In re M.T.

[Cite as In Re M.T., 2018-Ohio-3251.]
COURT OF APPEALS
RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
IN RE: M.T. : Hon. John W. Wise, P.J.
: Hon. W. Scott Gwin, J.
: Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
:
:
: Case No. 18-CA-32
:
:
: OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Civil appeal from the Richland County Court
of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, Case
No. 2017-DEP-00084
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: August 13, 2018
APPEARANCES:
For-Appellee For-Appellant
No appearance DARIN AVERY
Richland County Children Services 105 Sturges Avenue
731 Scholl Road Mansfield, OH 44903
Mansfield, OH 44907
[Cite as In Re M.T., 2018-Ohio-3251.]
Gwin, J.,
{¶1} Appellant-mother, B.S.1, appeals the finding of dependency of her minor
child M.T. entered on March 16, 2018 in the Richland County Court of Common Pleas,
Juvenile Court Division. Appellee the Richland County Children Services Board
[“RCCSB”] did not file a brief in this case.
Preface
{¶2} Appellee RCCSB did not file a brief in this matter. Pursuant to App.R. 18(C),
in determining the appeal, we may accept Appellant’s statement of the facts and issues
as correct, and reverse the judgment if Appellant’s brief reasonably appears to sustain
such action. See State v. S.H., 5th Dist. Guernsey No. 10CA000023, 2010-Ohio-5741,
¶17; State v. McLeod, 5th Dist. Knox No. 2011-CA-22, 2012-Ohio-1797, ¶2. Therefore,
we presume the validity of Appellant’s statement of facts and issues.
{¶3} We note, however, that a finding of delinquency by a juvenile court,
unaccompanied by any disposition thereof, is not a final appealable order. In Re:
Sekulich, 65 Ohio St. 2d 13, 14, 417 N.E.2d 1014(1981). The Dispositional Hearings took
place in this case on November 8, 2017, January 12, 2018 and March 22, 2018. See,
Magistrate’s Decision, filed Apr. 9, 2018 at 1[Docket Number 83]. Appellant’s Notice of
Appeal was filed in this case on April 11, 2018. Therefore, because there is a final
dispositional order in this case, the order is a final appealable order.
{¶4} Appellant’s Notice of Appeal in this case references only the March 16, 2018
decision of the trial court affirming the magistrate’s findings of fact and conclusions of law
1 For purposes of anonymity, initials designate appellant’s name only. See, e.g., In re C.C., Franklin App.
No. 07-AP-993, 2008-Ohio-2803 at ¶ 1, n.1. Counsel should adhere to Rule 45(D) of the Rules of Supt.
for Courts of Ohio concerning disclosure of personal identifiers.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 3
and adopting the magistrate’s decision concerning the dismissal and dependency. We
further note that Appellant only requested that the adjudicatory hearings be transcribed
in his Motion for a Transcript at State’s Expense filed April 18, 2018. Accordingly,
Appellant does not appeal the trial court’s final dispositional order concerning M.T.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶5} RCCSB filed complaints on May 4, 2017, alleging D.T. and his sibling, M.T.,
to be abused and dependent children, and their other siblings, R.T., J.T., S.K., and T.K.,
to be dependent children due to concerns of physical abuse by mother's paramour
stemming from an incident on January 17, 2017.
{¶6} Following that incident, mother had agreed to a voluntary safety plan placing
her children with her sister, the grandmother of two of the children, and a friend. On or
about May 12, 2017, mother gathered her children from those voluntary placements and
moved to Kentucky with the father of four of the children.
{¶7} On May 18, 2017, the trial court issued an ex parte order placing the children
in the temporary custody of RCCSB in response to a motion alleging that mother had fled.
On May 19, 2017, the trial court held a hearing at which it heard no evidence and on May
22, 2017, issued an order continuing the previous order of temporary custody to RCCSB.
The court in that entry found that RCCSB had made "barely and marginally reasonable"
efforts to reunify the children with mother. On May 20, 2017, representatives of RCCSB
went to Kentucky seeking the children, and Appellant voluntarily surrendered the children
to them. Appellant was served with the complaint on May 20, 2017, by residential service
at her home in Mansfield, Ohio.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 4
{¶8} On July 21, 2017, the magistrate heard testimony from Detective David
Scheurer of the Mansfield City Police Department; S. K., maternal aunt; N. H., family
friend and temporary caregiver; and Y. G. of Encompass Counseling Services.
{¶9} On August 29, 2017, and October 6, 2017, Appellant moved for dismissal
for failure to follow the time requirements of R.C. 2151.35(B).
{¶10} On August 31, 2017, the magistrate heard testimony from T. G., counselor
at Malabar Middle School; and B.P., A.H., and K.K., RCCSB caseworkers.
{¶11} On October 12, the magistrate heard testimony from Appellant, called to
testify by her counsel.
{¶12} On August 31, 2017, the magistrate, with the consent of all parties, admitted
into evidence RCCSB Exhibits A-1 through A-15 and B-1 through B-8, each being
photographs of the minor child and siblings. On October 12, 2017, with the consent of all
parties, the magistrate admitted into evidence RCCSB Exhibit C, being medical records
regarding Appellant from Urgent Care dated January 2, 2017. After the presentation of
evidence, the magistrate heard closing arguments from the parties.
{¶13} The following facts were found by the trial court based upon the hearings.
{¶14} M.T. (DOB December 12, 2006) has resided with Appellant for his life prior
to January 17, 2017. His father, J. T. also has resided with M.T. and Appellant for
substantial periods of the child's life.
{¶15} On or about January 16, 2017, Appellant's live-in paramour, W. D. beat
M.T.'s brother, D.T., inflicting significant injuries and resulting in D.T.'s hospitalization.
Appellant sent D.T. to school on January 17, 2017, taking no notice of his injuries. A
counselor and others at Malabar Middle School observed D.T.'s condition, including two
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 5
black eyes and numerous scratches on his neck and, with the help of Caseworker B.P.
arranged for appropriate medical attention.
{¶16} Shortly thereafter, Caseworker B.P. and Detective Scheurer arrived at
Appellant's home. Detective Scheurer arrested W.D. for domestic violence; and
Caseworker B.P. advised Appellant of D.T.'s injuries and hospitalization. D.T. initially told
those concerned that he was injured in a fight with M.T., a lie that W.D. instructed him to
tell. W.D. had instructed M.T. to engage in violence with another brother to make it appear
M.T. had been in a fight. In the process, M.T. suffered minor injuries that did not require
medical treatment. See, RCCB Exhibit’s B1 – B8.
{¶17} Appellant expressed concern over W.D.'s arrest and doubt that he had
injured D.T.; however, her reaction to D.T.'s injuries, even after she observed them, was
unusually muted. She claims that her illness limited her reaction to the abuse of her child
and the injuries he suffered; however, the medical report from Urgent Care of January 17,
2017 (RCCSB Exhibit C) indicates Appellant only suffered from a sinus infection.
{¶18} On January 17, 2017, RCCSB arranged placement of M.T. and his siblings
with S.K., N.H., a grandmother, and another individual pending further investigation. On
or about May 13, 2017, J.T. gathered M.T. and his siblings from their various placements,
ostensibly for a Mother's Day visit, although RCCSB did not sanction such a visit and was
not informed of it.
{¶19} On May 13 or 14, 2017, B.S. took control of all of the children and fled the
State of Ohio for the State of Kentucky. Appellant claimed that the flight was a spur-of-
the-moment decision based on concerns regarding her children's care in temporary
placements; however, the circumstances surrounding her departure, including renting a
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 6
U-Haul truck, arranging for a gentleman friend to drive it, obtaining the children's birth
certificates several days in advance, and packing up all of her household possessions all
indicate that her flight was planned in advance. B.S. indicated that she slipped away
while J.T. was sleeping. However, J.T.'s participation in gathering the children, the extent
of Appellant’s preparations for her departure, and the circumstances leading to
Appellant's reunion with J.T. in Kentucky indicate otherwise.
{¶20} On May 18, 2017, M.T. and his siblings were placed in the temporary
custody of RCCSB by Magistrate's Temporary Order. Shortly thereafter, RCCSB with the
assistance of S.K., N.H. and Kentucky law enforcement officials removed the children
from the care of Appellant and J.T. and returned them to safe placements Richland
County, Ohio.
{¶21} The testimony of S.K., N.H. and the various Children Services caseworkers
shows a history of abuse, inappropriate discipline and other rough treatment of M.T. and
his siblings by W.D., by Appellant's previous paramour, B. K., father of two of M.T.'s half
siblings, and others. These included severe discipline for minor offenses; tattoos
administered by W.D. without Appellant's consent; various police calls, including B.K.'s
arrest for domestic violence when he beat two of her sons with a belt; and Appellant's
previous flight to Georgia to escape an abusive relationship. Y.G. of Encompass
Counseling Services testified as to the behavioral problems of M.T. and his brothers and
of the "environmental stressors' in their home which could produce such problems.
{¶22} The Richland County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, in its
October 25, 2017, entry, overruled Appellant's motions to dismiss and found all six
children dependent and M.T. and D.T. abused.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 7
{¶23} Appellant timely objected to the magistrate’s decisions regarding
dependency, abuse, and mother's motion to dismiss. The trial court overruled Appellant's
objections by entry dated March 16, 2018.
Assignment of Errors
{¶24} Appellant raises five assignments of error,
{¶25} “I. THE COURT SHOULD HAVE DISMISSED THE CASE ON MOTHER'S
MOTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORC 2151.35(B).
{¶26} “II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING ABUSE UNDER 2151.031(C)
ORC 2151.031(D) OF TWO OF THE MINOR CHILDREN.
{¶27} “III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING DEPENDENCY OF ANY OF
THE CHILDREN.
{¶28} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN REMOVING THE CHILDREN FROM
THEIR HOME AND CONTINUING THE REMOVAL OF THEM FROM THEIR HOME.
{¶29} “V. ORC 2151.031(C) IS UNCONSTITUTIONALLY OVER BROAD AND
UNCONSTITUTIONAL AS APPLIED.”
I.
{¶30} In the First Assignment of Error, Appellant contends the Court should have
dismissed the case on Appellant’s motion in accordance with RC 2151.35(B)(1).
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW.
{¶31} Appellant’s argument centers on an issue of law, not the discretion of the
trial court. In other words, Appellants contends that R.C. 2151.35(B)(1) mandates
dismissal where a trial court fails to hold a dispositional hearing within 90-days of the
filing of a complaint in a dependency action.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 8
{¶32} “‘When a court’s judgment is based on an erroneous interpretation of the
law, an abuse-of-discretion standard is not appropriate. See Swartzentruber v. Orrville
Grace Brethren Church, 163 Ohio App. 3d 96, 2005-Ohio-4264, 836 N.E.2d 619, ¶ 6;
Huntsman v. Aultman Hosp., 5th Dist. No. 2006 CA 00331, 2008-Ohio-2554, 2008 WL
2572598, ¶ 50.’ Med. Mut. of Ohio v. Schlotterer, 122 Ohio St. 3d 181, 2009-Ohio-2496,
909 N.E.2d 1237, ¶ 13.” State v. Fugate, 117 Ohio St. 3d 261, 2008-Ohio-856, 883 N.E.2d
440, ¶6. Because the assignment of error involves the interpretation of a statute, which
is a question of law, we review the trial court’s decision de novo. Med. Mut. of Ohio v.
Schlotterer, 122 Ohio St. 3d 181, 2009-Ohio-2496, 909 N.E.2d 1237, ¶ 13; Accord, State
v. Pariag, 137 Ohio St. 3d 81, 2013-Ohio-4010, 998 N.E.2d 401, ¶ 9; Hurt v. Liberty
Township, Delaware County, OH, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 17 CAI 05 0031, 2017-Ohio-
7820, ¶ 31.
ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
1. Whether under Ohio law a trial court is required to dismiss a dependency case
when the trial court fails to hold the dispositional hearing within 90-days of the filing of
the Complaint.
{¶33} R.C. 2151.35(B)(1) provides in relevant part as follows,
If the dispositional hearing is not held within the period of time
required by this division, the court, on its own motion or the motion of any
party or the guardian ad litem of the child, shall dismiss the complaint
without prejudice.
Emphasis added. See, also, Juv.R. 34(A), with virtually identical language. Appellant’s
First Assignment of Error maintains that the statutory provisions of R.C. 2151.35 and
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 9
Juv.R. 34(A) mandates that the trial court dismiss a complaint of abuse, neglect or
dependency, when the dispositional hearing on the complaint is held later than ninety
days after the filing of the complaint. Appellant says that the time limit is jurisdictional and
cannot be waived.
{¶34} This Court has reversed cases on these grounds multiple times. In re
Chambers, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No. 2000AP080058, 2001 WL 278156 (Mar 15, 2001)
(holding that the language of R.C. 2151.35(B)(1) is mandatory and cannot be waived by
a party’s failure to object); Matter of Grimm, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No. CA-93-AP-060042,
1993 WL 544362(Dec. 16, 1993).
{¶35} We note that R.C. 2151.35(B)(1) permits the court to dismiss a case for
failure to hold the dispositional hearing within ninety days even if no party makes a motion.
Accordingly, it would seem that an analysis of a waiver of the time requirement for failure
of a party to raise the issue would be erroneous because the court itself can dismiss the
case in spite of the party’s failure to raise the issue. In other words, a motion by a party
to dismiss the case is not a prerequisite to the court’s power to dismiss the case for failure
to comply with the statute.
{¶36} That being said, we revisit the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision in In re Davis,
84 Ohio St. 3d 520, 705 N.E.2d 1219(1999). In that case, the issue was whether R.C.
2151.35(B)(3), which states that the court shall issue a judgment entry within seven days
after the dispositional hearing, is jurisdictional. The Court stated that the word “shall” is
usually mandatory, meaning that noncompliance results in a void judgment. Id. at 522,
705 N.E.2d 1219. However, the Court observed,
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 10
But, even with “shall” as the operative verb, a statutory time provision
may be directory. “As a general rule, a statute which provides a time for the
performance of an official duty will be construed as directory so far as time
for performance is concerned, especially where the statute fixes the time
simply for convenience or orderly procedure.” Id. at 472, 32 O.O. at 544,
66 N.E.2d at 534. This is so “unless the nature of the act to be performed
or the phraseology of the statute or of other statutes relating to the same
subject-matter is such that the designation of time must be considered a
limitation upon the power of the officer.” State ex rel. Smith v. Barnell
(1924), 109 Ohio St. 246, 255, 142 N.E. 611, 613.
The statute reviewed here fits the general Farrar [146 Ohio St. 467,
471-472, 66 N.E.2d 531 (1946)] rule for construing that statute as directory;
it is a time restriction on the performance of an official duty. And, the
language and purpose of the provision do not trigger the Barnell exception
to this general rule because R.C. 2151.35 does not include any expression
of intent to restrict the jurisdiction of the court for untimeliness.
84 Ohio St. 3d at 522, 705 N.E.2d 1219. The Court is Davis concluded,
Finding the provision directory makes sense from a practical
standpoint as well. If we decided that the time constraint is mandatory and
that juvenile courts therefore lack jurisdiction to decide these cases from the
eighth day following submission of the issue, we would defeat the very
purposes the time limit was designed to protect. If there were jurisdictional
consequences, a missed deadline would require either that the child be
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 11
returned to a potentially risky home situation, or that a new complaint be
filed and the process begun anew, delaying the final resolution of the issue
even further. Such consequences would not serve the interests of children,
who are too often relegated to temporary custody for too long.
In light of the rule stated in Farrar and the consequences that would
result otherwise, then, we conclude that the seven-day time limit set forth in
R.C. 2151.35(B)(3) is directory, not mandatory, and failure to comply with it
will not deprive a court of jurisdiction to decide the issue.
84 Ohio St. 3d at 522 - 523, 705 N.E.2d 1219.
{¶37} We cannot help but note that the result of dismissing the case at bar for
failure to meet the 90-day deadline would require either that the child be returned to a
potentially risky home situation, or that a new complaint be filed and the process begun
anew, delaying the final resolution of the issue even further. Such consequences would
not serve the interests of children.
{¶38} The complaint was filed May 5, 2017. By Magistrate’s Order filed June 8,
2017, the matter was scheduled for a pre-trial on June 29, 2017 and trial on July 21, 2017.
The adjudicatory hearing was commenced on July 21, 2017. Additional hearings took
place on August 31, 2017 and the adjudicatory hearing concluded on October 12, 2017.
At the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing on October 12, 2017, Appellant’s attorney
requested that the dispositional hearing be continued. 1T. at 302-303. The dispositional
hearing was commenced November 8, 2017. The Ohio Supreme Court further noted,
Although we hold that the seven-day time limit is directory rather than
mandatory, such a finding does not render the provision meaningless.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 12
Where a juvenile court delays its ruling beyond the seven days allowed by
R.C. 2151.35(B)(3), the time constraint in the statute serves as justification
for seeking a writ of procedendo.
A petition for a writ of procedendo “is appropriate when a court has
either refused to render a judgment or has unnecessarily delayed
proceeding to judgment.” State ex rel. Miley v. Parrott (1996), 77 Ohio St. 3d
64, 65, 671 N.E.2d 24, 26. “‘[A]n inferior court’s refusal or failure to timely
dispose of a pending action is the ill a writ of procedendo is designed to
remedy.’” State ex rel. Dehler v. Sutula (1995), 74 Ohio St. 3d 33, 35, 656
N.E.2d 332, 333, quoting State ex rel. Levin v. Sheffield Lake (1994), 70
Ohio St. 3d 104, 110, 637 N.E.2d 319, 324. The seven-day limit set forth in
R.C. 2151.35(B)(3) defines what is and is not a “timely” disposal of a
permanent custody action, lending justification to any petition filed after the
expiration of that period.
***
Given the availability of this avenue for relief from prejudicial delay,
however, it follows that any party who has not petitioned for a writ of
procedendo is estopped from complaining on appeal that delay by the
juvenile court in excess of the seven days allowed by R.C. 2151.35(B)(3)
prejudiced that party or violated that party’s due process rights. At any
reasonable time following the expiration of seven days, appellants could
have forced the court to act by seeking a writ of procedendo. Appellants
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 13
failed to do this. Their failure to avail themselves of this remedy precludes
them from now claiming that they suffered from the delay.
84 Ohio St. 3d at 523 - 524, 705 N.E.2d 1219. A finding of delinquency by a juvenile court,
unaccompanied by any disposition thereof, is not a final appealable order. In Re:
Sekulich, 65 Ohio St. 2d 13, 14, 417 N.E.2d 1014(1981). The procedure outline by the
Supreme Court in Davis would not require an Appellant to wait until after the depositional
hearing has taken place to appeal the trial court’s ruling concerning the delay.
{¶39} Going forward we feel it is time to join the majority of jurisdictions and hold
the statutory time for holding the dispositional hearing is not jurisdictional. In re Matsko,
11th Dist. Lake Nos.2006–L–230 & 2006–L–231, 2007–Ohio–2060, ¶ 16; In re Jones, 9th
Dist. Summit No. 20306, 2001 Ohio App. LEXIS 1947, *8 (May 2, 2001); In re Kutzli, 71
Ohio App. 3d 843, 595 N.E.2d 1026 (3d Dist.1991); In re Bailey, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L–
96–363, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 1571, *5 (Apr. 17, 1998); In re N.B., 12th Dist. Butler Nos.
CA95–02–031, CA95–03–056 & CA95–06–017, 1996 WL 174546 (Apr. 15, 1996); In re
Kimble, 7th Dist. Harrison No. 99 517 CA, 2002–Ohio–2409, ¶ 21.
{¶40} The case at bar is not a case where the case languished; rather hearings
were scheduled and conducted. The court had six separate cases, one for each child.
Several different fathers were also involved. Appellant cites no actual prejudice from the
delay. The Appellant’s first motion to dismiss was filed August 29, 2017. The trial court
had not yet concluded the adjudicatory hearing on that date. That hearing was concluded
on October 12, 2017 and the dispositional hearing was scheduled for November 8, 2017,
twenty-seven days later. The juvenile court was willing to commence the dispositional
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 14
phase at the conclusion of the October 12, 2017 adjudicatory hearing; however, the
dispositional hearing was continued at Appellant’s request. (1T. at 302-303).
{¶41} Finally, Appellant has not been permanently deprived of her parental rights
as to any of her children. Both Appellant and RCCSB remain free at any time to petition
the court to return the children to Appellant and terminate or modify RCCSB’s involvement
with Appellant if the circumstances so warrant the change.
{¶42} To dismiss the case at this time would require either that the child be
returned to a potentially risky home situation, or that a new complaint be filed and the
process begun anew, delaying the final resolution of the issue even further. Such
consequences would not serve the interests of the children. It would seem to this Court
that a review hearing in the juvenile court would accomplish the same purpose of
potentially returning the children to the Appellant if the present circumstances warrant the
change.
{¶43} Appellant’s First Assignment of Error is overruled.
II.
{¶44} In the second Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred
in finding M.T. to be an abused child.
{¶45} R.C. 2151.031 provides in relevant part,
As used in this chapter, an “abused child” includes any child who:
***
(C) Exhibits evidence of any physical or mental injury or death,
inflicted other than by accidental means, or an injury or death which is at
variance with the history given of it. Except as provided in division (D) of
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 15
this section, a child exhibiting evidence of corporal punishment or other
physical disciplinary measure by a parent, guardian, custodian, person
having custody or control, or person in loco parentis of a child is not an
abused child under this division if the measure is not prohibited under
section 2919.22 of the Revised Code.
(D) Because of the acts of his parents, guardian, or custodian, suffers
physical or mental injury that harms or threatens to harm the child's health
or welfare.
{¶46} Physical harm to persons is defined as, “any injury, illness, or other
physiological impairment, regardless of its gravity or duration.” R.C. 2901.001(A)(3).
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW.
{¶47} In an adjudicatory hearing regarding a claim of dependency, neglect and/or
abuse, the requisite burden of proof is by clear and convincing evidence. Juv.R. 29(E)(4).
The Ohio Supreme Court has defined “clear and convincing evidence” as “[t]he measure
or degree of proof that will produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction
as to the allegations sought to be established. It is intermediate, being more than a mere
preponderance, but not to the extent of such certainty as required beyond a reasonable
doubt as in criminal cases. It does not mean clear and unequivocal.” In re Estate of
Haynes, 25 Ohio St. 3d 101, 103-104, 495 N.E.2d 23 (1986).
{¶48} The Ohio Supreme Court has delineated our standard of review as follows,
Where the degree of proof required to sustain an issue must be clear
and convincing, a reviewing court will examine the record to determine
whether the trier of facts had sufficient evidence before it to satisfy the
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 16
requisite degree of proof. See Ford v. Osborne, 45 Ohio St. 1, 12 N.E. 526,
Cole v. McClure, 88 Ohio St. 1, 102 N.E. 264, and Frate v. Rimenik, 115
Ohio St. 11, 152 N.E. 14.
Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 477, 120 N.E.2d 118 (1954). In Cross, the Supreme
Court further cautioned,
The mere number of witnesses, who may support a claim of one or
the other of the parties to an action, is not to be taken as a basis for resolving
disputed facts. The degree of proof required is determined by the
impression which the testimony of the witnesses makes upon the trier of
facts, and the character of the testimony itself. Credibility, intelligence,
freedom from bias or prejudice, opportunity to be informed, the disposition
to tell the truth or otherwise, and the probability or improbability of the
statements made, are all tests of testimonial value. Where the evidence is
in conflict, the trier of facts may determine what should be accepted as the
truth and what should be rejected as false. See Rice v. City of Cleveland,
114 Ohio St. 299, 58 N.E.2d 768.
161 Ohio St. at 477-478. (Emphasis added).
ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
Whether ample evidence is contained in the record to provide “in the mind of the
trier of facts a firm belief or conviction that M.T. was abused as defined by R.C. 2151.031.
{¶49} The plain language of R.C. 2151.031(C) clearly indicates that parental fault
is not required for a finding of abuse. See In re Pitts, 38 Ohio App. 3d 1, 5, 525 N.E.2d
814(5th Dist. 1987) (“During the adjudicatory phase of the proceedings, the trial court
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 17
does not have to find any fault on the part of a parent, guardian or custodian in order to
find that the child is ‘abused’ * * *.”); Accord, In re A.A. and T.A., 11th Dist. Ashtabula No.
2002-A-0096, 2003-Ohio-5712, ¶18.
{¶50} In the case at bar there is no dispute that W.D. beat D.T. Pictures of D.T.’s
injuries were submitted into evidence RCCSB Exhibits A5 - A10; A15. A counselor at
D.T.’s school testified to observing the injuries. 1T. at 116. W.D. instructed R.T. to punch
M.T.in the face so it would appear that M.T. and D.T. had been fighting. 1T. at 144. M.T.
sustained injuries in this fight to his cheek and forehead. Id. See, RCCB Exhibits B1 -
B8. Further, W.D. had given M.T. a tattoo. 1T. at 133. There was no credible evidence
presented that the injuries to M.T. were accidental. Thus, the trial court's judgment rested
on competent and credible evidence.
{¶51} An appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the
evidence to the fact finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for its decision.
State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–Ohio–1282, ¶ 24. The trier of
fact was free to accept or reject any and all of the evidence offered by the parties and
assess the witness’s credibility. “While the trier of fact may take note of the
inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly * * * such inconsistencies do
not render defendant’s conviction against the manifest weight or sufficiency of the
evidence.” State v. Craig, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP–739, 1999 WL 29752 (Mar 23,
2000) citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 95APA09–1236, 1996 WL 284714
(May 28, 1996). Indeed, the trier of fact need not believe all of a witness’ testimony, but
may accept only portions of it as true. State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP–604,
2003–Ohio–958, ¶ 21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197 N.E.2d 548 (1964);
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 18
State v. Burke, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP–1238, 2003–Ohio–2889, citing State v.
Caldwell, 79 Ohio App. 3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist. 1992).
{¶52} Based upon the foregoing and the entire record in this matter we find the
trial court’s finding that M.T. was an “abused child” is not against the sufficiency or the
manifest weight of the evidence. To the contrary, the judge appears to have fairly and
impartially decided that matter. The judge heard the witnesses, evaluated the evidence,
and was convinced that M.T. was an “abused child.”
{¶53} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that
there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves by clear and convincing
evidence that M.T. was an “abused child.”
{¶54} Appellant’s Second Assignment of Error is overruled.
III.
{¶55} In his Third Assignment of Error, Appellant argues, “the trial court erred in
finding dependency of any of the children.” [Appellant’s Brief at 14]. The other children,
R.T., J.T. S.K. and T.K. have each filed a separate appeal. The issue of the trial court’s
findings with respect to each child shall be dealt with in that specific child’s case.
{¶56} Because the trial court made no finding of dependency with respect to M.T.
and it is only M.T.’s appeal before this Court in the above-captioned case, we find the
issue of the trial court’s findings with respect to any other child is not properly before the
Court in M.T.’s appeal.
{¶57} Appellant’s Third Assignment of Error is overruled.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 19
IV.
{¶58} In the Fourth Assignment of Error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred
in removing the children from their home and continuing the removal of them from their
home.
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW.
{¶59} In an adjudicatory hearing regarding a claim of dependency, neglect and/or
abuse, the requisite burden of proof is by clear and convincing evidence. Juv.R. 29(E)(4).
The Ohio Supreme Court has defined “clear and convincing evidence” as “[t]he measure
or degree of proof that will produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction
as to the allegations sought to be established. It is intermediate, being more than a mere
preponderance, but not to the extent of such certainty as required beyond a reasonable
doubt as in criminal cases. It does not mean clear and unequivocal.” In re Estate of
Haynes, 25 Ohio St. 3d 101, 103-104, 495 N.E.2d 23 (1986).
ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
Whether ample evidence is contained in the record to provide “in the mind of the
trier of facts a firm belief or conviction” that RCCSB made reasonable efforts to prevent
the removal of M.T. or make it possible for M.T. to return home.
{¶60} In his October 25, 2017 Magistrate’s Decision, the magistrate found,
5. The Court finds by clear and convincing evidence and based
on the evidence presented that reasonable efforts to maintain the minor
child in his home were not possible based on the emergent nature of the
presenting problems herein; that Children Services has made reasonable
efforts to return the child to his home through appropriate temporary
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 20
placement, caseworker counseling, and service referrals structured to
resolve the presenting problems herein; that it is not in the minor child's best
interests to return to the home of a parent at this time; and that it is in the
best interest of the minor child that he continue to reside out of the home or
homes of his parents.
{¶61} R.C. 2151.419 specifically states,
If the agency removed the child from home during an emergency in
which the child could not safely remain at home and the agency did not have
prior contact with the child, the court is not prohibited, solely because the
agency did not make reasonable efforts during the emergency to prevent
the removal of the child, from determining that the agency made those
reasonable efforts. In determining whether reasonable efforts were made,
the child’s health and safety shall be paramount.
{¶62} The evidence presented during the adjudicatory hearings established that
Appellant voluntarily placed her children with caregivers in January 2017. The Complaint
in this case was filed May 4, 2017. Prior to receiving service of the Complaint, Appellant
conspired with J.T. to remove the children from the jurisdiction of the court.
{¶63} “In determining whether the agency made reasonable efforts [pursuant to
R.C. 2151.419(A)(1) ] to prevent the removal of the child from the home, the issue is not
whether the agency could have done more, but whether it did enough to satisfy the
reasonableness standard under the statute.” In re Lewis, 4th Dist. No. 03CA12, 2003–
Ohio–5262, at ¶ 16. “‘Reasonable efforts' does not mean all available efforts. Otherwise,
there would always be an argument that one more additional service, no matter how
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 21
remote, may have made reunification possible.” Id. The foregoing reasoning, dealing
with the extremely serious question of removing a parent's permanent custody, is yet
more fully applicable in a temporary custody matter such as this instant, particularly in
considering the issue of abuse at the time a complaint is filed. Based upon Appellant’s
actions, the trial court was justified in not returning M.T. to Appellant pending the
adjudicatory hearings.
{¶64} As previously noted, the disposition of M.T. following the adjudicatory
hearing has not been appealed. Appellant was free to argue during the dispositional
phase for a return of M.T. Because Appellant’s parental rights have not been terminated,
both Appellant and RCCSB remain free to have M.T. retuned to Appellant’s care upon
review by the trial court.
{¶65} Under the facts of this case, Appellant’s removal of the children from the
jurisdiction of the Court made it unwise and impractical to return M.T. to Appellant pending
an adjudicatory hearing to determine the safety of M.T. should he be returned to
Appellant’s care and custody.
{¶66} Appellant’s Fourth Assignment of Error is overruled.
V.
{¶67} In her Fifth Assignment of Error Appellant raises a constitutional challenge
that she did not raise in the trial court. Appellant attempts to argue that R.C. 2151.031(C)
is unconstitutionally over broad and unconstitutional as applied. Specifically, Appellant
argues R.C. 2151.031(C) does not specify by whom an injury must be inflicted, when an
injury must be inflicted, or with whose history an injury must be at variance. Appellant
further contends that, in this case, the court did not "afford [ ] every procedural and
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 22
substantive protection the law allows [,]" because it relied on unreliable evidence and did
not specifically state how the children fit 2151.031(C)'s definition of abuse.
{¶68} In State v. Awan, the Ohio Supreme Court noted,
The general rule is that “an appellate court will not consider any error
which counsel for a party complaining of the trial court’s judgment could
have called but did not call to the trial court’s attention at a time when such
error could have been avoided or corrected by the trial court.” State v.
Childs (1968), 14 Ohio St. 2d 56, 236 N.E.2d 545 [43 O.O.2d 119],
paragraph three of the syllabus; State v. Glaros (1960), 170 Ohio St. 471,
166 N.E.2d 379 [11 O.O.2d 215], paragraph one of the syllabus; State v.
Lancaster (1971), 25 Ohio St. 2d 83, 267 N.E.2d 291 [54 O.O.2d 222],
paragraph one of the syllabus; State v. Williams (1977), 51 Ohio St. 2d 112,
117, 364 N.E.2d 1364 [5 O.O.3d 98]. Likewise, “[c]onstitutional rights may
be lost as finally as any others by a failure to assert them at the proper time.”
State v. Childs, supra, 14 Ohio St.2d at 62, 236 N.E.2d 545, citing State v.
Davis (1964), 1 Ohio St. 2d 28, 203 N.E.2d 357 [30 O.O.2d 16]; State, ex
rel. Specht, v. Bd. of Edn. (1981), 66 Ohio St. 2d 178, 182, 420 N.E.2d 1004
[20 O.O.3d 191], citing Clarington v. Althar (1930), 122 Ohio St. 608, 174
N.E. 251, and Toledo v. Gfell (1958), 107 Ohio App. 93, 95, 156 N.E.2d 752
[7 O.O.2d 437].1 Accordingly, the question of the constitutionality of a
statute must generally be raised at the first opportunity and, in a criminal
prosecution, this means in the trial court. See State v. Woodards (1966), 6
Ohio St. 2d 14, 215 N.E.2d 568 [35 O.O.2d 8]. This rule applies both to
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 23
appellant’s claim that the statute is unconstitutionally vague on its face and
to his claim that the trial court interpreted the statute in such a way as to
render the statute unconstitutionally vague. Both claims were apparent but
yet not made at the trial court level.
22 Ohio St. 3d 120, 122-123, 489 N.E.2d 277(1986). Accord, In re T.K., 9th Dist. Wayne
No. 03CA0006, 2003-Ohio-2634, ¶20 (finding the Court would not consider Appellant’s
constitutional argument where Appellant did not raise constitutional challenge to R.C.
2151.413(D)(1) in the trial court).
{¶69} We thus conclude that Appellant waived her argument that R.C.
2151.031(C) is unconstitutionally vague on its face by failing to raise it in the trial court.
Appellant similarly waived her argument that the trial court engaged in an interpretation
that rendered the statute unconstitutionally vague. State v. Awan, 22 Ohio St. 3d at 123-
124, 489 N.E.2d 277.
{¶70} Appellant’s Fifth Assignment of Error is overruled.
Richland County, Case No. 18-CA-32 24
{¶71} The judgment of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile
Court Division is affirmed.
By Gwin, J.,
Wise, John, P.J., and
Hoffman, J., concur
[Cite as In Re M.T., 2018-Ohio-3251.]