In re S.A.

[Cite as In re S.A., 2017-Ohio-8792.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
BUTLER COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF: : CASE NOS. CA2017-07-092
CA2017-07-093
S.A., et al. : CA2017-07-094
CA2017-07-095
: CA2017-07-096
CA2017-07-097
: CA2017-07-098
: OPINION
12/4/2017
:
APPEAL FROM BUTLER COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
JUVENILE DIVISION
Case Nos. JN2013-0310 – JN 2013-0316
Amy R. Ashcraft, P.O. Box 172, Seven Mile, Ohio 45062, attorney and guardian ad litem for
S.A., J.A., Th.L., A.L., Ti.L.
Jeannine C. Barbeau, 3268 Jefferson Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, attorney and guardian
ad litem for C.L.
Dawn S. Garrett, 9435 Waterstone Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45249, for D.L.
Lorraine McBride Search, 215 South Sutphin Street, Middletown, Ohio 45044, for appellant,
Mother
Michael T. Gmoser, Butler County Prosecuting Attorney, Lina N. Alkamhawi, Government
Services Center, 315 High Street, 11th Floor, Hamilton, Ohio 45011, for appellee, Butler
County Department of Job and Family Services
RINGLAND, J.
{¶ 1} The mother ("Mother") of S.A., J.A., Ti.L., D.L., A.L., C.L., and Th.L. (referred to
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collectively as the "children") appeals a decision of the Butler County Court of Common
Pleas, Juvenile Division, granting permanent custody of the children to appellee, Butler
County Department of Job and Family Services ("BCDJFS").
{¶ 2} On May 28, 2013, BCDJFS filed a complaint alleging abuse, neglect, and
dependency, and requested a protective supervision order. The complaint followed an
altercation where Mother's second husband and biological father to four of the children,
("Father-2"), caused serious physical harm to C.L. The juvenile court granted an emergency
protective order and scheduled a shelter care hearing for the next day. At the hearing,
Mother agreed to BCDJFS's request for protective supervision and to have neither contact
with Father-2 nor discuss the case with the children. Mother failed to comply with these
restrictions, and on July 8, 2013, BCDJFS requested emergency removal of the children from
Mother's custody.
{¶ 3} BCDJFS based its request upon allegations Mother was conspiring with Father-
2 to attempt to gain Father-2's release from jail and dismissal of his pending charges.
BCDJFS further supported its request with recorded conversations between Mother and
Father-2 wherein Mother is heard using vulgar and derogatory language towards the children.
Mother made statements to or about her children, such as, but not limited to, "wh***," "you
wh***, I'll drop your f*****g ass in the river, you wh***," "I hate these kids, I wish they would
die," "bi**h, you snotty, ungrateful, bi**h," and "c**t." During grand jury proceedings in
Father-2's case, Mother attempted to recant her previous story regarding the physical harm
Father-2 caused against C.L. Consequently, Mother was convicted of perjury and served
seven months of a one-year prison sentence.
{¶ 4} After Mother was charged with perjury, but prior to her conviction, the juvenile
court granted BCDJFS' emergency request for temporary custody, granted Mother
supervised contact with the children, and scheduled a shelter care hearing for July 9, 2013.
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Following several continuances, the juvenile court held the shelter care hearing on November
8, 2013 and Mother agreed to a finding of dependency for all seven children and a finding of
abuse with respect to C.L., naming Father-2 as the perpetrator of the abuse. At the time of
the hearing, Father-2 was serving a three-year prison sentence for the physical harm caused
to C.L. BCDJFS developed a case plan with the goal of reunification with Mother. The
original case plan included completing domestic violence and psychological assessments
and following any recommendations therefrom, signing any requested releases, and
obtaining and maintaining stable housing and employment.
{¶ 5} Mother began initially working towards achieving her case plan goals, but her
progress stalled in March 2014 for seven months due to her incarceration for perjury. While
incarcerated, Mother attended several mental health and domestic violence group and
individual counseling sessions. Following her release, the case continued towards
reunification, and in October 2014, the juvenile court granted Mother's request for temporary
custody with respect to S.L. The juvenile court progressively returned the children to
Mother's care and by March 2015, the juvenile court had returned five of the six remaining
children. At no point during the pendency of this case did J.A. return to Mother's care.
{¶ 6} On April 21, 2015, BCDJFS filed for an emergency order requesting the return
of the six children back to BCDJFS' temporary custody and filed for permanent custody of all
seven children. BCDJFS based its request upon allegations by the children that Mother
verbally and physically abused them. The juvenile court granted the ex parte order for
temporary custody. Following a contested shelter care hearing on April 28, 2015, the juvenile
court continued its order for temporary custody.
{¶ 7} On May 11, 2016, BCDJFS requested an emergency order suspending
Mother's visitation based upon recommendations from the children's individual therapists.
The juvenile court granted the request and held a shelter care hearing on May 25, 2016.
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Following the hearing, the juvenile court continued the suspension of visitation and found a
lack of credible evidence that reinstatement of visitation would be "therapeutically beneficial"
to the children, and considerable evidence that it would be "harmful" to the children.
{¶ 8} On July 6, 2016, the juvenile court held the first of several permanent custody
hearings. BCDJFS and Mother presented extensive evidence throughout the duration of the
permanent custody hearings. BCDJFS presented the testimony of the three caseworkers
assigned to Mother's case, the children's individual therapists, S.L.'s Foster Mother ("FM-1"),
and S.A., D.L., C.L., Th.L., and J.A.'s Foster Mother ("FM-2"). Mother testified on her own
behalf, as well as presented the testimony of one of her counselors and her niece. The
evidence presented at the hearings revealed the following facts.
{¶ 9} Tara Eve, the first caseworker assigned to this case from June 2013 to June
2015, testified regarding removal of the children, Mother's engagement with case plan
services and visitation, and the basis for the permanent custody motion. Eve explained that
the children had re-entered foster care due to the children's allegations of physical and verbal
abuse. She testified BCDJFS provided extensive efforts to accomplish reunification and that
reunification did occur, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Eve further stated that permanent
custody was in the best interest of the children and their only chance at permanency.
{¶ 10} Shanna Colburn, the second caseworker assigned to this case from June to
October 2015, testified that following the second removal Mother was required to re-engage
in domestic violence services, but as the aggressor rather than the victim. Colburn explained
that Mother informed BCDJFS she was receiving such treatment at Milford Psychiatry.
However, despite multiple attempts by Colburn, Milford Psychiatry verified Mother was in
counseling, but not that she was engaged in the specific services as required by her case
plan. During most of this period, Mother had fairly consistent visitation attendance, which
became inconsistent over time and was ultimately suspended. Colburn testified the children
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demonstrated affection for Mother, but described the visits as overwhelming and chaotic.
{¶ 11} Sachi Slater, the third and final caseworker assigned to this case beginning in
October 2015, testified she experienced the same difficulty in obtaining verification from
Milford Psychiatry regarding the specific services it provided to Mother. Thus, at the time of
the visitation suspension, the domestic violence aggressor counseling remained outstanding
and BCDJFS had no record substantiating Mother's successful completion of the service.
Therefore, Slater testified BCDJFS continued to have "concerns about Mother's protective
capacities and her ability to keep the children safe."
{¶ 12} S.L.'s therapist testified that S.L. receives therapeutic services because she
exhibits traumatic and depressive symptoms, social and emotional withdrawal, and negative
behaviors. S.L. is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD") and adjustment
disorder with depressed mood. S.L. expressed to her therapist that contact with Mother was
unhealthy and harmful to her. S.L.'s therapist opined S.L. "continues to struggle with
aggression towards others and emotional and physical withdrawal when she is upset." S.L.'s
therapist further provided that S.L. informed her that she suffered verbal and physical abuse
by Mother. Following the second removal, S.L.'s anxiety and behavioral concerns have
improved, but not fully subsided and her siblings remain triggers for her. S.L.'s current
placement is a foster-to-adopt home.
{¶ 13} J.A. and A.L.'s therapist testified next. She testified J.A. is diagnosed with
PTSD, suffers from anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and has demonstrated
destructive and aggressive behaviors. Similarly to S.L., J.A.'s behavioral concerns have
improved since the second removal, but have not fully subsided. J.A. indicated an
unwillingness to attend visitation with Mother. A.L. is also diagnosed with PTSD and receives
therapy for demonstrating destructive and aggressive behaviors. A.L.'s therapist opined that
Mother is a significant trigger for A.L.'s trauma symptoms. A.L.'s foster family has expressed
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a desire to adopt him and Ti.L. Ti.L. is diagnosed with PTSD and has demonstrated
significant trauma symptoms impeding her ability to function at home and school. These
symptoms intensified during reunification and Ti.L. has expressed fear related to seeing
Mother, who is a significant trigger for Ti.L.'s trauma.
{¶ 14} D.L.'s therapist testified D.L. is diagnosed with PTSD and suffers from
significant trauma symptoms. D.L.'s therapist explained Mother is a trigger for his trauma.
She stated clear disruptions with D.L.'s foster family occurred following discussions about
future visits and telephone conversations with Mother. D.L.'s therapist expressed concerns
with re-exposing D.L. to triggering events and that although he has shown improvement
concerns remain regarding his aggressiveness.
{¶ 15} Th.L. is diagnosed with PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
Th.L. is fearful of anything that reminds him of past trauma and is still afflicted with
nightmares associated with his time living with Mother. Th.L.'s therapist opined that contact
with Mother may increase his depressive symptoms. Unlike his siblings, Th.L. has not
demonstrated destructive and aggressive behaviors, but has experienced anxiety and
depression. C.L. is diagnosed with PTSD, which her therapist described as more significant
than the other children, including auditory and visual hallucinations. C.L. has demonstrated
destructive and aggressive behaviors triggered by reminders of past trauma.
{¶ 16} FM-2 testified regarding the children's various medical afflictions and
behavioral issues detailed above. FM-2 explained that each child showed signs of
improvement with their respective behavioral concerns while in her care and demonstrated
signs of regression during their respective periods in Mother's care. Beyond the behavioral
concerns, FM-2 did not identify any issues with Mother's parenting from her observations
during visitation and stated the children appeared bonded with Mother.
{¶ 17} Mother testified on her own behalf. Mother explained her history of domestic
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violence with Father-2 and his abuse of C.L., which set in motion the series of events leading
to the children's first removal. Mother testified the children developed their aggressive
behaviors while in the temporary custody of BCDJFS, which she observed during visitation.
Before their removal, Mother claimed the only indications of behavioral concerns were the
result of normal sibling interaction. However, upon re-visiting the children's behavioral
concerns on cross-examination, Mother stated the children did have violent and aggressive
behavior prior to removal. Mother did acknowledge her deficiencies as a parent before
removal, but claimed she is ready to parent some of the children. In so doing, Mother denied
all allegations of physical and verbal abuse. On cross-examination, Mother acknowledged
verbally abusing the children prior to the first removal when confronted with recordings of her
jailhouse telephone conversations with Father-2. The conversations occurred in violation of a
no-contact order. Furthermore, Mother explained that she wanted all of her children, but felt
J.A., S.A., and C.L., were presently incapable of residing with her.
{¶ 18} Finally, Mother's counselor and her cousin both testified. Mother's counselor
explained that between May 2015 and February 2016, she provided standard counseling
services over eight sessions and two assessments. Mother's counselor provided general
counseling, but did not provide specific services catered to the requirements of Mother's case
plan. Mother's cousin opined that Mother gained confidence as a mother and in controlling
motherly situations. Mother's cousin further testified the children's grandmother could
provide an adequate residence for the children and Mother.
{¶ 19} Following the conclusion of the hearings, the magistrate granted BCDJFS'
permanent custody motion. Mother objected to the magistrate's findings. The juvenile court
held a hearing on the matter, and then, overruled Mother's objections. The present appeal
followed.
{¶ 20} Assignment of Error No. 1:
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{¶ 21} THE JUVENILE COURT'S JUDGMENT GRANTING THE MOTION FOR
PERMANENT CUSTODY TO BUTLER COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES ("[BCDJFS]") WAS
NOT SUPPORTED BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE AND WAS AGAINST THE
MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.
{¶ 22} Mother asserts the juvenile court erred by granting permanent custody of the
children to BCDJFS because its decision was not supported by clear and convincing
evidence and against the manifest weight of the evidence. Specifically, Mother contends
BCDJFS presented no evidence of her physically abusing the children; an allegation that she
denied throughout the case. Mother further contends the juvenile court erred in finding
Mother abandoned the children.
{¶ 23} "The rights to conceive and to raise one's children have been deemed
'essential' * * *." Stanley v. Illinois, 405 U.S. 645, 651, 92 S.Ct. 1208 (1972), quoting Meyer
v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 399, 43 S.Ct. 625 (1923). "Despite the fact that we have found
that parents who are suitable have a paramount right to raise and care for their children, it is
equally well settled that '[t]he fundamental interest of parents is not absolute.'" (Citations
omitted.) In re K.H., 119 Ohio St.3d 538, 2008-Ohio-4825, ¶ 40. "The constitutional right to
raise one's children does not include a right to abuse, exploit, or neglect them, nor is there a
right to permit others to do so." Id. "The state's power to terminate parental rights is
circumscribed * * *." Id. at ¶ 41, citing In re Cunningham, 59 Ohio St.2d 100, 105 (1979).
However, "when that authority is properly invoked, it is fully proper and constitutional to
remove children from their parents' care. [S]uch an extreme disposition is nevertheless
expressly sanctioned * * * when it is necessary for the 'welfare' of the child." In re AsF(F),
12th Dist. Madison Nos. CA2016-05-020 and CA2016-05-021, 2016-Ohio-7836, ¶ 12,
quoting R.C. 2151.01(A).
{¶ 24} The state must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the statutory
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standards for permanent custody have been met before a natural parent's right to custody
can be terminated. Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 769, 102 S.Ct. 1388 (1982); In re
E.G., 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2013-12-224, 2014-Ohio-2007, ¶ 6. "Clear and convincing
evidence is that measure or degree of proof which will produce in the mind of the trier of facts
a firm belief or conviction as to the allegations sought to be established." Cross v. Ledford,
161 Ohio St. 469, 477 (1954). This court's review of a juvenile court's decision granting
permanent custody is limited to whether sufficient credible evidence exists to support the
juvenile court's determination. In re M.B., 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2014-06-130 and
CA2014-06-131, 2014-Ohio-5009, ¶ 6. An appellate court will not reverse a finding by the
juvenile court that the evidence was clear and convincing absent sufficient conflict in the
evidence. Id.{¶ 25} A manifest weight of the evidence challenge examines the "inclination of the
greater amount of credible evidence, offered at a trial, to support one side of the issue rather
than the other." State v. Barnett, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-09-177, 2012-Ohio-2372, ¶
14. When considering a manifest weight of the evidence challenge, the reviewing court
weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of the witnesses
and determines whether in resolving conflicts, the trial court clearly "lost its way" and created
such a "manifest miscarriage of justice" that the judgment must be reversed and a new trial
ordered. In re S.M., 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2015-01-003, 2015-Ohio-2318, ¶ 10.
{¶ 26} "Pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(B)(1), a court may terminate parental rights and
award permanent custody to a children services agency if it makes findings pursuant to a
two-part test." In re T.P., 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2016-03-012, 2016-Ohio-5780, ¶ 13.
First, the court must find that the grant of permanent custody to the agency is in the best
interest of the child. R.C. 2151.414(B)(1). In so doing, the court shall consider all relevant
factors, including, but not limited to, the factors enumerated in R.C. 2151.414(D). Second,
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the court must find that any of the following apply: (1) the child is abandoned, (2) the child is
orphaned, (3) the child has been in temporary custody of the agency for at least 12 months of
a consecutive 22-month period, (4) where the preceding three factors do not apply, the child
cannot be placed with either parent within a reasonable time or should not be placed with
either parent, or (5) the child or another child in the custody of the parent from whose custody
the child has been removed, has been adjudicated an abused, neglected, or dependent child
on three separate occasions. R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(a) thru (e); In re C.B., 12th Dist. Clermont
No. CA2015-04-033, 2015-Ohio-3709, ¶ 10. To satisfy part two of the permanent custody
test, only one of the above five findings need be met. In re A.W., 12th Dist. Fayette No.
CA2014-03-005, 2014-Ohio-3188, ¶ 12.
{¶ 27} R.C. 2151.414(D)(1) provides that in considering the best interest of a child in
a permanent custody hearing:
[T]he court shall 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 * * *;
(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.
{¶ 28} In granting BCDJFS' motion for permanent custody, the juvenile court
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considered each of the best interest factors in light of the evidence presented at the hearings.
With respect to the first statutory factor, the juvenile court found that prior to the
commencement of the present case the children resided with Mother and Father-2 in an
extremely violent household. The juvenile court noted that following Father-2's arrest for
physically abusing C.L., BCDJFS did not immediately remove the children from Mother's
care. Father-2 remained incarcerated and Mother engaged in hundreds of telephone
conversations with Father-2 in violation of a no-contact order. These conversations indicated
Mother's intention to conceal information to the grand jury regarding the physical abuse of
C.L. in hopes of achieving Father-2's release from jail. The telephone conversations further
revealed Mother's use of "extremely verbally abusive" language towards the children. The
juvenile court noted Mother initially denied the verbal abuse until confronted with the actual
recorded calls on cross-examination. Ultimately, BCDJFS removed the children from
Mother's care and Mother was subsequently convicted of perjury.
{¶ 29} The juvenile court found that upon Mother's release from prison, she worked
towards reunification and had six of the seven children returned to her care, excluding J.A.
The juvenile court found that the children's relationship with Mother deteriorated over time,
especially following the second removal of the children from Mother's care. The juvenile
court noted there were observations of some bonding and affection between Mother and the
children prior to the second removal. However, the juvenile court further found Mother's
failure to attend visitation and meet with the visitation center to address such failure hindered
this affection, resulting in the juvenile court suspending visitation in 2016.
{¶ 30} Finally, the juvenile court found the children each individually suffer from
various afflictions, such as Chronic PTSD, increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal
ideations. Throughout the pendency of this case, the children have been placed in multiple
foster care placements and have struggled with destructive and aggressive behaviors. The
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degree of each individual child's difficulties varies, but each child demonstrates behavioral
concerns.
{¶ 31} In consideration of the second statutory factor, the juvenile court conducted in
camera interviews with the individual children and considered the report and
recommendations of the two guardians ad litem, who both recommended a grant of
permanent custody. Apart from D.L., the children expressed their desire not to return to
Mother's care. The guardian ad litem ("GAL-1") for D.L. and C.L. expressed that Mother
failed to demonstrate the ability to consistently parent, protect, and provide for the children.
GAL-1 further provided that after more than three years, the best interest of D.L. and C.L. are
not served by extending the case. Rather, D.L. and C.L. are in need of a legally secure
placement and cannot and should not be placed with Mother now or within a reasonable
period. The guardian ad litem ("GAL-2") for the remainder of the children concurred with
GAL-1 and opined that permanency can only be achieved with a grant of permanent custody.
{¶ 32} With respect to the third statutory factor, the juvenile court reviewed the
children's custodial history and found all seven children were adjudicated dependent and C.L.
abused, and that the children had been in the temporary custody of BCDJFS for 12 or more
months of a consecutive 22-month period.
{¶ 33} In considering the fourth statutory factor, the juvenile court found the children's
need for a legally secure permanent placement cannot be achieved without a grant of
permanent custody to BCDJFS. Specifically, the juvenile court found Mother has completed
an extensive number of case plan services, but still has failed to put herself in a position to
assume her parental responsibilities, now or in the near future. Rather, Mother failed to
successfully remedy the behaviors and concerns, which twice caused the children's removal.
The juvenile court again identified the children's various psychiatric diagnoses, behavioral
concerns, and extensive trauma suffered.
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{¶ 34} Additionally, the juvenile court considered the factors enumerated in R.C.
2151.414(B)(1). The juvenile court found Mother abandoned the children because she had
no contact with them since November 2015. The juvenile court further found Mother failed to
substantially remedy the conditions causing the children's removal, demonstrated a lack of
commitment to the children, and abused the children.
{¶ 35} Based on these findings, the juvenile court determined by clear and convincing
evidence that it was in the children's best interest to grant permanent custody to BCDJFS.
After thoroughly reviewing the record, we find the juvenile court's determination regarding the
best interest of the children is supported by clear and convincing evidence and not against
the manifest weight of the evidence. Though Mother has made efforts to meet the
requirements of her respective case plan and has demonstrated a bond with the children,
albeit a diminishing bond, there are compelling reasons to weigh the best interest factors in
favor of permanent custody to BCDJFS.
{¶ 36} Mother argues the juvenile court improperly relied on the children's hearsay
statements presented at a shelter care hearing to support its finding Mother abused the
children. Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered in evidence to prove the truth of the
matter asserted. Evid.R. 801(C). Evid.R. 802 provides that, with certain exceptions, hearsay
is not admissible at trial. Juv.R. 34(B)(2) and (I) permit hearsay evidence in juvenile
proceedings with the exception of permanent custody hearings. See also In re M.C., 12th
Dist. Butler Nos. CA2014-05-098 and CA2014-05-099, 2014-Ohio-4521, ¶ 47 ("[p]ermanent
custody hearings are the exception to the general rule that hearsay can be considered in
juvenile custody dispositions").
{¶ 37} While Mother correctly asserts that BCDJFS elicited hearsay evidence
regarding the children's allegations of physical abuse during a shelter care hearing, her
argument fails to acknowledge the evidence presented in support of such allegations during
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the permanent custody hearings. Tara Eve, the first caseworker assigned to Mother's case
testified regarding D.L.'s report to her following the second removal that Mother verbally and
physically abused him during reunification. Moreover, Mother's counsel elicited this
testimony regarding D.L.'s report during cross-examination. Thus, Mother cannot claim error
with respect to its admittance. State v. LaMar, 95 Ohio St.3d 181, 2002-Ohio-2128, ¶ 102
(stating the invited error doctrine prevents a party from taking advantage of any alleged error
that the party herself invited or induced).
{¶ 38} BCDJFS elicited further testimony regarding the children's allegations of
abuse. S.A.'s therapist testified S.A. informed her "that her biological mother * * * would hit
her[,] * * * slam her head against the wall, * * * call her profane names," was often drunk, and
mentioned Mother would hold the bedroom door closed and not let her leave. These
allegations referenced both prior to the initial removal and prior to the second removal.
Mother's counsel objected to the admission of this testimony. The juvenile court overruled
Mother's objection and admitted the statement pursuant to Evid.R. 803(4). The evidence rule
provides a hearsay statement may be admitted "for purposes of medical diagnosis or
treatment and describing medical history, or past or present symptoms, pain, or sensations,
or the inception or general character of the cause or external source thereof insofar as
reasonably pertinent to diagnosis or treatment." Evid.R. 803(4).
{¶ 39} "A trial court has broad discretion in the admission and the exclusion of
evidence and unless it clearly abused its discretion and appellant is materially prejudiced
thereby, an appellate court should not disturb the decision of the trial court." State v. Martin,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2007-01-022, 2007-Ohio-7073, ¶ 9, citing State v. Finnerty, 45 Ohio
St.3d 104, 109 (1989). An abuse of discretion is more than an error of law or judgment.
Rather, it suggests the "trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable."
State v. Perkins, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2005-01-002, 2005-Ohio-6557, ¶ 8. "A review
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under the abuse-of-discretion standard is a deferential review." State v. Morris, 132 Ohio
St.3d 337, 2012-Ohio-2407, ¶ 14.
{¶ 40} Contrary to Mother's claim otherwise, the juvenile court did not err in admitting
S.A.'s therapist's testimony regarding the allegations of abuse. S.A.'s therapist specifically
testified that S.A.'s "treatment plan was to reduce her trauma symptoms as well as to
address barriers to her depression [and] communicating that depression to her caregivers."
Thus, S.A.'s therapy focused on her prior trauma, and "[S.A.] basically just tells her story of
every * * * traumatic event that she can remember, and she works through the emotions she
was feeling at that time and developing coping skills for how she could work through those
memories as she remembers them going forward." Considering the testimony in conjunction
with S.A.'s treatment plan, the juvenile court did not abuse its discretion by permitting the
testimony pursuant to the hearsay exception.
{¶ 41} S.A.'s treatment plan specifically involved S.A. discussing traumatic events
with her therapist to develop skills to cope with them and move forward. Physical and verbal
abuse by one's mother, such as hitting the child or slamming the child's head against a wall,
is the type of traumatic event underlying S.A.'s depressive symptoms her therapist hoped to
improve upon. Therefore, S.A. made the statements for the purpose of treating her present
depressive symptoms. In re Swisher, 9th Dist. Summit No. 17952, 1997 Ohio App. LEXIS
1603, *15 (Apr. 23, 1997); see also State v. Muttart, 116 Ohio St.3d 5, 2007-Ohio-5267, ¶ 56
(holding Evid.R. 803[4] applies to statements made to psychological caregivers, therapists,
and social workers). Accordingly, the juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in admitting
the statements.
{¶ 42} Additionally, Sachi Slater, the second caseworker assigned to this case
answered affirmatively that "[t]he allegations [of abuse] were * * * not only [that Mother]
slap[ped the children] with an open hand[, but also that she] slapped them on top of the
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head, pulled their hair, slammed their heads against the wall, shov[ed] them to the ground,
and kick[ed] them". Slater stated she does not consider such allegations a form of corporal
punishment or discipline. Rather, Slater acknowledged the allegations gave rise to concern
in placing the children with Mother. In addition to the physical abuse allegations, Slater
affirmatively recognized the individual statements Mother made to children underlying the
juvenile court's findings of verbal abuse.
{¶ 43} Mother did not object to the admission of Slater's testimony; therefore, our
review concerning the admission of Slater's testimony is limited to plain error. In re Lay, 12th
Dist. Butler No. CA97-06-115, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 2007, *4 (May 4, 1998). Plain error
review is not favored in civil cases and is defined in such context as an error that "seriously
affects the basic fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the judicial process, thereby
challenging the legitimacy of the underlying judicial process itself." Goldfuss v. Davidson, 79
Ohio St.3d 116 (1997), syllabus. Appellate courts will only recognize plain error in extremely
rare cases with exceptional circumstances. In re E.J., 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2014-07-
098, 2015-Ohio-731, ¶ 10.
{¶ 44} This case does not present exceptional circumstances requiring a finding of
plain error with respect to Slater's testimony because it was merely cumulative of prior
testimony by Tara Eve and S.A.'s therapist. In re Mosley, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA93-06-111,
1994 Ohio App. LEXIS 1719, *6 (Apr. 25, 1994) (holding the admission of hearsay testimony
that was cumulative of prior properly admitted testimony did not rise to the level of plain
error). Thus, even assuming the juvenile court improperly admitted Slater's testimony,
because the testimony simply restated the prior properly admitted testimony of two
witnesses, any such error would not rise to the level of the plain error.
{¶ 45} Collectively, the testimony regarding the allegations of physical and verbal
abuse meets the clear and convincing standard supporting the juvenile court's findings.
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Further, the juvenile court's findings are not against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Mother adamantly denied any such abuse and blamed the foster families for manipulating the
children into making the allegations. However, the juvenile court found Mother's testimony
lacked credibility. Specifically, the juvenile court observed
a remarkable change in Mother's demeanor at various times
throughout the hearing, at times appearing contrite, and very
much the victim. Mother was unable to maintain that demure,
pleasant demeanor beyond direct examination * * * and
appeared demonstrably aggressive, hostile and manipulative
when confronted with contradictions in the evidence.
The juvenile court further questioned "Mother's veracity throughout her testimony in almost
every respect." In weighing this conflict in the evidence, we are mindful that the juvenile court
was in the best position to judge the credibility of witnesses and determine the weight to be
given to the evidence. State v. Mays, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2012-05-038, 2013-Ohio-
1952, ¶ 20. Accordingly, we find BCDJFS presented competent, credible evidence of
Mother's abuse of the children.
{¶ 46} We next turn to Mother's abandonment argument. Considering the juvenile
court found all seven children were adjudicated dependent and C.L. abused, and that the
children had been in the temporary custody of BCDJFS for 12 or more months of a
consecutive 22-month period, we find Mother's abandonment argument moot. As discussed
above, the juvenile court need only make one of the five findings enumerated in R.C.
2151.414(B)(1)(a) thru (e). In re A.W., 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2014-03-005, 2014-Ohio-
3188, ¶ 12. The juvenile court made the 12 or more months of a consecutive 22-month
period finding, which was supported by clear and convincing evidence, thereby rendering any
alleged error in finding abandonment moot.
{¶ 47} Mother does not challenge the juvenile court's findings with respect to the
remaining factors. Nonetheless, after a thorough review of the record, we find the remainder
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of the juvenile court's findings are supported by clear and convincing evidence and not
against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶ 48} Accordingly, Mother's assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 49} Judgment affirmed.
HENDRICKSON, P.J., and S. POWELL, J., concur.
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