In the Int. of: C.M.B., Appeal of: B.C.C.Y.S. ( 2022 )

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NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
IN THE INTEREST OF: C.M.B., A : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
MINOR : PENNSYLVANIA
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APPEAL OF: B.C.C.Y.S. :
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: No. 1139 MDA 2021
Appeal from the Decree Entered August 17, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County Orphans' Court at No(s):
87546
IN THE INTEREST OF: A.D.B. : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
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APPEAL OF: B.C.C.Y.S. :
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: No. 1140 MDA 2021
Appeal from the Decree Entered August 17, 2021
In the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County Orphans' Court at No(s):
87547
BEFORE: LAZARUS, J., NICHOLS, J., and KING, J.
MEMORANDUM BY LAZARUS, J.: FILED: MAY 13, 2022
Berks County Children Youth Services (BCCYS) appeals from the
Orphans’ Court’s decrees1 denying BCCYS’ petition to involuntarily terminate
the parental rights of M.W. (Mother) and C.B. (Father) to their twin children,
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1 Docket numbers 1139 MDA 2021 and 1140 MDA 2021 have been
consolidated sua sponte by this Court. See Pa.R.A.P. 513, 2138.
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A.D.B. and C.M.B (Children) (born March 2019). After careful review, we
affirm.2
On October 23, 2019, Mother brought C.M.B. to the emergency room at
Reading Hospital. An x-ray showed that C.M.B. had a displaced femur fracture
to the left leg. Hospital employees, concerned this was a non-accidental
trauma, admitted C.M.B. for overnight observation and contacted BBCYS.
A.D.B. was also admitted overnight for observation because Mother “want[ed]
him seen to make sure that [he was] healthy and that nothing [was] wrong
with him.” N.T. Termination Hearing, 8/9/21, at 257; Exhibit 7. An x-ray
showed that A.D.B.’s right leg had a distal femur metaphyseal fracture.
On October 24, 2019, BCCYS petitioned for, and was granted,
emergency custody of the Children. On October 28, 2019, BCCYS filed
dependency petitions on behalf of the Children. On February 5-6, 2020, the
Children were adjudged dependent and temporary legal custody was
transferred to BCCYS for placement. BCCYS’ goal was to return the Children
to the most appropriate parent, with a concurrent goal of adoption. At the
hearing, both Mother and Father were ordered to: (1) participate in Casework
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2 When we review a trial court’s decision to grant or deny a petition to
involuntarily terminate parental rights, we must accept the findings of fact and
credibility determinations of the trial court if they are supported in the record.
In re T.S.M., 71 A.3d 251, 267 (Pa. 2013). If the record supports the factual
findings, this Court reviews for an error of law or abuse of discretion. Id. We
emphasize that the trial court was in the best position to view the evidence
and we give great deference to the trial court’s determinations that are
supported in the record. Our job as an appellate court is to review for an
abuse of discretion, not to reweigh the evidence. See In re R.N.J., 985 A.2d
273, 276 (Pa. Super. 2009).
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Services through BCCYS and follow any recommendations; (2) undergo a
mental health evaluation and follow any recommendations; (3) complete a
drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendations; (4) engage in
random urinalysis; (5) establish and maintain stable and appropriate housing
and income; (6) keep BCCYS informed of any change in residence or income;
(7) sign releases of information as requested; (8) engage in supervised
visitation and interact with Children in an appropriate manner; and (9) engage
in parent education. N.T. Termination Hearing, 8/9/21, at 275-282 (Exhibits
11 and 12).
On February 24, 2020, Children were found to be the victims of abuse
as defined by 23 Pa.C.S. § 6303. Additionally, Mother and Father failed to
rebut the presumption of abuse set forth in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6381(d), relating to
prima facie evidence of abuse by a child’s caretakers. Father appealed this
determination. Importantly, on appeal, this Court agreed that the statutory
scheme identified Father as a perpetrator of abuse but acknowledged that the
trial court did not make a factual determination that Father was the actual
abuser. See Memorandum Opinion of Judge Mary Ann Ullman, 4/16/2 at 9,
aff’d In the Interest of A.B. and C.B., 240 A.3d 937 (Pa. Super. 2020).
Additionally, although Mother did not appeal the order that she was the
perpetrator of abuse, no factual determination was made whether Mother was
the actual abuser. Trial Court Opinion, 9/30/21, at 13.
On August 9, 2021, the court denied BCCYS’ petitions to involuntary
terminate the parental rights of Mother and Father. The trial court ultimately
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concluded that BCCYS did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that
Mother’s or Father’s conduct fell within any subsection of 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)
of the Adoption Act.3 BCCYS filed this appeal, raising the following issues for
our consideration:
1. Did the trial court err in failing to grant BCCYS’ petition for
involuntary termination of parental rights with respect to Father,
under 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2511(a)(1), (2), (5) and (8)[,] when clear
and convincing evidence was presented that Father never
completed offending parent treatment after being named as a
founded perpetrator of abuse, did not demonstrate consistent
parenting during visitation, never successfully completed
casework, failed to acknowledge abuse of [C]hildren, and overall
never remediated circumstances which gave rise to dependency?
2. Did the trial court err in failing to grant BCCYS’ petition for
involuntary termination of parental rights with respect to Mother,
under 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2511(a)(1), (2), (5) and (8)[,] when clear
and convincing evidence was presented that Mother never
completed offending parent treatment after being named as a
founded perpetrator of abuse, did not demonstrate consistent
parenting during visitation, never successfully completed
casework, failed to acknowledge abuse of [C]hildren, and overall
never remediated circumstances which gave rise to dependency?
3. Did the trial court err by failing to give primary consideration to
the developmental, physical[,] and emotional needs and welfare
of the [C]hildren, pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(b)?
4. Did the trial court err by failing to allow Robert Frankel, Esquire,
Children’s Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and legal counsel, to advocate
for the Children’s preferred outcome or wishes regarding the
termination petition, should they be ascertainable, under 23
Pa.C.S. § 2313(a), [and by not inquiring] of or permit[ting]
Attorney Frankel to advocate for the Children’s best interests?
Appellant’s Brief, at 3-4.
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3 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2101-2938.
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In a proceeding to involuntarily terminate parental rights, the burden of
proof is on the party seeking termination to establish by clear and convincing
evidence the existence of the grounds for doing so. In re Adoption of G.L.L.,
124 A.3d 344, 346 (Pa. Super. 2015); In re Adoption of S.M., 816 A.2d
1117, 1122 (Pa. Super. 2003). Clear and convincing evidence is defined as
testimony that is so “clear, direct, weighty[,] and convincing as to enable the
trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitance, of the truth of
the precise facts in issue.” Id. A court examines whether the totality of the
circumstances, including the individual circumstances of each case and all
explanations offered by the parents, clearly warrants termination. Id. The
trial court is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence presented and is
likewise free to make all credibility determinations and resolve conflicts in the
evidence. In re M.G., 855 A.2d 68, 73-74 (Pa. Super. 2004).
This Court reviews a trial court’s decision regarding involuntary
termination of parental rights for an abuse of discretion or error of law. In re
A.R., 837 A.2d 560, 563 (Pa. Super. 2003). Our scope of review is limited to
whether the trial court’s order is supported by competent evidence. Id.The relevant subsections of sections 2511(a) and (b)4 of the Adoption
Act are as follows:
(a)(1) The parent by conduct continuing for a period of at least
six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition either
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423 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a) (Grounds for involuntary termination); id. at 2511(b)
(Other considerations).
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has evidenced a settled purpose of relinquishing parental claim to
a child or has refused or failed to perform parental duties.
(a)(2) The repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect or
refusal of the parent has caused the child to be without essential
parental care, control or subsistence necessary for his physical or
mental well-being and the conditions and causes of the incapacity,
abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or will not be remedied by the
parent.
***
(a)(5) The child has been removed from the care of the parent by
the court or under a voluntary agreement with an agency for a
period of at least six months, the conditions which led to the
removal or placement of the child continue to exist, the parent
cannot or will not remedy those conditions within a reasonable
period of time, the services or assistance reasonably available to
the parent are not likely to remedy the conditions which led to the
removal or placement of the child within a reasonable period of
time and termination of the parental rights would best serve the
needs and welfare of the child.
***
(a)(8) The child has been removed from the care of the parent by
the court or under a voluntary agreement with an agency, 12
months or more have elapsed from the date of removal or
placement, the conditions which led to the removal or placement
of the child continue to exist and termination of parental rights
would best serve the needs and welfare of the child.
***
(b) The court in terminating the rights of a parent shall give
primary consideration to the developmental, physical and
emotional needs and welfare of the child. The rights of a parent
shall not be terminated solely on the basis of environmental
factors such as inadequate housing, furnishings, income, clothing
and medical care if found to be beyond the control of the parent.
With respect to any petition filed pursuant to subsection (a)(1),
(6) or (8), the court shall not consider any efforts by the parent
to remedy the conditions described therein which are first initiated
subsequent to the giving of notice of the filing of the petition.
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23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2511(a)(1), (2), (5), (8), and (b).
A determination of whether the parent’s conduct justified termination of
parental rights under section 2511(a) is not relevant to a needs and welfare
analysis under section 2511(b). In re Adoption of R.J.S., 901 A.2d 502,
508 (Pa. Super. 2006). Moreover, a court only proceeds to address section
2511(b) if it first determines that the parent’s conduct warrants termination
pursuant to section 2511(a). In re L.M., 923 A.2d 505, 511 (Pa. Super.
2007).
First, BCCYS argues that the trial court erred in failing to grant its
petition for involuntary termination of parental rights with respect to Father
under sections 2511(a)(1), (2), (5) and (8) because Father did not make a
“serious attempt to demonstrate action or intent to be in a protective, parental
capacity for the children” and continues to deny he participated in the abuse
that occurred. Appellant’s Brief, at 29.
BCCYS argues that it established by clear and convincing evidence that
Father evidenced a settled purpose of relinquishing parental claim to Children,
pursuant to section 2511(a)(1), when he failed to complete a court-ordered
offender evaluation until after BCCYS filed a petition to terminate his parental
rights on January 15, 2021. N.T. Termination Hearing, at 128, Exhibit 37;
Appellant’s Brief, at 31. Additionally, BCCYS points out that Father
participated in only one recommended treatment session, which was actually
one of Mother’s sessions, following the evaluation. Appellant’s Brief, at 15.
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The evidence at the hearing does not clearly and convincingly establish
that Father’s conduct supported involuntary termination of his parental rights
section 2511(a)(1). Indeed, BCCYS caseworker, Brooke Strausser, testified
that for the most part, both Mother and Father have complied with all of
BCCYS’ requests:
They both participated in mental health evaluations. Mother on
December 10th of 2020, [F]ather on December 11th of 2020. They
participated in drug and alcohol evaluations treatment at Berks
Counseling Center. They were also court[-]ordered for urinalysis,
which has been relatively consistent since [Treatment Alternatives
for Safe Communities] . . . reopen[ed] in July of 2020, due to the
pandemic.
N.T. Termination Hearing, 8/9/21, at 127-129; see also Trial Court Opinion,
supra at 26. Additionally, Caseworker Strausser testified that, “[M]other and
[F]ather have consistently attended visitation throughout the duration of this
case.” N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 130. Moreover, Father testified
that his offending parenting treatment had been scheduled during his
visitation hours. Id. at 188.
BCCYS also argues that the repeated abuse by Father has caused
Children to be without parental care necessary for their physical or mental
well-being and these conditions will not be remedied because Father continues
to be in denial “that he had a drug issue (despite smuggling urine in a condom
to pass a urine test and despite positive drug screens), or any issues with
Mother (despite them having a strained relationship around the time of
[C]hildren’s injuries).” Appellant’s Brief, at 32. BCCYS has not provided clear
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and convincing evidence that Father’s conduct warrants termination under
section 2511(a)(2).
BCCYS has failed to show that each element of section 2511(a)(2) has
been met. See In Interest of Lilly, 719 A.2d 327, 330 (Pa. Super. 1998)
(regarding inclusive nature of section 2511(a)(2)); Trial Court Opinion, supra
at 34. Additionally, the court determined that Father has shown he is trying
to provide proper and essential care for Children. Id. (“By all accounts,
[Parents] are open to additional parent counseling.”). Moreover, during a visit
on January 15, 2020, Casework Strausser’s case notes indicate, “[Father’s]
interaction with C.M.B continue to be positive. . . [C.M.B] appeared to enjoy
[Father’s] presence.” N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 133, 418; Exhibit
36.
While our Court has stated that “[W]hen a parent has demonstrated a
continued inability to conduct his [or her] life in a fashion that would provide
a safe environment for a child . . . the termination of parental rights is
justified” under section 2511(a)(2),” In re Z.P., 994 A.2d 1108, 1117 (Pa.
Super. 2010), here, Father testified that he has been working at East Penn
Manufacturing for almost one year, making $1,000 per week, and he has
secure housing. N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 180. The trial court
found Father’s testimony credible. M.G., supra.Additionally, under sections 2511(a)(5) and (a)(8), BCCYS argues that
the conditions that led to removal continue to exist because Father “did not
acknowledge either way that abuse had occurred” even though he was
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determined to be a perpetrator of abuse. Appellant’s Brief, at 32. BCCYS
relies on In re: S.C., 247 A.3d 1097 (Pa. Super. 2021), to support this
argument.
In S.C., this Court found that the agency established grounds for
involuntary termination of parental rights where parents did not admit their
participation in the abuse of a six-week-old baby, who had bucket handle
fractures on both of his legs as well as injuries on this mouth. There, neither
parent could provide a plausible explanation as to the cause of the infant’s
injuries. The psychologist stated, “[T]here is no way to address any sort of
underlying issue that would have contributed to these injuries without
any[one] acknowledging what has happened” and, without a “plausible
explanation” for the abuse, there was no way to ensure the baby’s need for
“essential parental care, control or subsistence necessary for his physical and
mental well-being [will] be met.” Id. at 1106.
However, here, Mother and Father both offered consistent testimony
regarding the cause of the injuries. Trial Court Opinion, supra at 30. Father
testified that the Children must have been injured in the jumper. N.T.
Termination Hearing, supra at 192. Mother testified that, “When I [brought
the Children to the hospital] I think it was because they both shared a
jumper.” N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 160. Moreover, Caseworker
Strausser testified that, “It has been consistently indicated that [] it was the
jumper that caused the injury.” N.T. Termination, supra at 141. Thus,
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BCCYS’ argument that the issues leading to the initial removal and placement
of the Children have not been remedied is meritless.
Next, BCCYS argues that the trial court erred in failing to grant BCCYS’
petition for involuntary termination of parental rights with respect to Mother
under sections 2511(a)(1), (2), (5) and (8) because Mother was not compliant
with ordered services, was emotionally detached from Children, and failed to
acknowledge her role in the Children’s injury as a founded perpetrator.
Under section 2511(a)(1), BCCYS argues that Mother evidenced a
settled purpose of relinquishing her parental claim to her Children or failed to
perform parental duties because “Mother did not show empathy at all for her
[C]hildren who suffered femur fractures.” Appellant’s Brief, at 48.
Specifically, “Mother struggled to engage with the [C]hildren and was
overwhelmed unnecessarily; she also failed to demonstrate empathy when
[C]hildren cried.” Appellant’s Brief, at 50.
However, BCCYS fails to demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence
that, under section 2511(a)(1) Mother’s parental rights should be terminated.
Mother’s testimony shows she has taken steps to improve her parenting:
BCCYS ATTORNEY: And would you agree that [C.M.B] tends to cry
and almost scream when her diaper has to be changed.
MOTHER: Yeah.
BCCYS ATTORNEY: And what measures have you taken to make
sure that you do not become frustrated if she responds in that
way to a simple task?
MOTHER: I calm my [C]hildren down. I put Cocomelon on. I am
pretty sure that is in the visitation report. I put on nursery rhymes
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for them. So yeah, I do take action in calming my [C]hildren down
when it is time for her diaper to be changed.
N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 173.
Under section 2511(a)(2), BCCYS argues that Mother’s parental rights
should be terminated because Mother has not been able to give a reasonable
explanation as to the cause of her Children’s femur fractures, nor has she
recognized that her Children need protection. Again, BCCYS cites to S.C.,
supra, to support its argument.
However, again, BCCYS has not established every element of section
2511(a)(2). Lilly, supra. BCCYS Witness, Marlene Orr, a caseworker at
Signature Family Services, testified, “I never stated that [M]other was not
appropriate.” N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 113. Moreover, as
discussed above, Mother and Father offered consistent testimony regarding
what Mother believes to be the cause of the Children’s injuries.
Regarding sections 2511(a)(5) and (8), BCCYS argues that the
conditions that led to removal still exist. Specifically, BCCYS argues that
Mother evidenced noncompliance with services and an inability to empathize
with her Children because during treatment, Mother was asked how “things []
could have been done differently[]” in order to protect her Children, and
Mother responded that she would “contact an attorney.” Appellant’s Brief, at
47 (citing N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 20). BCCYS contends that this
statement was dispassionate and shows that Mother’s first response was to
protect herself from perceived liability, rather than to protect her Children.
BCCYS argues empathy is critical because it “demonstrates a level of
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understanding of what the child has been through[] . . . [and] of being able
to attach to that child and understand the child’s experiences.” Appellant’s
Brief, at 48 (citing N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 20).
However, Caseworker Orr testified about Mother’s interactions with
C.M.D during a visit on June 8, 2021. On that date, C.M.B had been “fussy”
all day, but Mother remained close to her throughout the visit and C.M.B was
able to calm down. Specifically, Mother “held [C.M.B.] and redirected [C.M.B.]
to an art easel.” N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 97. Additionally,
Caseworker Orr also testified that: “And most recently I do need to point out
that I have noticed with [M]other, she has been more engaged with the
[C]hildren during the visitation with hands-on activities.” Id. at 84. This
testimony illustrates a bond between Mother and the Children, and that
Mother has protective capacities.
Third, BCCYS argues that the trial court erred because, although
required under section 2511(b), it did not give “primary consideration” to the
developmental, physical, and emotional needs and welfare of the Children.
Appellant’s Brief, at 48. This argument is legally flawed. A court only
considers section 2511(b) where it first determines that termination is
appropriate under section 2511(a). L.M., supra at 511 (“Only if the court
determines that the parent’s conduct warrants termination of his or her
parental rights does the court engage in the second party of the analysis
pursuant to section 2511(b)”). As such, a section 2511(b) analysis is not
statutorily required where, as here, we find competent evidence supporting
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the trial court’s finding that termination was not required under section
2511(a). A.R., supra.Fourth, BCCYS argues that the trial court erred by failing to allow the
guardian ad litem (GAL), Robert Frankel, Esquire, to advocate for the
Children’s preferred outcome or wishes regarding the termination petition as
required under 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2313(a).5 This argument, too, is meritless.
The transcript from the termination hearing shows that Attorney Frankel
was given the opportunity to advocate for, engage in discussions regarding,
and question witnesses on behalf of the Children. After Mother and Father
testified, the court asked Attorney Frankel if there was any additional
evidence:
PARENT’S ATTORNEY: Nothing. No additional witnesses.
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5 Section 2313(a) provides:
(a) Child. The court shall appoint counsel to represent the child
in an involuntary termination proceeding when the proceeding is
being contested by one or both of the parents. The court may
appoint counsel or a guardian ad litem to represent any child who
has not reached the age of 18 years and is subject to any other
proceeding under this part whenever it is in the best interests of
the child. No attorney or law firm shall represent both the child
and the adopting parent or parents.
(a.1) – Parent. The court shall appoint counsel for a parent whose
rights are subject to termination in an involuntary termination
proceeding if, upon petition of the parent, the court determines
that the parent is unable to pay for counsel or if payment would
result in substantial financial hardship.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2313(a), (a.1).
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COURT: Mr. Frankel?
GUARDIAN AD LITEM: No, thank you.
N.T. Termination Hearing, supra at 193.
Additionally, section 2313(a) does not create an affirmative duty on the
part of the court to ensure that an appointed attorney performs his or her
duties as required by law and the Rules of Professional Conduct. Trial Court
Opinion, supra at 8. Even so, the trial court stated it is “of the strong opinion
that Attorney Frankel performed his role as GAL in a professional and highly
competent manner.” Id. The record supports this determination.
In summary, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in concluding
that Mother’s and Father’s parental rights should not be terminated. BCCYS
did not show by clear and convincing evidence that either Mother’s or Father’s
conduct fit within section 2511(a)(1), (2), (5) or (8). G.L.L., supra.
Additionally, a 2511(b) analysis was not statutorily required. Finally, the court
did not refuse to allow the Children’s GAL to perform his duties as advocate.
The record supports the trial court’s findings, and the court’s conclusions
are not the result of an error of law or an abuse of discretion. See A.R.,
supra. Accordingly, we affirm.
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Decrees affirmed.
Judge King joins the Memorandum.
Judge Nichols Concurs in the Result.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 5/13/2022
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