is that?
    A. Because I do not believe that the parents are capable and some
    cases willing to do what it takes to safely and properly care for
    this child and I honestly and truly believe with all my heart and I
    know [Ross and Berry] love this child with all their heart and soul
    but I truly believe that if he were to return home with them, I fear
    for that child’s life and well-being.
    ***
    4
    Berry’s and Ross’ parental rights to Da.R.’s older sibling were terminated in 2017.
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    Q. Is there anything else that you would like to tell the Court at
    this point?
    A. Just that [it’s] my job and my position to advocate for this
    child and I believe I’ve done that to the best of my ability and with
    all the things that I have researched, all the things that, meetings
    I’ve been to, to home visits I’ve been to, everything that I have
    done towards these reports and towards finding out what’s best
    for [Da.R.], um, I’ve done all I know to do and that’s what I firmly
    believe is best for this child.
    June 20 Tr. 257. The GAL also testified that the only alternative situation she could
    see would be one where a custodian was appointed to live with the parents and keep
    watch over the entire family at all times. Id. at 264.
    {¶14} The third factor in the best interest consideration is the custodial
    history of the child. R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(c). As was noted above, Da.R. was
    removed from his parents’ custody at birth. He went straight from the hospital to a
    foster home. Thus his entire life was spent living with foster parents. The Agency
    had temporary custody of Da.R. for over 23 months.
    {¶15} The fourth factor is the child’s need for a legally secure permanent
    placement and whether that can be achieved without a grant of permanent custody
    to the Agency. R.C. 2151.414(D)(1)(d). The trial court specifically found as
    follows.
    Da.R. has been in the care of [the Agency] all of his young life. He
    is in need of long term stability and the Court finds it would be
    detrimental to Da.R. to allow this situation to continue or to
    return him to his parents. There is simply no indication that
    further case plan efforts with the either parent [sic] would be
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    beneficial to Da.R. His placement in foster care has seen an
    enormously positive effect on his health and overall well-being.
    Doc. 217 at 10. Additionally, throughout the judgment entry, the trial court noted
    that Da.R. had extensive medical issues that would likely be continuing throughout
    his lifetime. Id. at 4-5. These issues require constant care, numerous therapies, and
    numerous doctor’s visits. Id. The trial court noted that it was critically important
    that the caregivers be proactive and responsive to Da.R.’s conditions.
    {¶16} Finally, the trial court noted that the fifth factor was whether certain
    conditions applied, which were not relevant to this case as they did not apply. R.C.
    2151.414(D)(1)(e) and Doc. 217 at 10. Reviewing the record, all of the findings
    made by the trial court were supported by competent credible evidence. Based upon
    the evidence before it, the trial court determined that it would be in the best interest
    of Da.R. for the parental rights of Berry and Ross to be terminated and permanent
    custody be granted to the Agency. This court notes that the conclusions of the trial
    court were supported by clear and convincing evidence in the record and therefore
    the trial court’s judgment was not against the manifest weight of the evidence and
    was not an abuse of discretion. Thus Berry’s second assignment of error and Ross’s
    first assignment of error are overruled.
    Reasonable Efforts by the Agency
    {¶17} Berry’s first assignment of error and Ross’ second assignment of error
    both allege that the Agency failed to make reasonable and diligent efforts to reunify
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    them with Da.R. When the Agency intervenes to protect a child's health or safety,
    the efforts by the state to permit the child to return home by removing the threat are
    called “reasonable efforts”. In re C.F., 
    113 Ohio St.3d 73
    , 
    2007-Ohio-1104
    , ¶ 28,
    
    862 N.E.2d 816
    . The Agency must show that it made reasonable efforts before the
    parental rights may be terminated. Id. at ¶ 43.
    {¶18} In this case, the Agency put forth evidence that it had prepared
    multiple case plans to help Berry and Ross. The parents were eligible for services
    through the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities. June 18 Tr. 64,
    139. This included assistance with paying bills, obtaining transportation, shopping,
    and cleaning the home. Rather than sending the parents to parenting classes, two
    parent coaches were provided to work one-on-one with the parents. The coaches
    attempted to teach the parents how to care for their children and how to make the
    home a safe environment. They all testified that they had adjusted their coaching to
    account for the mental deficiencies of the parents. They also attempted to work with
    the parents on how to make calendars to keep track of all of Da.R.’s medical
    appointments. Psychological evaluations were scheduled and completed. Doc. 77.
    The psychologist noted that the parents would require ongoing assistance with
    caring for the children. Id. However, the psychologist noted that a continuation or
    increase in services would not likely result in the necessary changes. Id. Both
    parents were offered counseling sessions which they sometimes attended. Id. The
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    final case plan review was filed by the Agency on July 11, 2018. Doc. 214. In that
    review, the Agency noted several issues.
    1) BASIC NEED PROVISION: * * * The parents continue to
    present as unable to safely and consistently meet the needs of this
    child.
    2) NO CONTACT CONDITION: [Berry and Ross] lack the
    ability to discern safe, appropriate persons to be associated with
    which would impact the safety of [Da.R.]. The parents have been
    described as very naïve, vulnerable, and easily taken advantage
    of. These individual aspects have not changed over time. * * *
    3) PARENT EDUCATION/COACHING: Since January of 2018
    Coach Cavinder has been assigned to provide in-home education
    and support services. Home safety and cleanliness has been a
    focus with improvements noted during this review period but
    consistency of such has required the work of the coach and an
    increase in-home hours provided by REM staff. Coach Cavinder
    has implemented a chore chart but notes that [Berry] is believed
    to be working and completing with [Ross] having limited
    involvement. This noted to be the same attitude sensed by SSA
    Kris Anderson (per phone conversation held with CW Reindel on
    6/4/18). During this review period, there has been expired foods;
    unsealed food on the counter (cereal); trash needing disposed of;
    no body wash/soap throughout the month of May; noted failure
    to completely and accurately track appointments. Coach Geise
    continues to be primary coach/educator during parent-child
    contacts which was held two times per week for a total of four
    hours per week. Coach Geise continues to work on inconsistency
    with the parenting and independent living aspects (i.e. hygiene,
    proper nutrition, parent-child activities/developmental exercises).
    Attendance has been positive.
    4) HOME MAINTENANCE/SAFETY/BASIC PROVISION:
    With continued inconsistencies with home maintenance (i.e.
    cleanliness and safety), Coach Cavinder has been providing
    weekly service attention. In addition, REM staff coverage has
    been increased providing attention on Friday for 6 hours. Focus
    of attention has been on cleaning, organizing, nutrition,
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    scheduling/tracking appointments, transportation, grocery
    shopping, financial aspects, etc. It was during this review period
    that [Berry] ran her cell phone bill up to $800. The couple has
    been missing appointments due to their lack of planning and
    timely communication (i.e. counseling and medical
    appointments). In sum, the challenges that were present from the
    onset of this case remain relevant to date. Even with an array of
    service providers, the parents are failing to demonstrate an
    overall ability to manage all that is required for safe, effective
    parenting.
    ***
    6) DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITES SERVICES: [Berry and
    Ross] continue to be clients of the Shelby County Board of DD and
    are each assigned an SSA (Julie Mauer and Kris Anderson).
    [Berry and Ross] receive services through REM and have a payee
    to assist with their bills. [Berry] continues to work at Krogers but
    is wanting to find another job with consistent hours and more pay.
    [Berry] is working towards obtaining her driver’s license. [Ross]
    continues to work part-time receiving job coaching services. It
    has been reported that [Ross and Berry] are receiving
    transportation and in-home attention through REM but this is not
    producing lasting results. The SSAs have also attempted to assist
    with transportation and direction otherwise (i.e. counseling).
    Id. The report also mentioned that Ross and Berry were receiving counseling
    services, but that Ross had stopped going in November of 2017 and Berry had
    stopped attending in March of 2018 despite both being recommended for continuing
    counseling. Id. The report noted that the parents fluctuated in their level of
    cooperation, communication and participation with the services offered. Id. The
    Agency even attempted to place the parents themselves in a family foster home
    setting so that Da.R. could be returned to them in a supervised capacity, but that
    plan did not come to fruition. June 21 Tr. 41. Additionally, the Agency contacted
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    numerous programs which deal with the developmentally disabled all in the hopes
    of finding a permanent support system for the parents which would allow Da.R. to
    be returned to the home. Id. Nothing was identified that would work. When asked
    specifically what efforts the Agency had made to return Da.R. to his parents, the
    caseworker testified as follows.
    A. The agency has and providers have offered and provided
    services through a number of avenues, different agencies over the
    course of time such as the Children and Family First Council, the
    Help Me Grow program as well as Help Me Grow Early
    Intervention program, a vast array of medical professionals,
    Shelby County Board of DD, day care services and assistance, the
    Shelby County Health Department, support and assistance
    through informal support persons such as the Justice family,
    support services through REM, we explored different options as
    I stated with a [sic] in-home services, out of home services, Rustic
    Hope was involved, Wilson Health Professionals, Right to Live,
    parent education and coaching staff, Interaction and Learning
    Opportunities through Kids Learning Place, foster caregivers
    involvement, modeling and interactions, communication with,
    like I’d said, other organizations and associations associated with
    the DD population, communication with the parents’ attorney to
    try to get assistance in direction. Extensive research by the
    CASA, myself, the Board of DD to look at options and I need to
    include [Berry] in that. My goodness, she did a lot of internet
    searching. Public, County and private transportation assistance,
    payee services, Prevention Retention Contingency Assistance,
    PRC, Shelby County Department of Job and Family Services and
    we’re talking medical coverage, day care assistance, direction, the
    Children Services division, we’re talking all kinds of training tools
    and techniques and approaches, we’ve reviewed that already. We
    would also have to note that again, [it has] been more than 12 out
    of 22 months of opportunity, we’re approaching this boy’s second
    birthday now.
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    Case No. 17-18-13
    Id. at 45. The caseworker testified that despite everything they tried and all the
    resources devoted to helping the parents, they still could not safely care for the child.
    Numerous witnesses testified that they had devoted more time and energy to helping
    these parents than any other parent, yet they all admitted that they did not think that
    the parents could care for Da.R. without intense supervision. Given all of the
    evidence before it, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that the
    Agency had made reasonable efforts to reunify Da.R. with his parents. Thus,
    Berry’s first assignment of error and Ross’ second assignment of error are overruled.
    Due Process
    {¶19} In her third assignment of error, Berry argues that she was denied due
    process because she has a fundamental right to parent her child. Berry claims that
    by terminating her parental rights, she was denied the protection of the law. As part
    of her argument, Berry points to numerous factors she claims would allow her to
    parent Da.R. Although the trial court, and this court, agree that there were multiple
    times the parents made the home a safe and suitable place for Da.R. to reside, this
    does not account for the fact that these conditions were not consistent. The trial
    court held a hearing at which Berry heard all the evidence presented. She had the
    right to cross-examine other witnesses and exercised that right. She also exercised
    her right to present witnesses on her behalf and to testify. She had the assistance of
    counsel. Despite her claim to the contrary, the record shows that Berry was given
    all the process that was due. The fact that she disagrees with the decision reached
    -18-
    Case No. 17-18-13
    by the trial court does not mean that she was denied due process. As there is no
    evidence in the record that any of Berry’s fundamental rights under the law were
    violated, her third assignment of error is overruled.
    {¶20} Having found no prejudicial error in the particulars assigned and
    argued, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Shelby County, Juvenile
    Division, is affirmed.
    Judgment Affirmed
    SHAW and PRESTON, J.J., concur.
    /hls
    -19-
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 17-18-13

Citation Numbers: 2019 Ohio 2270

Judges: Willamowski

Filed Date: 6/10/2019

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 4/17/2021