In the Interest of A.J.P., a Minor

J-A28018-16
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
IN THE INTEREST OF: A.J.P., A MINOR, IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee
APPEAL OF: A.I.P., MOTHER
No. 1089 EDA 2016
Appeal from the Order Entered March 3, 2016
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Family Court at No(s): CP-51-AP-0000145-2016, CP-51-DP-0001876-2014,
FID: 51-FN-001801-2014
BEFORE: PANELLA, SHOGAN, and PLATT,* JJ.
MEMORANDUM BY SHOGAN, J.: FILED DECEMBER 16, 2016
Appellant, A.I.P. (“Mother”), appeals from the decree entered on
March 3, 2016, granting the petition filed by the Philadelphia County
Department of Human Services (“DHS” or “the Agency”), which involuntarily
terminated Mother’s parental rights to her son, A.J.P. (“Child”), born in May
of 2006, pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(1), (2), (5), (8), and (b). In
addition, Mother appeals from the order entered on March 3, 2016, which
____________________________________________
*
Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court.
J-A28018-16
changed Child’s permanency goal to adoption pursuant to section 6351 of
the Juvenile Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 6301-6365.1, 2 We affirm.
The underlying procedural history of this case is as follows. On August
6, 2014, when Child was eight years old, Philadelphia Police took him to DHS
due to allegations of physical abuse by Mother. On August 20, 2014, Child
was adjudicated dependent and committed to DHS. Eventually, DHS filed
petitions for involuntary termination of parental rights to Child on February
16, 2016. The trial court held an evidentiary hearing on March 3, 2016. At
the hearing, DHS presented the testimony of Yoaany Santos, the Community
Umbrella Agency (“CUA”) Case Manager for Northeast Treatment Center
(“NET”) formerly assigned to Child’s case. N.T., 3/3/16, at 10-32. DHS also
presented the testimony of Deitra Price, the CUA Case Manager from NET
currently assigned to Child’s case. Id. at 32-43. Father testified on his own
behalf. Id. at 44-46. In addition, Mother testified on her own behalf. Id. at
47-52.
____________________________________________
1
We note that the appeal paragraph in this matter reflects that this appeal
is from the “order” entered on March 3, 2016. However, our review of the
certified record reflects that the trial court entered both a decree and an
order on March 3, 2016. In addition, Mother filed notices of appeal from
both the decree and the order.
2
On that same date, the trial court terminated the parental rights of D.B.,
Child’s natural father, and any unknown father. Father is serving a term of
incarceration of twenty-two and one-half to forty-five years for a murder
conviction. Trial Court Opinion, 6/8/16, at 7; N.T., 3/3/16, at 8, 24. Father
has filed his own appeal at docket number 964 EDA 2016, which will be
addressed separately.
-2-
J-A28018-16
The trial court summarized the testimony from the termination hearing
as follows:
Yoaany Santos, CUA Case Manager, testified she received
the case in August 2014. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p. 10 at 4-11). She
testified this matter came to the attention of DHS because of
allegations that Mother was using physical punishment on the
Child, and as a result, he fell down the stairs and sustained a
bruise on his leg. He was removed from Mother’s home and
placed in the kinship home of the maternal aunt, I.P. (N.T.
3/03/2016, p.11 at 1-16).
She further testified the Child told her his Mother used
physical discipline with him before. The Child told her his Mother
would hit him for any reason, sometimes for no reason, and that
he was always punished when he did something bad or even for
no reason. The Child then told her he did not feel safe in the
home with his Mother. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.12 at 23-25 & p.13 at
5-19).
Ms. Santos testified she set up a single case plan meeting
and set forth objectives for Mother. These objectives were for
Mother to attend a drug and alcohol program because Mother
had a history of drug use and abuse; attend mental health
services; participate in parenting classes; and attend supervised
visits at the Agency. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.13 at 21-25 & p.14 at
1-12).
Ms. Santos reiterated she had the case from August 2014
until January 2016. She stated Mother attended an intake
appointment at the WEDGE on October 9, 2014, however, she
was referred to NET for dual diagnosis and did not attend. (N.T.
3/03/2016, p.15 at 3-22). She further testified CEU records
indicated Mother had three random drug tests that were all
positive, January, 2015, April, 2015 and December 2015. (N.T.
3/03/2016, p.16 at 1-8).
Regarding parenting class, Ms. Santos stated Mother never
completed a parenting course. Mother was also not consistent
with weekly visitation, and stated Mother completed not more
than five (5) visits while she was Case Manager. Mother did give
her contact information, however, she did not maintain regular
contact. Mother was residing with Maternal Grandfather during
-3-
J-A28018-16
the entire time [Ms. Santos] was on the case. (N.T. 3/03/2016,
p.18 at 12-25 & p.19 at 10-25 & p.20 at 13-23).
Regarding Mother, Ms. Santos observed the Child with
Mother on two occasions. Mother would engage in conversations
with the Child, however she opined, the parent-child bond is not
strong and is minimal. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.25 at 9-22). She
stated the Child turns to his maternal aunt, LP., to have his
needs met. The Child did not express that he wanted to return
to Mother. She opined the Child would not suffer irreparable
harm if Mother’s parental rights were terminated and the Child
was adopted as she believes that the Child is very mature and
understands his Mother’s situation and that she cannot care for
him and that it is in his best interests to be adopted. (N.T.
3/03/2016, p.25 at 23-25 & p.26 at 1-25 & p.27 at 1-9).
On cross-examination, Ms. Santos stated Mother was an
in-patient at Fairmount Hospital for eight (8) days and then
[sent] to Gaudenzia for approximately eleven (11) days. She
entered treatment on December 7, 2015 and left, voluntarily, on
December 18, 2015. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p. 30 at 3-15).
Next to testify was De[i]tra Price, the current CUA Case
Manager from NET. She visited with the Child on March 2, 2016,
one day before the hearing. He is currently placed at a foster
home through Delta. He was removed from the Maternal Aunt’s
home when [Ms. Price] went to Mother’s home on February 18,
2016 for Mother to sign the voluntary relinquishment papers and
found the Child there with both the Maternal Grandfather and
Mother. She then proceeded to go to Maternal Aunt’s home,
who informed her that the Child did not stay at her home that
night. Ms. Price felt no one was following the safety plan for the
child so that is why the Child was removed. The Child also
alleged inappropriate physical discipline by Maternal Aunt, and
he refused to go back, saying if he is forced to go back to
Maternal Aunt’s house, he would run away. (N.T. 3/03/2016,
p.33 at 1-25 & p.34 at 1-15 & p.35 at 4-14). She noted there
are no current issues with the Child in his current foster home,
and he is medically up to date. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.40 at 5-9).
On cross-examination, Ms. Price stated she had written a
letter to Father in prison the week before the hearing informing
Father he had been assigned a new case worker and had not
received a response. She further stated she has not explored
-4-
J-A28018-16
Father’s family as a possible resource for the Child’s placement.
(N.T. 3/03/2016, p.41 at 5-22).
Father testified at the hearing, and stated the only
correspondence he received from the Agency was February 16,
2016: a subpoena, and the petitions for adoption and to
terminate his parental rights. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.45 at 1-15).
He further stated he loves his [c]hild very much, and believes
the Mother is a good mother, but she made a few bad decisions
and the Child did not get what he wanted so he exaggerated his
Mother’s actions toward him. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p. 46 at 6-15).
Mother also testified. She stated she attends the NET
program three times per week, which she began at the end of
December 2015. She also attends therapy at Nueva Vida, which
started in February 2016. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.48 at 10-16).
Mother states she is bonded with her son and describes her
relationship with her son as a loving one. She tells him all the
time that she loves him and he says he loves her back. She
believes her son will be irreparably harmed if her parental rights
are terminated. (N.T. 3/03/2016, p.50 at 1-25 & p.51 at 1-25).
Trial Court Opinion, 6/8/16, at 9-12.
On March 3, 2016, the trial court entered the decree involuntarily
terminating Mother’s parental rights to Child pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. §
2511(a)(1), (2), (5), (8), and (b). Also on that date, the trial court entered
an order changing Child’s permanency goal to adoption pursuant to 42
Pa.C.S. § 6351. This timely appeal by Mother followed. Both Mother and
the trial court have complied with Pa.R.A.P. 1925.
Mother presents the following issues for our review:
1. Did the trial court commit an error of law and abuse of
discretion by involuntarily terminating [Mother’s] parental rights
under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(5) and (8), and (b), and changing
the goal to adoption, where the Department of Human Services
of the City of Philadelphia (DHS) failed to prove by clear and
convincing evidence that involuntarily terminating [Mother’s]
-5-
J-A28018-16
parental rights would best serve the need and welfare of [Child],
where there was inadequate evidence as to the parent-child
bond and no pre-adoptive resource had been identified?
2. Did the trial court committed [sic] an error of law and abuse
of discretion by changing the permanency goal of [Child] from
reunification to adoption where the Department of Human
Services of the City of Philadelphia failed to provide sufficient
evidence that such a goal change would be best suited for
[Child’s] needs and welfare?
Mother’s Brief at 3.
In her first issue, Mother argues that the trial court committed an error
of law and an abuse of discretion by involuntarily terminating her parental
rights under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(5), and (8), and (b). Mother’s Brief at
10-23. Mother contends that there was not clear and convincing evidence to
support the trial court’s determination. Id. at 10.3
In reviewing an appeal from an order terminating parental rights, we
adhere to the following standard:
____________________________________________
3
In addition, Mother alleges that the trial court committed multiple errors
pertaining to the admission of evidence that adversely affected its decision.
Mother’s Brief at i-ii, 11-23. However, Mother waived any challenges to the
evidentiary determinations of the trial court due to her failure to include
such challenges in both her concise statement of errors complained of on
appeal and the statement of questions involved in her brief on appeal. See
Krebs v. United Refining Company of Pennsylvania, 893 A.2d 776, 797
(Pa. Super. 2006) (holding that an appellant waives issues that are not
raised in both his concise statement of errors complained of on appeal and
the Statement of Questions Involved in his brief on appeal). For the same
reason, we find waived the portion of Mother’s first issue in her brief
challenging the goal change, as her concise statement did not include a
challenge to the goal change in the first issue of her Pa.R.A.P. 1925
statement. Id.-6-
J-A28018-16
[A]ppellate courts must apply an abuse of discretion standard
when considering a trial court’s determination of a petition for
termination of parental rights. As in dependency cases, our
standard of review requires an appellate court to accept the
findings of fact and credibility determinations of the trial court if
they are supported by the record. In re: R.J.T., 608 Pa. 9, 9
A.3d 1179, 1190 (Pa. 2010). If the factual findings are
supported, appellate courts review to determine if the trial court
made an error of law or abused its discretion. Id.; R.I.S., 36
A.3d [567,] 572 [(Pa. 2011) (plurality opinion)]. As has been
often stated, an abuse of discretion does not result merely
because the reviewing court might have reached a different
conclusion. Id.; see also Samuel Bassett v. Kia Motors
America, Inc., ___ Pa. ___, 34 A.3d 1, 51 (Pa. 2011);
Christianson v. Ely, 838 A.2d 630, 634 (Pa. 2003). Instead, a
decision may be reversed for an abuse of discretion only upon
demonstration of manifest unreasonableness, partiality,
prejudice, bias, or ill-will. Id.As we discussed in R.J.T., there are clear reasons for
applying an abuse of discretion standard of review in these
cases. We observed that, unlike trial courts, appellate courts are
not equipped to make the fact-specific determinations on a cold
record, where the trial judges are observing the parties during
the relevant hearing and often presiding over numerous other
hearings regarding the child and parents. R.J.T., 9 A.3d at
1190. Therefore, even where the facts could support an
opposite result, as is often the case in dependency and
termination cases, an appellate court must resist the urge to
second guess the trial court and impose its own credibility
determinations and judgment; instead we must defer to the trial
judges so long as the factual findings are supported by the
record and the court’s legal conclusions are not the result of an
error of law or an abuse of discretion. In re Adoption of
Atencio, 650 A.2d 1064, 1066 (Pa. 1994).
In re Adoption of S.P., 47 A.3d 817, 826-827 (Pa. 2012).
The burden is upon the petitioner to prove by clear and convincing
evidence that the asserted grounds for seeking the termination of parental
-7-
J-A28018-16
rights are valid. In re R.N.J., 985 A.2d 273, 276 (Pa. Super. 2009).
Moreover, we have explained:
[t]he standard of clear and convincing evidence is defined as
testimony that is so “clear, direct, weighty and convincing as to
enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without
hesitance, of the truth of the precise facts in issue.”
Id. (quoting In re J.L.C., 837 A.2d 1247, 1251 (Pa. Super. 2003)).
The trial court’s order analyzed sections 2511(a)(1), (2), (5), (8), and
(b), which provide as follows:
§ 2511. Grounds for involuntary termination.
(a) General rule.--The rights of a parent in regard to a child
may be terminated after a petition filed on any of the following
grounds:
1) The parent by conduct continuing for a period of at
least six months immediately preceding the filing of the
petition either has evidenced a settled purpose of
relinquishing parental claim to a child or has refused or
failed to perform parental duties.
(2) The repeated and continued incapacity, abuse,
neglect or refusal of the parent has caused the child to be
without essential parental care, control or subsistence
necessary for his physical or mental well-being and the
conditions and causes of the incapacity, abuse, neglect or
refusal cannot or will not be remedied by the parent.
***
(5) The child has been removed from the care of the
parent by the court or under a voluntary agreement with
an agency for a period of at least six months, the
conditions which led to the removal or placement of the
child continue to exist, the parent cannot or will not
remedy those conditions within a reasonable period of
time, the services or assistance reasonably available to
the parent are not likely to remedy the conditions which
led to the removal or placement of the child within a
-8-
J-A28018-16
reasonable period of time and termination of the parental
rights would best serve the needs and welfare of the
child.
***
(8) The child has been removed from the care of the
parent by the court or under a voluntary agreement with
an agency, 12 months or more have elapsed from the
date of removal or placement, the conditions which led to
the removal or placement of the child continue to exist
and termination of parental rights would best serve the
needs and welfare of the child.
***
(b) Other considerations.--The court in terminating the rights
of a parent shall give primary consideration to the
developmental, physical and emotional needs and welfare of the
child. The rights of a parent shall not be terminated solely on
the basis of environmental factors such as inadequate housing,
furnishings, income, clothing and medical care if found to be
beyond the control of the parent. With respect to any petition
filed pursuant to subsection (a)(1), (6) or (8), the court shall not
consider any efforts by the parent to remedy the conditions
described therein which are first initiated subsequent to the
giving of notice of the filing of the petition.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(1), (2), (5), (8), and (b). This Court may affirm the
trial court’s decision regarding the termination of parental rights with regard
to any one subsection of section 2511(a). In re B.L.W., 843 A.2d 380,
384 (Pa. Super. 2004) (en banc) (emphasis added).
We observe that Mother has failed to challenge the trial court’s
determination to terminate her parental rights under 23 Pa.C.S. §
2511(a)(1) and (2) in both her concise statement of errors complained of on
appeal and the statement of questions involved in her brief on appeal.
Likewise, Mother has not presented any argument with regard to either
-9-
J-A28018-16
subsection 2511(a)(1) or (2) in the argument portion of her appellate brief.
In failing to do so Mother has, in effect, conceded that sufficient grounds
exist for termination under subsections 2511(a)(1) and 2511(a)(2). See
Krebs v. United Refining Company of Pennsylvania, 893 A.2d 776, 797
(Pa. Super. 2006) (holding that an appellant waives issues that are not
raised in both his concise statement of errors complained of on appeal and
the Statement of Questions Involved in his brief on appeal). See also In re
W.H., 25 A.3d 330, 339 n.3 (Pa. Super. 2011) (“[W]here an appellate brief
fails to provide any discussion of a claim with citation to relevant authority
or fails to develop the issue in any other meaningful fashion capable of
review, that claim is waived.”). We caution Mother’s counsel that failure to
follow the Rules of Appellate Procedure can have dire consequences;
however, given the somewhat confusing nature of Mother’s argument and
our concern for assuring that termination was proper under section 2511(a),
we will not impose those consequences here. Accordingly, we will proceed
to review the merits of the appeal as it pertains to the sufficiency of the
evidence to support the termination of Mother’s parental rights. In so doing,
we choose to focus our review on whether there was sufficient evidence to
support the termination of Mother’s parental rights under subsection
2511(a)(2). In re B.L.W., 843 A.2d at 384.4
____________________________________________
4
Mother also contends that DHS failed to prove by clear and convincing
(Footnote Continued Next Page)
- 10 -
J-A28018-16
To satisfy the requirements of section 2511(a)(2), the moving party
must produce clear and convincing evidence regarding the following
elements: (1) repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal;
(2) such incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal caused the child to be without
essential parental care, control or subsistence necessary for his physical or
mental well-being; and (3) the causes of the incapacity, abuse, neglect or
refusal cannot or will not be remedied. In re Adoption of M.E.P., 825 A.2d
1266, 1272 (Pa. Super. 2003). The grounds for termination of parental
rights under section 2511(a)(2), due to parental incapacity that cannot be
remedied, are not limited to affirmative misconduct; to the contrary those
grounds may include acts of refusal as well as incapacity to perform parental
duties. In re A.L.D., 797 A.2d 326, 337 (Pa. Super. 2002).
On the record at the close of the hearing on the termination petition,
the trial court stated the following:
It’s clear that the parents did nothing to remedy the issues
that brought the child into care and neither will be in a position
to remedy those issues going forward.
_______________________
(Footnote Continued)
evidence that involuntarily terminating her parental rights would best serve
the need and welfare of Child, where there was inadequate evidence as to
the parent-child bond and no pre-adoptive resource has been identified.
Mother’s Brief at 3, 10. To the extent that Mother’s arguments relate to
section 2511(a), we will analyze them under section 2511(a)(2). Moreover,
to the extent that Mother’s arguments relate to a needs and welfare and
bond analysis, and do not relate to section 2511(a), we will consider them
later in this memorandum in our analysis under section 2511(b).
- 11 -
J-A28018-16
Parents focus on their desire to have the child placed with
family members, yet do not offer evidence as to what they’ve
done to remedy the issues that brought the child into care. In
fact, [M]other expressly admitted that she’s not able to care for
the child. The alternative is not to allow – if a parent says I
can’t care for the child but I want my family members to care for
the child, that’s not something the [c]ourt takes into
consideration when it’s determining whether or not these right
[sic] should be terminated. The evidence is clear and
convincing.
Regarding [M]other, the evidence is clear and convincing
and satisfies the requirements under section 2511(a)[(1)], [(2)],
[(5)], and [(8)] and 2511(b) that there would be no irreparable
harm if the rights were terminated and the child would recover
and . . . go on to lead a normal life with another family.
N.T., 3/3/16, at 53-54.
In its Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) opinion, the trial court expressed the
following:
This [c]ourt found by clear and convincing evidence to
terminate Mother’s parental rights pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §
2511(a)(1), (2), (5), and (8).
The [r]ecord demonstrates Mother’s ongoing inability to
provide care or control for the [c]hild or perform any parental
duties and also her failure to remedy the conditions that caused
her child to come into care and thus had been and continues to
be unable to provide and care for her child, warranting
involuntary termination of her parental rights.
The documents and testimony provided this [c]ourt with
clear and convincing evidence that termination of Mother’s
parental rights would be in the best interest of the [c]hild.
After hearing the credible testimony of the CUA workers,
the [c]ourt found by clear and convincing evidence, that their
observations and conclusions regarding Mother’s non-compliance
with the FSP objectives, and lack of ability to fulfill her parental
responsibilities[,] were persuasive.
- 12 -
J-A28018-16
***
As discussed above, the [t]rial [c]ourt found that Mother
evidenced an incapacity to parent this child. The [m]other’s
failure to complete objectives and failure to seek and maintain
treatment for her drug dependency, affects her inability to
function as a parent. The [trial court] was not persuaded that
Mother could resolve her dependency issues in the near future.
Although Mother testified that she loves her son dearly, she does
not give herself the tools to provide a safe and drug-free
environment for her [c]hild.
Trial Court Opinion, 6/8/16, at 14-16.
We conclude the trial court’s determination with regard to section
2511(a)(2) is supported by the evidence in the record, and the trial court’s
legal conclusions are not the result of an error of law or an abuse of
discretion. In re Adoption of S.P., 47 A.3d at 826-827. Thus, we affirm
the termination of Mother’s parental rights pursuant to section 2511(a)(2).
See In re B.L.W., 843 A.2d at 384 (explaining that we need only agree with
a trial court’s decision as to any one subsection of 2511(a) in order to affirm
the termination of parental rights).
Next, Mother challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support the
trial court’s decree as to section 2511(b). Mother contends that there was
insufficient evidence to support a finding that the termination of her parental
rights best serves Child’s needs and welfare, and that there was no
relationship between the child and her that would cause Child to suffer
irreparable harm if her rights were terminated. Mother’s Brief at 9-10, 23-
45. Mother claims that the trial court failed to make adequate findings to
- 13 -
J-A28018-16
support its determination that termination was in Child’s best interest. Id.
at 10. Additionally, Mother asserts that the trial court erred because DHS
had not identified a pre-adoptive home for Child. Id. at 41-45.5
We have explained that the focus in terminating parental rights under
section 2511(a) is on the parent, but under section 2511(b) the focus is on
the child. In re Adoption of C.L.G., 956 A.2d 999, 1008 (Pa. Super 2008)
(en banc). In reviewing the evidence in support of termination under section
2511(b), our Supreme Court recently stated as follows:
[I]f the grounds for termination under subsection (a) are met, a
court “shall give primary consideration to the developmental,
physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child.” 23
Pa.C.S. § 2511(b). The emotional needs and welfare of the child
have been properly interpreted to include “[i]ntangibles such as
love, comfort, security, and stability.” In re K.M., 53 A.3d 781,
791 (Pa. Super. 2012). In In re E.M., [620 A.2d 481, 485 (Pa.
1993)], this Court held that the determination of the child’s
“needs and welfare” requires consideration of the emotional
bonds between the parent and child. The “utmost attention”
____________________________________________
5
With regard to Mother’s assertion that the trial court erred in changing
Child’s permanency goal, we observe that a challenge to a goal change
requires a comprehensive examination under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6351. However,
Mother has failed to develop an argument for this claim with any substantive
discussion of, or citation to, relevant case law or pertinent authority
regarding goal change. Indeed, Mother never mentions 42 Pa.C.S. § 6351 in
her appellate brief. Accordingly, we find any argument in this regard to be
waived. See Chapman-Rolle v. Rolle, 893 A.2d 770, 774 (Pa. Super.
2006) (quoting Jones v. Jones, 878 A.2d 86, 90 (Pa. Super. 2005) (stating
that “it is well settled that a failure to argue and to cite any authority
supporting any argument constitutes a waiver of issues on appeal”)). See
also In re W.H., 25 A.3d 330, 339 n.3 (Pa. Super. 2011) (“[W]here an
appellate brief fails to provide any discussion of a claim with citation to
relevant authority or fails to develop the issue in any other meaningful
fashion capable of review, that claim is waived.”).
- 14 -
J-A28018-16
should be paid to discerning the effect on the child of
permanently severing the parental bond. In re K.M., 53 A.3d at
791.
In re: T.S.M., 71 A.3d 251, 267 (Pa. 2013).
When evaluating a parental bond, “the court is not required to use
expert testimony. Social workers and caseworkers can offer evaluations as
well. Additionally, Section 2511(b) does not require a formal bonding
evaluation.” In re Z.P., 994 A.2d 1108, 1121 (Pa. Super. 2010) (internal
citations omitted). Although it is often wise to have a bonding evaluation
and make it part of the certified record, “[t]here are some instances . . .
where direct observation of the interaction between the parent and the child
is not necessary and may even be detrimental to the child.” In re K.Z.S.,
946 A.2d 753, 762 (Pa. Super. 2008).
A parent’s abuse and neglect are likewise a relevant part of this
analysis:
[C]oncluding a child has a beneficial bond with a parent simply
because the child harbors affection for the parent is not only
dangerous, it is logically unsound. If a child’s feelings were the
dispositive factor in the bonding analysis, the analysis would be
reduced to an exercise in semantics as it is the rare child who,
after being subject to neglect and abuse, is able to sift through
the emotional wreckage and completely disavow a parent . . . .
Nor are we of the opinion that the biological connection between
[the parent] and the [child] is sufficient in of itself, or when
considered in connection with a child’s feeling toward a parent,
to establish a de facto beneficial bond exists. The psychological
aspect of parenthood is more important in terms of the
development of the child and [his or her] mental and emotional
health than the coincidence of biological or natural parenthood.
- 15 -
J-A28018-16
In re K.K.R.-S., 958 A.2d 529, 535 (Pa. Super. 2008) (internal citations
and quotation marks omitted). Thus, the court may emphasize the safety
needs of the child. See In re K.Z.S., 946 A.2d 753, 763-764 (Pa. Super.
2008) (affirming the involuntary termination of the mother’s parental rights,
despite the existence of some bond, where placement with the mother would
be contrary to the child’s best interests, and any bond with the mother
would be fairly attenuated when the child was separated from her, almost
constantly, for four years).
In its Rule 1925(a) opinion, the trial court stated the following:
This [c]ourt finds credible the testimony from the agency
workers that the [c]hild would not suffer irreparable harm if
Mother’s rights were terminated[,] and that termination of
Mother’s parental rights would be in the best interest of the
[c]hild. The [c]ourt concluded:
It’s clear the parents did nothing to remedy the issues
that brought the [c]hild into care and neither will be in a
position to remedy those issues going forward. Parents
focus on their desire to have the [c]hild placed with
family members, yet do not offer evidence as to what
they’ve done to remedy the issues that brought the
[c]hild into care. In fact, Mother expressly admitted that
she’s not able to care for the [c]hild. The alternative is
not to allow – if a parent says I can’t care for the [c]hild
but I want my family members to care for the [c]hild,
that’s not something the [c]ourt takes into consideration
when it’s determining whether or not these rights should
be terminated. The evidence is clear and convincing.
Regarding Mother, the evidence is clear and convincing
and satisfies the requirements under [section]
2511(a)[(1)], [(2)], [(5)], and (8)] and [section] 2511(b)
that there would be no irreparable harm if the rights were
terminated and the child would recover and with God’s
help, go on to lead a normal life with another family. Her
- 16 -
J-A28018-16
rights are terminated. I’ve listened closely to the
evidence. There are no novel issues here. It’s a weight
issue and I’ve considered the weight of all the evidence.
Mother’s rights are terminated under [section] 2511
(a)[(1)], [(2)], [(5)], and [(8)] and [section 2511[(b)]
since the [c]hild was in Mother’s care when the [c]hild
was removed and placed. (N.T. 3/3/16, pp. 53-54).
Trial Court Opinion, 6/8/16, at 16-17.
After a careful review of the record in this matter, it is our
determination that the record supports the trial court’s factual findings, and
the trial court’s conclusions are not the result of an error of law or an abuse
of discretion with regard to section 2511(b). In re Adoption of S.P., 47
A.3d at 826-827. Accordingly, it was proper for the trial court to find no
bond such that Child would suffer permanent emotional harm if Mother’s
parental rights are terminated.
With regard to Mother’s overarching constitutional arguments that her
due process rights were violated, we observe: “[A] parent’s basic
constitutional right to the custody and rearing of . . . her child is converted,
upon the failure to fulfill . . . her parental duties, to the child’s right to have
proper parenting and fulfillment of [the child’s] potential in a permanent,
healthy, safe environment.” In re B.,N.M., 856 A.2d 847, 856 (Pa. Super.
2004) (internal citations omitted). It is well settled that “we will not toll the
well-being and permanency of [a child] indefinitely.” In re Adoption of
C.L.G., 956 A.2d at 1007 (citing In re Z.S.W., 946 A.2d 726, 732 (Pa.
Super. 2008) (noting that a child’s life “simply cannot be put on hold in the
- 17 -
J-A28018-16
hope that [a parent] will summon the ability to handle the responsibilities of
parenting”)). Hence, because the trial court’s determination was supported
by the record, we conclude that Mother’s constitutional claims lack merit.
Therefore, we affirm the decree terminating Mother’s parental rights
with regard to Child under sections 2511(a)(2) and (b). In addition, we
affirm the order changing Child’s permanency goal to adoption.
Decree and order affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 12/16/2016
- 18 -