In re A.C.

[Cite as In re A.C., 2020-Ohio-980.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
ALLEN COUNTY
IN RE:
CASE NO. 1-19-20
A.C.,
ADJUDICATED DEPENDENT CHILD. OPINI ON
[Melissa C. - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO. 1-19-21
T.C.,
ADJUDICATED DEPENDENT CHILD. OPINI ON
[Melissa C. - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO. 1-19-22
T.C., JR.
ADJUDICATED DEPENDENT CHILD. OPINI ON
[Melissa C. - APPELLANT]
Appeals from Allen County Common Pleas Court
Juvenile Division
Trial Court Nos. 2016 JG 33612, 2016 JG 33613 and 2016 JG 33614
Judgments Affirmed
Date of Decision: March 16, 2020
Case Nos. 1-19-20, 1-19-21, 1-19-22
APPEARANCES:
Linda Gabriele for Mother-Appellant
Sarah N. Newland for Appellee
SHAW, P.J.
{¶1} Mother-appellant, Melissa C. (“Melissa”), brings these appeals from the
April 8, 2019 judgments of the Allen County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile
Division, granting legal custody of Melissa’s children A.C., T.C., and T.C., Jr., to
Gale M. (“Gale”). On appeal, Melissa argues that the trial court erred by
determining that it was in the children’s best interests to award legal custody to
Gale, and that the trial court erred by determining that the Allen County Children’s
Services Board (“the Agency”) engaged in reasonable efforts to reunify the children
with Melissa.
Background
{¶2} Melissa and Tyriece C. are the parents of three children: A.C., born in
September of 2010, T.C., born in September of 2012, and T.C., Jr., born in January
of 2014. At the inception of this case, Melissa and Tyriece had been together for
approximately fifteen years and they were engaged to be married in 2011. Their
relationship was, at times, tumultuous including accusations that Tyriece was
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unfaithful and that he committed domestic violence against Melissa. In fact, Tyriece
had been charged with domestic violence perpetrated against Melissa numerous
times; however, he was never convicted as Melissa either did not attend the court
hearings or she requested that the charges be dismissed.
{¶3} Sometime in or around 2015, Melissa had a heart valve replaced.
Afterward she had a stroke and she was later diagnosed with lupus. Initially, the
stroke significantly impaired Melissa such that she could barely speak, she could
not swallow, drive, dress herself, feed herself, tie her own shoes, or do her hair.
{¶4} On April 22, 2016, the Agency received a report concerning Melissa’s
inability to care for the children. The report stated that Melissa’s health issues
prevented her from being able to adequately care for the children, particularly as
Tyriece had been in and out of the residence due to his infidelity. A specific instance
was cited wherein two of Melissa’s children were left in a bath with scalding hot
water while food was burning in the oven, causing the smoke alarms to go off. The
Agency was also concerned with the domestic violence allegations, particularly
instances that allegedly occurred in front of the children.
{¶5} On June 6, 2016, a shelter care hearing was held wherein it was
determined that there was probable cause to believe that the conduct, conditions, or
surroundings of the children were endangering the children’s health, welfare, or
safety. It was determined that the continued residence of the children in their home
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would be contrary to their best interests. At Melissa’s request, the children were
placed in the temporary care and custody of Gale in lieu of shelter care, pending
adjudication and disposition.
{¶6} Gale was not related to Melissa; however, Gale had been close with
Melissa’s father and she had a close relationship with Melissa such that Melissa
even referred to her as “mom” or “mother” at times in the past. Melissa had also
lived with Gale when Melissa was released from a five-year prison term.
{¶7} Further, Gale played a grandmother-type role to Melissa’s children,
taking care of them whenever Melissa had a new child or when Melissa and Tyriece
were fighting or needed a break. Melissa specifically requested that her children be
placed with Gale when the children could not be placed with Melissa’s actual
mother Rhonda because Rhonda already had legal custody of three of Rhonda’s
other grandchildren (not Melissa’s children).1
{¶8} On June 7, 2016, complaints were filed alleging that the children were
dependent pursuant to R.C. 2151.04(B)/(C). In addition to concerns previously
mentioned related to Melissa’s inability to care for the children and domestic
violence between Melissa and Tyriece, the complaints cited concerns with drug
trafficking in the home.
1
Rhonda had actually cared for Melissa’s oldest child, now an adult, while Melissa was in prison.
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{¶9} A Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) was appointed for the children and
attorneys were appointed for each parent individually.
{¶10} On July 5, 2016, case plans were filed seeking to provide the children
with a safe and stable environment. The case plans also had goals of, inter alia,
making Melissa and Tyriece understand how violence and drug use negatively
impacted the children. Notably, the case plans stated that the parents had both tested
positive for drugs in recent screenings, specifically THC and cocaine. Despite
testing positive, Melissa denied using cocaine.
{¶11} On August 5, 2016, an adjudicatory hearing was held before a
magistrate. At the hearing, Melissa and Tyriece each consented to a finding of
dependency for the children pursuant to R.C. 2151.04(B) and (C). The magistrate
found that reasonable efforts had been made toward reunification. The cases were
set for a dispositional hearing on August 26, 2016.
{¶12} On August 19, 2016, prior to the scheduled dispositional hearing, the
GAL filed a written report. The GAL conducted an investigation and at the time of
the report Melissa had not completed the “Choose Your Partner Carefully” course
and Melissa had five positive drug screens. Melissa had no income and was
awaiting approval for social security disability benefits. The report stated that
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although Tyriece and Melissa argued often, and had previously separated, they had
now moved back in together and had actually recently gotten married.2
{¶13} The GAL noted that concerns had been brought to the Agency that
Tyriece was trafficking drugs—Tyriece and Melissa were codefendants in a 2003
drug case. The GAL also noted that the children were bonded together, that they
should not be separated, and that Melissa’s health was improving. The GAL
recommended that the children stay in Gale’s temporary custody based on Melissa’s
inability to multitask or care for the children without assistance from others.
{¶14} On August 26, 2016, a dispositional hearing was held before a
magistrate wherein it was determined that temporary custody of the children would
remain with Gale. Tyriece and Melissa were given supervised parenting time.
{¶15} On September 29, 2016, the trial court filed judgment entries adopting
the magistrate’s dependency adjudications of the children pursuant to R.C.
2151.04(B) and (C). In addition, on the same date the trial court filed judgment
entries adopting the magistrate’s dispositional recommendation of temporary
custody to Gale, finding that it was in the children’s best interests.
{¶16} On February 23, 2017, a motion for contempt was filed against Tyriece
for continuing to have positive drug screens.
2
Melissa would later claim the marriage was on advice of counsel.
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{¶17} On April 27, 2017, the Agency filed a motion requesting
modification/termination of the trial court’s dispositional order for the children.
Specifically, the Agency requested that legal custody be granted to Gale with the
parents retaining residual rights and that the trial court terminate services by the
Agency.
{¶18} Amended case plans were filed seeking to provide the children with a
safe and stable environment. Statements in the case plans indicated that Tyriece had
taken twelve drug screens since June of 2016: one was negative for all substances,
six were positive for marijuana, three were positive for cocaine, and two were
positive for marijuana and cocaine. As for Melissa, she had taken eleven drug
screens since June of 2016, two were positive for cocaine only, one for marijuana
only, one for cocaine and marijuana, and seven tests were negative.
{¶19} On May 8, 2017, the GAL filed a report recommending that legal
custody be awarded to Gale as the children were bonded with her, there were drug
issues with the parents, and there were safety concerns with the parents related to
domestic violence.
{¶20} Also on May 8, 2017, the magistrate held a hearing on the contempt
motion against Tyriece wherein Tyriece admitted to being in contempt of court for
his positive drug screens. The magistrate’s finding of contempt was adopted by the
trial court. The matter was set for sentencing at a later date.
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{¶21} The magistrate then set a hearing for “First Annual Review,” for
sentencing on Tyriece’s contempt, and for the Agency’s motion for modification of
disposition on August 9, 2017.
{¶22} On July 27, 2017, Melissa filed motions for modification of
disposition requesting that the children be reunited with her.
{¶23} On August 2, 2017, the GAL filed another report recommending that
the children be placed in Gale’s legal custody. The report stated that while Melissa
had made progress with items in her case plan, there were still issues of domestic
violence, verbal abuse, threats, and drugs. In fact, the GAL indicated that Tyriece
had stated he would continue to use marijuana. Melissa’s adult daughter also
expressed concerns with Melissa’s ability to care for the children. The GAL noted
that on some of the supervised visits with the children Melissa spent much of the
time on her cell phone. The children also stated that they had seen Tyriece “push”
Melissa down.
{¶24} Although subpoenas had been issued, witness lists had been
exchanged, and the motions for modification of disposition were set to be heard on
August 9, 2017, a series of continuances delayed the start of the hearing and its
ultimate conclusion. At the August 9, 2017 hearing, Tyriece’s counsel requested
that the matter be continued due to a death in counsel’s family. The matter was
continued to October 25, 2017.
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{¶25} On October 13, 2017, Tyriece filed a handwritten motion requesting a
new attorney.
{¶26} On October 16, 2017, the GAL filed a motion to withdraw because she
had accepted a position with the Social Security Administration. The GAL’s motion
was granted and a new GAL was appointed for the children.
{¶27} On October 23, 2017, Tyriece’s attorney filed a motion to withdraw.
{¶28} On October 25, 2017, the date the disposition modification hearing
was rescheduled for, the new GAL requested a continuance to complete her
investigation. Tyriece’s attorney was also permitted to withdraw and a new attorney
was appointed for him. The case was then rescheduled again for hearing on
December 7, 2017, and December 14, 2017.
{¶29} On December 1, 2017, mother filed an amended motion for
placement/legal custody of the children.3
{¶30} On December 7, 2017, the first day of the hearing on the motions to
modify disposition was held.4 At the hearing the Agency first presented the
testimony of a caseworker involved with the matter. Aside from the issues already
mentioned herein regarding Melissa’s stroke, the bathtub/kitchen incident, and the
domestic violence accusations, the caseworker testified that Tyriece had made a
3
At one point, Tyriece also filed to be legal custodian of the children; however, he withdrew that motion.
4
The hearing was also for a first annual review and for sentencing of Tyriece’s contempt; however, neither
of those issues are subject to this appeal so we will not further address them.
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video of his four-year old son driving a car on his paternal uncle’s lap during a
supervised visitation, which the caseworker stated was inappropriate and unsafe.
{¶31} In addition, the caseworker testified that she stopped meeting with
Tyriece and Melissa at their home because the caseworker felt Tyriece had made
threats to her. The caseworker stated that while conducting a drug screen of the
parents at their residence, Tyriece made the statement that, “I wish I could get away
with murder, because I would pop you mother fuckers.” (Dec. 7, 2017, Tr. at 17).
The caseworker also stated that after she was leaving court on one occasion she
walked in front of Tyriece’s parked car and he revved the engine. In addition, the
caseworker testified that Melissa’s adult daughter had stated that Melissa and
Tyriece were selling drugs out of their home.
{¶32} The caseworker noted that Melissa had made progress on the case
plan, especially since she had no failed drug tests since May of 2017. In addition,
the caseworker testified to numerous classes that Melissa and Tyriece had
completed. They also had complied with attending counseling. Nevertheless, the
caseworker did not feel that the parents had reduced the level of risk to the children.
The caseworker thought the children were doing well with Gale, that they were
involved in activities, and that they were bonded with Gale, having been with Gale
for well in excess of a year.
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{¶33} The Agency also presented Gale’s testimony. Gale testified as to the
children’s living and sleeping arrangements. She indicated that she had moved with
the children since this case began because her home since 1995 had been foreclosed
upon.
{¶34} Gale testified that she had known Melissa since Melissa was ten, and
that Melissa once called her mother or mom. Gale testified that Melissa had healed
from the stroke but Melissa was not the same—not as alert. Gale testified that
Melissa and Tyriece had been using drugs since she had known them. Gale detailed
an incident wherein the parents went to her place of employment and told the
employer that Gale was ruining the parents’ lives, which caused Gale to nearly be
fired.
{¶35} Gale testified that Melissa and Tyriece only wanted the children when
they wanted them, not all the time. She testified that she was willing to serve as
legal guardian, and to facilitate a relationship between the children and their parents.
She testified that while the children loved their parents it was not in their best
interests to be around them. Following Gale’s testimony, the Agency rested its case.
As the parents still had yet to present their cases, the hearing was continued to a
second day.
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{¶36} Melissa filed a motion to continue the second day of the hearing as her
counsel had a personal family emergency and was out of town. That motion was
granted.
{¶37} On January 3, 2018, the Agency filed a motion for leave to reopen its
direct examination on the basis that there had been a new arrest of Tyriece on
December 16, 2017, for domestic violence perpetrated against Melissa. The
Agency’s motion was granted.
{¶38} On February 9, 2018, Melissa’s attorney filed a motion to withdraw
stating that there was a substantial departure of opinion and the attorney believed he
was ethically obligated to withdraw. He was permitted to withdraw, a new attorney
was appointed for Melissa, and the matter was continued.
{¶39} On April 17, 2018, the GAL filed a motion for an in camera interview
of the oldest child, A.C.
{¶40} On April 24, 2018, the matter proceeded to the second day of the
hearing on the motions to modify the dispositional order. At the hearing, the
Agency’s caseworker provided additional testimony about the domestic violence
incident between Tyriece and Melissa that allegedly occurred on December 16,
2017. Tyriece had allegedly strangled Melissa while Melissa’s friend was present.
Melissa wrote a statement to police at the scene, but she did not mention or
acknowledge any violence; rather, the choking incident was relayed by Melissa’s
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friend. Despite officers noting red marks on Melissa’s neck consistent with the
statement of Melissa’s friend who had allegedly observed Tyriece choke Melissa,
the charges against Tyriece were dismissed at Melissa’s request.
{¶41} However, the Agency caseworker testified that while the criminal case
was pending against Tyriece, part of Tyriece’s bond prevented him from having
contact with Melissa. Testimony indicated that Tyriece violated that order multiple
times, including through Melissa’s facilitation.
{¶42} Nevertheless, the Agency caseworker testified that Melissa was no
longer residing with Tyriece, and that she may have been seeking a divorce. Melissa
had her own residence, which was suitable for the children. However, the
caseworker testified that Melissa was not demonstrating the skills learned in the
classes she had completed because she continued to let questionable individuals
around her children. The caseworker detailed an incident where during a visit to
Melissa’s home an individual was present relaxing on Melissa’s bed who had a
significant criminal history. In addition, the caseworker testified that a law
enforcement unit had confirmed allegations made to the Agency that drug sales had
occurred at Melissa and Tyriece’s residence, though no charges were filed. (April
24, 2018, Tr. at 65). The Agency maintained that the children should be placed in
Gale’s legal custody. The Agency then rested its case.
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{¶43} Melissa presented the testimony of multiple friends and people who
had supervised her visitation with the children. The testimony indicated that while
Melissa was significantly impaired by the stroke initially, she had recovered to
between 90 to 99 percent, depending on who was testifying. Melissa actually rated
herself among the lowest of those who testified, at 90 percent recovered. It was not
clear from the testimony in what area(s) she had yet to recover. The individuals
supervising Melissa’s visitation testified that Melissa was a great, loving mother and
that she could care for the children.
{¶44} Melissa testified on her own behalf that she had a home that was
largely paid for through MET housing,5 and that she was receiving $749 per month
in social security disability benefits. She indicated that if the children were returned
to her care she would receive over $600 monthly in food stamps. Melissa testified
that she was done with Tyriece and that she was seeking a divorce due to mental
abuse and infidelity. Melissa testified that Tyriece was having a child with another
woman and that she did not have to rely on him financially anymore.
{¶45} Melissa had tested clean on all of her drug tests for over a year. She
criticized Gale’s care of the children, stating that the children were not clean and
that they smelled when she received them for her supervised parenting time. In
addition, Melissa testified that Gale’s husband had exhibited racism, and Melissa
5
Melissa testified that her rent was $660 per month and that she paid $71 of it.
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thought that he drank to excess. With all these issues in mind, Melissa maintained
she was able to provide secure and adequate housing for the children, so they should
be returned to her.
{¶46} Although Melissa was reserved regarding domestic violence
allegations, she did acknowledge it was a problem, and she testified about one
incident wherein she jumped on the hood of a car to try to stop Tyriece from taking
it and Tyriece sped up while Melissa was on top of it, causing her to fall off and be
injured.
{¶47} Melissa also presented Gale’s testimony, wherein Gale revealed that
she had moved again, thus living in three residences since the children had been
placed in her care. Gale worked at a gas station approximately thirty hours per
week. She was married, but her husband was in and out of the home, at times staying
with one of their children.
{¶48} There were accusations made that Gale’s husband consumed a
significant amount of alcohol and that he had made racist statements in the past.
Gale testified that her husband had never made a racial slur in the presence of the
bi-racial children, and that her husband’s problems were largely with Tyriece. Gale
denied any drinking issues with her husband, though she acknowledged that he had
an alcohol-related conviction in the past.
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{¶49} Melissa’s mother, Rhonda, was not available to testify on the second
day of the hearing due to having surgery, so the hearing was continued to a third
day, set for June of 2018.
{¶50} Prior to the final day of the hearing, the new GAL filed a report and
recommendation that the children should be returned to Melissa’s care. The GAL
cited issues with Gale’s husband drinking and using inappropriate racial language,
and she also cited the children being whipped with a paddle by Gale as excessive
punishment. The GAL indicated that Melissa had done everything asked of her in
the case plan.
{¶51} On June 8, 2018, an in camera interview was held of A.C., the oldest
child of Melissa and Tyriece. A.C. was seven years old at the time. A transcript of
that interview was produced, and in the interview A.C. stated that there was nothing
she would change about her “grandma” Gale’s residence, and nothing she would
change about her mother’s residence. A.C. stated that she wanted to remain in
school where she was; however, she would prefer to stay with her mother or at least
see her mother more often. A.C. also stated that if she had her way she would not
live with her brothers because they did not get along when they were picking
television shows to watch.
{¶52} The final day of the hearing on the motions for modification of
disposition was held before a magistrate on June 13, 2018. At the hearing, Melissa’s
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mother, Rhonda, who had supervised many of Melissa’s visits with her children,
provided testimony that Melissa was approximately 92 percent recovered from her
stroke. Rhonda testified that the children had made accusations of Gale’s husband
using the “n-word” and that Gale’s husband had tried to feed the children dog food.
Rhonda testified that she was aware of the domestic violence in the home between
Tyriece and Melissa.
{¶53} The GAL also provided testimony at the final hearing, indicating that
while she believed Gale would ensure that the children were cared for the GAL was
not certain Gale would foster a good relationship between the children and Melissa.
The GAL reiterated her written recommendation that the children be returned to
Melissa’s care. After the Agency called the caseworker on rebuttal, the matter was
submitted for decision.
{¶54} On June 20, 2018, the GAL filed a report with “additional
considerations.” In the report the GAL called Melissa a “hero” and reiterated her
recommendation that the children be placed with Melissa. However, the GAL did
note that she was unsure what life will look like for the children if they were returned
to Melissa because she had not received enough visitation and that the visitation was
supervised.
{¶55} On October 26, 2018, the magistrate filed its decision in this matter
granting legal custody of the children to Gale, denying Melissa’s motion for
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custody, and terminating the Agency’s involvement. The magistrate conducted an
extensive review of the case in its decision, reviewing the Agency’s involvement,
Melissa’s progress with the case plan, the children’s bond with Gale, and the
decisions of Melissa over the preceding years. The magistrate reviewed all the
testimony presented and made credibility findings, in particular finding one of
Melissa’s witnesses not to be credible at all. The magistrate also believed that
Melissa and Tyriece would continue to have a relationship despite Melissa living on
her own at the conclusion of court involvement. The magistrate noted that it did
have some concern with Gale’s husband; however, on balance, by a preponderance
of the evidence, the magistrate felt that the children should be placed in Gale’s legal
custody, with the parents maintaining residual rights. Melissa’s parenting time was
increased from where it had been.
{¶56} On November 6, 2018, Melissa filed objections to the magistrate’s
decision. After transcripts of the hearing were produced and filed, Melissa
supplemented her objections on February 25, 2019.
{¶57} On March 4, 2019, the GAL filed a “report” to the trial court joining
in Melissa’s objections, stating that the Agency failed to make reasonable efforts to
support reunification.
{¶58} On March 11, 2019, the Agency filed a response to the objections
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{¶59} On April 2, 2019, the trial court filed an entry analyzing the objections
that had been made to the magistrate’s decision. The trial court grouped the
objections made into two primary categories: 1) the magistrate erred by finding that
the Agency made reasonable efforts to reunify Melissa with the children; and 2) the
magistrate erred by finding that it was in the children’s best interests for Gale to be
awarded legal custody.
{¶60} Dealing first with the efforts made by the Agency to foster
reunification, the trial court listed the extensive services that had been conducted in
this case by the Agency and concluded that the Agency was not required to make
all efforts, just reasonable efforts to support reunification, and that had been done
here.
{¶61} Nevertheless, the trial court did note that it was troubled by the length
of time it took to complete the final hearing on the motions to modify disposition.
Because so long had passed, the trial court stated that it did not have authority to
extend temporary custody any longer since the children had already been in Gale’s
temporary custody for over two years. Thus the only options before the trial court
were to award Gale legal custody or to return the children to Melissa.
{¶62} The trial court then addressed the issue of whether it was in the
children’s best interests for Gale to be granted legal custody or for the children to
be returned to Melissa. The trial court stated that in its independent review and
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analysis the magistrate properly determined the factual issues and appropriately
applied the law. The trial court made factual findings leading to its decision.6 The
trial court did make some modifications to Gale’s discretion regarding the exercise
of parenting time by Melissa and Tyriece. Aside from these modifications, the trial
court overruled the objections to the magistrate’s decision.
{¶63} On April 8, 2019, final judgment entries were filed placing the
children in the legal custody of Gale. It is from these judgments that Melissa
appeals, asserting the following assignments of error for our review.7
Assignment of Error No. 1
The trial court committed prejudicial error in awarding legal
custody of the minor children to the temporary custodian
contrary to the best interests of the children.
Assignment of Error No. 2
The trial court committed prejudicial error in finding that the
Allen County Children Services Board made reasonable efforts
for the children to return to the custody of the Appellant.
{¶64} We elect to address the assignments of error out of the order in which
they were raised.
6
The GAL was particularly concerned with Gale’s use of corporal punishment, but the magistrate and the
trial court both found that there was no evidence of punishment that was excessive or abusive. The GAL
also acknowledged in her testimony that Gale was learning that punishing the children by taking away their
tablets was more effective in any event.
7
Tyriece did not file an appeal in this matter.
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Second Assignment of Error
{¶65} In Melissa’s second assignment of error, she argues that the trial court
erred by finding that the Agency had made reasonable efforts to return the children
to Melissa’s custody.
Relevant Authority
{¶66} Section 2151.419(A)(1) of the Revised Code governs reasonable
efforts by a public children services agency “to prevent the removal of the child
from the child’s home, to eliminate the continued removal of the child from the
child’s home, or to make it possible for the child to return safely home.” The agency
has the burden of proving that it has made those reasonable efforts. In re B.P., 3d
Dist. Logan No. 8–15–07, 2015–Ohio–5445, ¶ 39.
{¶67} “ ‘Reasonable efforts means that a children’s services agency must act
diligently and provide services appropriate to the family’s need to prevent the
child’s removal or as a predicate to reunification.’ ” In re H.M.K., 3d Dist. Wyandot
Nos. 16–12–15 and 16–12–16, 2013–Ohio–4317, ¶ 95, quoting In re D.A., 6th Dist.
Lucas No. L–11–1197, 2012–Ohio–1104, ¶ 30. “ ‘Reasonable efforts’ does not
mean all available efforts. Otherwise, there would always be an argument that one
more additional service, no matter how remote, may have made reunification
possible.” Id., quoting In re M.A.P., 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2012–08–164 and
CA2012–08–165, 2013–Ohio–655, ¶ 47. “ ‘Nevertheless, the issue is not whether
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there was anything more that [the agency] could have done, but whether the
[agency’s] case planning and efforts were reasonable and diligent under the
circumstances of this case.’ ” In re A.M.A., 3d Dist. Crawford No. 3–1302, 2013–
Ohio–3779, ¶ 29, quoting In re Leveck, 3d Dist. Hancock Nos. 5–02–52, 5–02–53,
and 5–02–54, 2003–Ohio–1269, ¶ 10. “We also note that the statute provides that
in determining whether reasonable efforts were made, the child’s health and safety
is paramount.” Id., citing R.C. 2151.419(A)(1); In re J.B., 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-15-
79, 2016-Ohio-2670, ¶ 44.
Analysis
{¶68} The magistrate in this case initially reviewed the Agency’s case
planning efforts and found that the Agency had exercised reasonable efforts to
support reunification. Melissa and the GAL objected to the magistrate’s decision,
and the trial court conducted an independent review of the matter and determined
as follows.
Here, the initial case plan approved and adopted by the Court’s
Entry dated September 29, 2016 incorporated a goal of
reunification with a parent. The services contained in the case
plan included case management, general counseling, referral of
both parents to complete the ACT parent education course,
referral of both parents for joint counseling at Coleman
Professional Services, referral of the Mother for domestic violence
and substance abuse education, referral of the Mother to
complete the Choose Your Partner Carefully program, random
drug screens for both parents, and referral of the Father to
complete a domestic violence inventory and follow all
recommendations. These services were designed to address a
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history of several domestic violence calls involving the Father’s
reported abuse of the Mother, and a history of substance abuse
by both parents. Under the case plan, both parents were also to
establish and maintain an appropriate residence with working
utilities, and to secure a legal source of income to provide for the
children’s basic needs. The Court finds that the services provided
by the Board, along with those referrals to other agencies,
constitute reasonable case planning and diligent efforts to address
the concerns raised early in the case and identified in the
complaint.
(1-19-20, Doc. No. 188).
{¶69} On appeal, Melissa argues that the trial court erred because there was
clear evidence that she worked “through a long road to recovery to create a stable
environment for the children.” (Appt.’s Br. at 17). She contends that although she
initially had issues with her health and with positive drug screens, she worked the
case plan and completed all the required steps, including separating from Tyriece.
Melissa argues that given all she had accomplished, the Agency failed to make
reasonable efforts to facilitate the return of the children to her, particularly since the
Agency did not allow Melissa to “graduate” from supervised visitation to
unsupervised visitation. (Id.)
{¶70} Notably, after Melissa had her stroke, she was significantly impaired,
thus during the early pendency of this case, after the children were placed with Gale,
the Agency had good cause to recommend supervised visitation. As Melissa’s
health improved to the point where perhaps she could have exercised unsupervised
visitation, she tested positive numerous times for various drugs, and she was still
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testing positive for drugs on some screens up until the Agency filed its motions for
modification of disposition. There were also continued reports to the Agency of
drug trafficking in the home, and reports of domestic violence, which led to yet
another domestic violence charge against Tyriece in December of 2017. Although
there was a witness to this alleged incident, Melissa requested that the charges be
dismissed, and denied that anything occurred at all.
{¶71} Melissa’s own repeated poor judgment delayed her hopes of
unsupervised visitation, not the Agency’s lack of diligence. It is clear from this case
that the Agency connected Melissa and Tyriece to a number of services. Melissa
utilized the services provided and completed a number of classes and counseling.
She also undertook drug screens as requested. In fact, the services provided by the
Agency did seem to have some positive impact on Melissa by virtue of her clean
drug screens and financial independence. However, by the time Melissa had done
these things, the children had been with Gale for two years and they were in need
of legally secure placement.
{¶72} In addition, Melissa continued to show poor judgment through her
inability to demonstrate some of the things she had been taught in the classes that
were provided by the Agency, such as looking into the background of the
individuals in her life to see who was appropriate to have around her children.
Melissa had wanted a friend named Deanna Green to move in with her, though
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Deanna was supposed to remain at a specific residence as a condition of bond on a
pending criminal case in Defiance, Ohio. Deanna Green also had a history with
children’s services agencies. Melissa told the Agency she was not aware she could
look into Deanna’s background, which the magistrate determined was a display of
Melissa’s inability to actually implement what she was learning in the classes she
took. Melissa also had a man at her residence named Martrevius Burns during an
unscheduled visit by the Agency. Burns had a history with the Agency including
reports of unwanted sexual contact. Burns also had drug possession history.
Melissa stated she did not look into Burns’ background because he was just at her
residence one time to move a washing machine; however, the caseworker saw Burns
relaxing on Melissa’s bed upstairs during the unscheduled visit and the magistrate
specifically did not believe Melissa’s testimony on this issue. Further bad judgment
was shown as Melissa worked around her supervised visitation time by visiting the
children while they were with a babysitter without asking Gale.
{¶73} Ohio Appellate Courts have determined that “where the evidence
establishes that the agency provided services designed to alleviate the problem that
led to the child’s removal, made diligent efforts to assist the parents in remedying
the problem, and attempted to transition the child back into the family home, the
agency has proven reasonable efforts.” In re P.S., 5th Dist. Stark No. 2012CA00007,
2012-Ohio-3431, ¶ 26, citing In re K.R., 5th Dist. Stark App. No.2009 CA 00061,
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Case Nos. 1-19-20, 1-19-21, 1-19-22
2009–Ohio–4350. In this case the Agency employed numerous services and we
cannot find that simply because Melissa was unsuccessful in being reunited with her
children that the Agency’s efforts were less than reasonable. In re H.M.K., 3d Dist.
Wyandot Nos. 16-12-15, 16-12-16, 2013-Ohio-4317, ¶ 95, quoting In re D.A., 6th
Dist. Lucas No. L-11-1197, 2012-Ohio-1104, ¶ 30. As the law states, the Agency
was not required to engage in all efforts, rather, reasonable efforts. See, e.g., In re
J.B., 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-15-79, 2016-Ohio-2670, ¶ 44. On the basis of the record
before us, we cannot find that the trial court erred in determining that reasonable
efforts were exercised in this case. Therefore, Melissa’s second assignment of error
is overruled.
First Assignment of Error
{¶74} In Melissa’s first assignment of error, she argues that the trial court
erred by finding that it was in the children’s best interests to award legal custody
to Gale.
Relevant Authority
{¶75} The Ohio Revised Code defines “legal custody” as a
legal status that vests in the custodian the right to have physical
care and control of the child and to determine where and with
whom the child shall live, and the right and duty to protect, train,
and discipline the child and to provide the child with food, shelter,
education, and medical care, all subject to any residual parental
rights, privileges, and responsibilities. An individual granted
legal custody shall exercise the rights and responsibilities
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personally unless otherwise authorized by any section of the
Revised Code or by the court.
R.C. 2151.011(B)(21).
{¶76} “[T]he award of legal custody is ‘not as drastic a remedy as permanent
custody.’ ” In re J.B., 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-15-79, 2016-Ohio-2670, ¶ 32, quoting
In re L.D., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 12AP–985, 2013–Ohio–3214, ¶ 7. This is
because the award of legal custody does not divest parents of their residual parental
rights, privileges, and responsibilities. In re C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006–Ohio–
1191, ¶ 17. Since the granting of legal custody does not divest a parent of his or her
fundamental parental rights, the parent can generally petition the court for a custody
modification in the future. In re L.D. at ¶ 7.
{¶77} “In such a case, a parent’s right to regain custody is not permanently
foreclosed.” In re B.P., 3d Dist. Logan No. 8–15–07, 2015–Ohio–5445, ¶ 19,
citing In re M.J.M., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 94130, 2010–Ohio–1674, ¶ 12. For this
reason, unlike in a permanent custody proceeding where a juvenile court’s standard
of review is by clear and convincing evidence, the standard the trial court uses in
making its determination in a legal custody proceeding is the less restrictive “
‘preponderance of the evidence .’ ” In re B.P., ¶ 19, quoting In re M.J.M at ¶ 9,
citing In re Nice, 141 Ohio App.3d 445, 455 (7th Dist.2001). “ ‘Preponderance of
the evidence’ ” means evidence that is more probable, more persuasive, or of greater
probative value. In re M.G., 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-18-54, 2019-Ohio-906, ¶ 7,
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Case Nos. 1-19-20, 1-19-21, 1-19-22
quoting In re J.B., 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-15-79, 2016-Ohio-2670, ¶ 33, citing In re C
.V.M., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98340, 2012–Ohio–5514, ¶ 7. In a dispositional
hearing involving legal custody, the focus is on the best interest of the child. In re
P.S., 5th Dist. Stark No. 2012CA00007, 2012-Ohio-3431, ¶ 31, citing In re
C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006–Ohio–1191, ¶ 10; In re B.P., at ¶ 19.
{¶78} In considering a disposition of legal custody, R.C. 2151.353(A)(3)
does not list specific factors a court should consider in deciding what is in the child’s
best interest. In re B.P., 3d Dist. Logan No. 8–15–07, 2015–Ohio–5445, ¶ 20,
citing In re N.P., 9th Dist. Summit No. 21707, 2004–Ohio–110, ¶ 23, citing In re
Fulton, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2002–09–236, 2003–Ohio–5984, ¶ 11. Although
there is no specific test or set of criteria that must be followed in determining what
is in a child’s best interest in a legal custody case, other appellate courts have held
that the R.C. 2151.414(D) factors may be “instructive.” See, e.g., In re Howland
Children, 5th Dist. Stark No.2015CA00113, 2015–Ohio–3862, ¶ 7; In re D.T., 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 100970, 100971, 2014–Ohio–4818, ¶ 20. These factors
include: the interaction of the child with the child’s parents, relatives and caregivers;
the wishes of the child, as expressed directly by the child or through the child’s
GAL; the custodial history of the child; and the child’s need for a legally secure
permanent placement. R.C. 2151.414(D). Some courts also consider the factors
contained in R.C. 3109.04(F)(1). In addition to the other related factors already
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listed herein, R.C. 3109.04(F)(1) includes factors such as who is more likely to
facilitate parenting time and the mental and physical health of all involved.
{¶79} A trial court’s decision to grant or deny a motion for legal custody is
within its sound discretion and will not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion. In
re B.P., supra, at ¶ 21. An abuse of discretion implies that the court’s decision was
unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d
217, 219 (1983).
Analysis
{¶80} In this case, Melissa argues that the evidence presented to the
magistrate was compelling for reunification of her with her children. She claims
she had made significant progress with her case plan, that she had ended her
relationship with Tyriece, recovered from her stroke, obtained secure housing, and
become financially independent. She notes that the GAL also supported
reunification. In addition, Melissa claims there were issues with Gale as Gale had
moved multiple times since the children had been in her care and there were
questions about Gale’s willingness to facilitate a relationship between Melissa and
the children.
{¶81} In our own review of the matter, the evidence is abundantly clear that
the magistrate and the trial court were not left with a clear “best” option for a
disposition. By the time the trial court was reviewing the magistrate’s decision, the
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Case Nos. 1-19-20, 1-19-21, 1-19-22
children had been in Gale’s temporary custody for over two years and there was no
opportunity to extend temporary custody. Regardless, it was clear that the children
were in need of legally secure placement.
{¶82} The evidence did show that Melissa had made significant strides since
the inception of this case, first and foremost with her health. However, it was never
detailed in what capacity she still remained less than 100 percent of what she was
previously, or in what area(s) she remained deficient, aside from some speech issues
that were mentioned.
{¶83} Notwithstanding this point, it was Melissa’s delayed progress on the
case plan that led to the Agency filing for a motion for change of disposition seeking
legal custody to be placed with Gale. Melissa and Tyriece repeatedly tested positive
for multiple drugs and their tumultuous relationship continued to cause issues. In
addition, there remained accusations of drug trafficking in their home.
{¶84} It was only after a significant time had passed that Melissa and Tyriece
both began to have negative drug screens, thus Melissa was again improving.
However, after this improvement, there was the alleged domestic violence incident
in December of 2017. Melissa denied that anything happened, and requested that
the charges be dismissed, which was consistent with her pattern of downplaying any
abuse—though she did finally admit at the hearing that she had at least suffered
mental abuse from Tyriece. She also acknowledged, at least in passing that there
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Case Nos. 1-19-20, 1-19-21, 1-19-22
were issues with domestic violence, stating that Tyriece had been charged three or
four times but was not convicted because she did not go to court.8 (Apr. 24, 2018,
Tr. at 248, 252). Numerous witnesses testified to a history of domestic violence
between Melissa and Tyriece.
{¶85} Nevertheless, regardless of what actually happened in December of
2017, while Tyriece was on bond for the charges, Melissa had contact with him
multiple times despite a no contact order, further emphasizing her bad judgment
since she initiated at least one of the contacts.9 In fact, the magistrate explicitly
stated that she believed that after the court case was done Melissa and Tyriece would
continue to have a relationship even though Melissa testified to the contrary since
they had a seventeen year history of splitting and reuniting.
{¶86} As to the second GAL’s recommendation in this case that the children
should be returned to Melissa, the first GAL recommended on multiple occasions
that legal custody be granted to Gale. Moreover, the second GAL in this case did
unequivocally state that she believed Gale would ensure that the children were safe,
secure, and cared for. As the law states, the determination in a legal custody matter
is on what is in the children’s best interest and this would support the trial court’s
8
She claims she was never subpoenaed so she never went to court.
9
Notably, “no statute requires a finding of parental unfitness as a prerequisite to an award of legal custody
in cases where a child is adjudged abused, neglected, or dependent.” In re C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006-
Ohio-1191, ¶ 21 (2006)
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determination. See In re B.P., 3d Dist. Logan No. 8–15–07, 2015–Ohio–5445, ¶ 19,
citing In re C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006–Ohio–1191, ¶ 10. Further, the second
GAL also stated that she was unaware of an incident of Melissa taking the children
over to Tyriece’s residence so Melissa could get money, which would have been
improper under the court orders. The GAL stated this would concern her.
{¶87} Moreover, the magistrate and the trial court were fully aware in this
case of the progress Melissa had made and the alleged issues with Gale’s husband
as the magistrate and the trial court mentioned them in their written analysis of the
issues. The magistrate reasoned, and the trial court accepted over general objection,
that the evidence did not establish that Gale’s husband drank to excess or used racial
slurs around the children and that, in any event, his role was limited in the care of
the children. Additionally, the trial court was persuaded by the children’s bond with
Gale, the amount of time the children had been with Gale, their need for legally
secure placement, and Melissa’s penchant to still show some bad judgment despite
her progress on other areas in the case plan. There was also clear emphasis in the
magistrate’s decision on safety and well-being of the minor children, which the
magistrate found to be in jeopardy if the children were returned to Melissa.
Furthermore, by all accounts the children seemed to be doing well in Gale’s care
and they were adjusted to their school in Waynesfield.
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{¶88} Child custody determinations are some of the most difficult and
agonizing decisions a trial court must make, thus we must give a trial court wide
latitude in its consideration of evidence. Carr v. Kaiser, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-
11-11, 2012-Ohio-2688, ¶ 25, citing Davis v. Flickinger, 77 Ohio St.3d 415 (1997).
Based on all of the evidence presented, we cannot find that the trial court abused its
discretion by finding by a preponderance of the evidence that legal custody of the
children should be awarded to Gale, with residual rights remaining with Melissa.
As the Supreme Court of Ohio has stated, because Melissa maintains residual rights,
she may “petition the court for a modification of custody” in the future. In re C.R.,
108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006–Ohio–1191, ¶ 17, citing In re Hockstok, 98 Ohio St.3d
238, 2002-Ohio-7208, ¶ 36. Therefore, Melissa’s first assignment of error is
overruled.
Conclusion
{¶89} For the foregoing reasons, Melissa’s assignments of error are
overruled and the judgments of the Allen County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile
Division, are affirmed.
Judgments Affirmed
WILLAMOWSKI and ZIMMERMAN, J.J., concur.
/jlr
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