In Re: S.C.H. ( 2004 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
September 8, 2004 Session
IN RE: S. C. H.
Appeal from the Juvenile Court for Wilson County
No. 02JWC-057 Robert P. Hamilton, Judge
No. M2003-01382-COA-R3-CV - Filed December 20, 2004
The mother of a three year old girl asked the court to deny the girl’s father any visitation with the
child because she believed that the father had sexually abused the child. The trial court did not find
that the evidence conclusively proved abuse, but denied the father any visitation or other contact with
his daughter, stating, “I have to side with the protection of the child.” Because the trial court did not
make the requisite findings to support elimination of all visitation, we must vacate the judgment.
Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Juvenile Court
Vacated
PATRICIA J. COTTRELL, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which WILLIAM B. CAIN and FRANK
G. CLEMENT , JR., JJ., joined.
Pamela M. Spicer, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellant, D. B.
Angelique P. Kane, Alan Poindexter, Stephen Van Roberts, Lebanon, Tennessee, for the appellee,
E. A. J.
OPINION
The child at the center of these proceedings, S.C.H, was born on February 18, 1999. Her
father, D.B., and her mother, E.J. were both high school sophomores at the time. Mother remained
in her parents’ home while taking care of the baby girl. Father began paying child support, using
money from a part-time job. Mother and Father continued to date off and on, with Father’s contact
with the child in her first year occurring primarily when Mother brought the child along.
Shortly after the child turned one year old, the parties agreed that Father could visit on
alternating Sunday afternoons. Such visitation usually involved the father picking up the child at the
mother’s house and bringing her to his own parents’ house, where he was still living. Father’s
mother was usually present during these times and helped him take care of S.C.H. Father and
Mother were both members of the same church in Lebanon. They attended regularly, so Father had
the opportunity to see his daughter on most Sundays, even those when he was not scheduled for
visitation. During this time, the romantic relationship between Mother and Father had its ups and
downs, but in the fall of 2001, they planned to get married. Mother called off their wedding and later
married someone else.
On April 8, 2002, Father filed a petition in the Juvenile Court of Wilson County to establish
paternity of S.C.H. and to set visitation and child support. Shortly thereafter, Mother and the
maternal grandmother told the father they would no longer allow him to exercise visitation.
Mother and the maternal grandmother stated they took this position because of concern that
Father had sexually abused the child. This concern arose when the child’s church day care director
and pastor reported to them that the child had begun to engage in sexualized behavior to the extent
that it raised their suspicions. This contact was made shortly after Father filed his petition. Mother
stated she had previously observed the described behavior, but was not suspicious that it might
indicate sexual abuse until her conversations with the day care director and pastor. Mother became
concerned and took the child to a doctor, who found no evidence of abuse. She also took S.C.H. to
a counselor, who referred her to a licensed psychologist. By the time Mother answered the petition,
the child had been seen by the psychologist, Maureen Sanger, Ph.D.
Dr. Sanger determined that the child’s behavior and comments did not conclusively prove
sexual abuse, but that they were cause for “significant concern.” She reported her findings to the
Department of Children’s Services in Wilson County (“DCS”) and requested a formal investigation
to determine whether S.C.H. had been sexually abused. Dr. Sanger also recommended that the child
have no unsupervised contact with her father pending the outcome of the DCS investigation.
Mother answered Father’s petition on July 3, 2002. She asked the court to establish paternity
in accordance with the petition and to order Father to pay child support and provide health insurance.
She also recounted her own and Dr. Sanger’s concerns about sexual abuse and requested that Father
not be granted any visitation and that he be compelled to undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation.
On July 10, 2002 the parties entered into an agreed order stipulating that Father would be
recognized as S.C.H.’s biological father, but that he would have no visitation pending further orders
of the court. He was also ordered to pay child support of $355 per month as well as medical
insurance.
On August 7, 2002, Father filed a motion for supervised visitation. He noted that Dr. Sanger
had stated that the paternal grandmother and aunt (his sister) would be suitable adults to supervise
such visitation. Since his annual family reunion was coming up, he asked the court to allow S.C.H.
to attend under the strict supervision of his sister and her husband, with all subsequent visitation to
be supervised by his mother and/or his sister. This motion was later withdrawn.
Father subsequently underwent a psycho-social evaluation by another licensed psychologist,
Ray Potts, Ed.D. The report of Dr. Potts stated that he used a number of psychological measures to
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test Father and that he had reviewed the available records, which by this time included numerous
depositions. His report, like Dr. Sanger’s, was less than conclusive. However, he did find that,
“based upon the available information from Father the probability is low that he has engaged in any
sexually abusive behaviors with children.” That opinion was subject to modification “if any other
significant additional data becomes available.”
DCS, in conjunction with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department, conducted an
investigation. The investigator from Child Protective Services stated that after investigation and
review, “it has been deemed that there has been no conclusive evidence discovered to show that
Father is a perpetrator of sexual abuse. The case will be closed as unfounded though it is
recommended that [S.C.H.] attend counseling to aid in dealing with her questionable behavior.”1
I. TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
Hearings on Father’s petition were conducted over four full days: on November 21 and 22,
2002, on January 31, 2003, and on April 8, 2003. By our count, twenty-five different witnesses
testified, some of them several times. These included the parties, their parents, other family
members, numerous members of their church, including several who worked at the church daycare
program S.C.H. attended, their pastor, several DCS workers, Dr. Sanger, Dr. Potts, and another
psychologist, Dr. Jane Berryman.
Because of our disposition of this appeal, it is not our role to weigh the evidence and,
consequently, no purpose would be served in setting out in detail the evidence presented.
Nonetheless, a brief description of the evidence is warranted.
There was evidence that the child had exhibited sexualized behaviors in a number of settings,
although some witnesses, such as Father’s mother, testified they had not witnessed the behavior.
There was testimony that the child acted fearful in the presence of her father, both at daycare and in
church, but also testimony that at other times, the child was able to relate to her father in a friendly
and affectionate way.
Dr. Sanger testified at the great length on the first day of the hearing. Since Dr. Sanger had
spoken to many individuals as to their observations of S.C.H.’s behavior in the course of her
evaluation of the child, she was asked whether Mother and the maternal grandmother, or others,
appeared to be fabricating any of the information they gave her, and she responded that they did not.
Dr. Sanger read from her report and answered questions about it. As her report states, “while
[S.C.H.] appears to be a generally well-adjusted girl, her sexualized behavior is much more frequent
than is typical for a child her age.”
1
The record shows that Mother and her mother were dissatisfied with the DCS investigation and urged the
Department to reopen it. The re-opened investigation concluded with the same result as before.
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Dr. Sanger’s account of some of her sessions with S.C.H. demonstrated the difficulty of
obtaining factual information from a child so very young. Although Dr. Sanger could not
conclusively answer the abuse question, she recommended that S.C.H. undergo counseling rather
than further evaluation. She also recommended “starting up visitation in a gradual way,” with Dr.
Jane Berryman or Dr. Jay Woodman supervising.
Dr. Sanger had referred S.C.H. to Dr. Berryman for counseling, which began in December,
2002, after the hearing had begun. Dr. Berryman testified on January 31, 2003, after she had seen
S.C.H. for counseling five times, and on April 8, 2003, after thirteen sessions. Despite her expertise,
she encountered great difficulty trying to learn what had occurred between S.C.H. and her father.
Also, in several of the later sessions, the child had refused to discuss issues with her. Dr. Berryman
admitted that her frustration led her on one occasion, the last session before the final court hearing,
to ask the child leading questions.
During her testimony on April 8, Dr. Berryman was asked to give her opinion as to whether
Father had sexually molested his daughter. Her answer was “I cannot say this with all certainty –
but based on everything I have, I can find no other logical explanation for why she’s so sexually
traumatized.” When asked about visitation, she stated that if the court were to find there was
sufficient evidence that Father had sexually abused the child, visitation would be harmful. On the
other hand, if the court found there was not sufficient evidence to make that conclusion, a gradual
re-institution of visitation, starting with supervised visitation, would be appropriate. She finally
stated, “I would err on the side of caution,” but also agreed to supervise visitation if the court ordered
it. Dr. Berryman also testified that, by this point in time, the event or events that had traumatized
S.C.H. had faded in her memory and causing her to continue to talk about them was
counterproductive.
The trial judge questioned Dr. Berryman at some length about the future consequences to
S.C.H. of renewed visitation with the father if he had indeed abused her as well as the consequences
of a severed father-child relationship if he had not. The psychologist responded that putting the child
in a situation with a person who has abused her, after she has told people about it, would involve a
risk of trauma as well as decline in her trust. She also expressed awareness that if the father had not
abused his daughter, it would constitute a grave injustice to prevent him from exercising visitation.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the trial judge announced his decision from the bench. He
stated that he was charged with the best interest of the child, but that after reviewing the proof he
did not find “the smoking gun.” He stated that “no one can really tell you what happened with that
little child,” but that “I have to side with the protection of the child.” He accordingly ruled that the
father should not have any visitation, even though, “ . . . it makes me tearful to think about what I’ve
done to the father, but I just don’t have any other option.” It is obvious the court took this grave
decision very seriously.
The court’s final order was filed on April 25, 2002. Mother was awarded permanent care,
custody and control of S.C.H. Father was ordered to have no contact with the child, but to continue
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to pay child support of $355 per month and to maintain medical insurance on the child. The order
includes no findings as to the basis of the denial of visitation, but incorporates the oral findings made
at the end of the hearing. This appeal followed.
II. VISITATION
When determining visitation rights, the welfare and best interests of the child must be the
paramount considerations. Eldridge v. Eldridge, 42 S.W.3d 82, 85 (Tenn. 2001); Suttles v. Suttles,
748 S.W.2d 427, 428 (Tenn. 1983); Hogue v. Hogue, 147 S.W.3d 245 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2004). In
general, “a child's interests are well-served by a custody and visitation arrangement that promotes
the development of relationships with both the custodial and noncustodial parent." Wilson v. Wilson,
987 S.W.2d 555, 564 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998); Pizzillo v. Pizzillo, 884 S.W.2d 749 (Tenn. Ct. App.
1994). However, the best interests of the child may require that the trial court place restrictions on,
limit, or prohibit visitation. Eldridge, 42 S.W.3d at 89; Hogue, 147 S.W.3d 245; D. v. K., 917
S.W.2d 682, 685 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1995). The situations where such an order is appropriate have
been defined by statute and case law.
The authority of the courts to regulate the visitation rights of non-custodial parents is
governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-6-301, which reads in pertinent part:
After making an award of custody, the court shall, upon request of the non-custodial
parent, grant such rights of visitation as will enable the child and the non-custodial
parent to maintain a parent-child relationship unless the court finds, after a hearing,
that visitation is likely to endanger the child's physical or emotional health. . . . If the
court finds that the non-custodial parent has physically or emotionally abused the
child, the court may require that visitation be supervised or prohibited until such
abuse has ceased or until there is no reasonable likelihood that such abuse will recur.
This statute shows the legislature’s clear preference for reasonable visitation sufficient to
maintain a parent-child relationship with the noncustodial parent. It establishes the public policy of
this state. Helson v. Cyrus, 989 S.W.2d 704, 707 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1998). Accordingly, "the right
of the noncustodial parent to reasonable visitation is clearly favored." Suttles,748 S.W.2d at 429.
Under the statute, a court may limit visitation, set protective requirements such as supervision
for it, or prohibit it until it is shown such visitation would be safe for the child. However, these
actions are authorized only where the court finds either (1) visitation is likely to endanger the child’s
physical or emotional health or (2) the noncustodial parent has physically or emotionally abused the
child. Similarly, our courts have held that visitation may be limited, or even prohibited, if the court
finds there is clear and definite evidence that such visitation would result in harm to the child in a
physical, emotional, or moral sense. Eldridge, 42 S.W.3d at 85; Suttles, 748 S.W.2d at 429; Helson,
989 S.W.2d at 707.
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Ordinarily, “the details of custody and visitation with children are peculiarly within the broad
discretion of the trial judge.” Suttles, 748 S.W.2d at 429 (quoting Edwards v. Edwards, 501 S.W.2d
283 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1973)); see also Eldridge, 42 S.W.3d at 85. However, the exercise of that
discretion must be based on proof and applicable legal principles. Hogue, 147 S.W.3d 245; D. v.
K., 917 S.W.2d at 685. A trial court acts outside its discretion if it applies an incorrect legal standard
or reaches a decision against logic or reasoning the causes an injustice to a party. Eldridge, 42
S.W.3d at 85. Applicable legal standards require that restriction, curtailment, or elimination of
visitation rights must be based on specific findings, resulting from clear and definite evidence, that
one of the situations justifying such action exists.
Termination of all visitation can have the practical effect of severing the most effective
means of maintaining the parent-child relationship. The trial court herein prohibited not only
unsupervised visitation, but it also declined to permit supervised visitation and prohibited all contact
between Father and the child. Such a prohibition, if permanent, would constitute termination of
parental rights and would require procedural safeguards applicable to such proceedings, such as
proof of grounds by clear and convincing evidence. See White v. White, No. M1999-00087-COA-
R3-CV, 2000 WL 488477 (Tenn. Ct. App. April 26, 2000) (no Tenn. R. App. P. 11 application
filed). Courts have generally ordered the least restrictive limitations on parent-child interactions as
were possible and consistent with the child’s best interests. See Wix v. Wix, No. M2000-00230-
COA-R3-CV, 2001 WL 219700, at *11 (Tenn. Ct. App. March 7, 2001) (no Tenn. R. App. P. 11
application filed) (discussing holdings terminating or suspending visitation and using less restrictive
alternatives). In Suttles, our Supreme Court reversed a decision to require visitation and suspended
the visitation right of a father who had been convicted of assaulting his young son and who had been
sentenced to thirty years in prison for that crime and others. Even in that situation, the court stated,
“[o]f course, to prevent the bonds between Defendant and child from being severed completely, he
is free to communicate with his child by telephone or mail or other means approved by the trial court.
. . .” 748 S.W.2d at 429.
To authorize the total prohibition on parent-child contact ordered herein, the trial court was
required to find, by clear and definite evidence, that Father abused S.C.H. and/or that it is likely that
S.C.H. would be harmed physically, emotionally, or morally by any contact with Father:
unsupervised visitation; restricted or structured visitation; visitation supervised by one of the
psychologists already involved, an appropriate entity, or another responsible adult; telephone
communication with Father; and receipt of letters, cards, or gifts from Father.
The trial court made none of these findings by clear and definite evidence. To the contrary,
the court made clear it was struggling with the evidence and the conclusions to draw from it. The
court stated at various times in its ruling:
. . . and I think that we don’t have any answers. . . . No one can tell you what
happened with that little child. But it does seem that it supports that something has
happened . . . It may not be true, but it’s a probably position. . . . But that does seem
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like maybe something has happened and it does seem like she’s consistent in always
putting it on her father.
More tellingly, in response to Mother’s request for attorney’s fees, the court stated:
If I had good proof that this man was a sexual perpetrator and that he had done that
to your daughter . . . [I would award attorney’s fees]. I don’t know that he did it. I
have not got good proof that he did it.
The court made no findings with regard to the likelihood of harm to S.C.H. from even
supervised visits or other contact, merely stating, “And in this case, I’m just going to have to come
down on the no contact side. . . . I just don’t believe it would be appropriate even under supervised
visitation at this time.”
Despite his doubts about the weight of the evidence, the trial court decided that protection
of the child from even potential risk was the controlling factor in his decision. We agree that the
welfare of the child is the paramount consideration. However, the court must find that that welfare
is not served by visitation sufficient to maintain a parent-child relationship because the existence of
abuse or likely harm to the child has been shown by clear and definite proof.
We sympathize with the trial court’s dilemma and recognize its desire to make the best
decision it could for the child under the circumstances. Nevertheless, because the prohibition of
contact is not supported by the requisite findings, we must vacate the judgment. The trial court,
having seen and heard the witnesses, is in the best position to make the factual findings as well as
to make the discretionary judgments inherent in visitation decisions. Eldridge, 42 S.W.3d at 88. An
appellate court is not to “tweak” visitation orders or to substitute its judgment for the trial court’s
as to the better or more reasonable arrangement. Id. Accordingly, this case should be remanded for
appropriate findings by the trial court.
We therefore remand this case to the trial court for fresh consideration of the evidence as to
the required findings considering the evidentiary standard. Because several years have elapsed since
Father last had visitation with S.C.H., who is still very young, it would be appropriate for the court
to receive additional evidence regarding the child’s current circumstances, especially in regard to the
likelihood of harm to the child from various forms of contact with Father. If the court decides that
some contact is warranted, we are confident the court, with the help of the professionals and others
involved with S.C.H. can fashion a re-introduction process that will adequately safeguard the child
and reduce any potential emotional trauma or other adverse consequences to her.
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III. CONCLUSION
The judgment of the trial court is vacated. We remand this case to the Juvenile Court of
Wilson for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. Costs of this appeal are taxed to the
appellee, E.A.J.
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PATRICIA J. COTTRELL, JUDGE
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