### J

- A28015

- 21

NON

- PRECEDENTIAL DECISION

- SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

IN RE: R.B.S., JR., A MINOR

APPEAL OF: R.B.S., FATHER :

:

:

:

:

:

:

:

: IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA

No. 858 MDA 2021

Appeal from the Decree Entered May 27, 2021

In the Court of Common Pleas of Mifflin County Orphans' Court at No(s):

2020

- 00011

BEFORE: LAZARUS, J., NICHOLS, J., and STEVENS, P.J.E. *



### MEMORANDUM BY LAZARUS, J.: FILED: MARCH 15, 2022

R. B. S. (Father) appeals from the decree, entered in the Court of

Common Pleas of Mifflin County, Orphans’ Court Division, involuntarily

terminating his parental rights to R.B.S., Jr. (Child) ( b orn 12/10), 1 

### pursuant

to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 2511(a)(2), (5), (8) and (b) of the A doption Act. 2 

### After

careful review, we affirm based on the opinion authored by the Honorable

Aaron L. Gingrich

. 3

_________________ __________ ______ ____ _______

* 

### Former Justice specially assigned to the Superior Court.

1 

### The court also terminated Mother ’ s parental rights to Child. Mother’s appeal

is docketed at 812 MDA 2021

.

2 

### 23 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 2101

- 2938.

3 

### Guardian ad litem , Erica J. Shoaf, did not file a br ief, stating she supported

the brief filed by Appellee Mifflin County Children and Youth Services (Agency).

See Letter, 10/15/21. Child was also represented at the hearing by Brian R.

(Footnote Continued Next Page)

### J

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- 21

- 2

-

The family has a history with the Agency pertaining to concerns of

domestic and sexual abuse, drug use, lack of supervision and other safety

concerns. On December 1, 2017, following Mother’s arrest w ith three of her

four children in the car with her, and Father testing positive for cocaine, Child

and his three siblings were adjudicated depe ndent and placed in the custody

of the Agency. See Dependency Order of Adjudication, 12/1/17.

In his opinion, Judge Gingrich sets forth the history of this case:

[Child] has a diagnosis of Post

- Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD].

[Child’s] mental heal th has deteriorated throughout the duration

of this case. The underlying facts of [Child’s] PTSD are hard to

discern. [Child] alleges that Father sexually abused him and his

siblings, which has led to many of [Child’s] mental health issues

throughout thi s case. These allegations were [deemed]

unfounded by the Agency. However, through extensive

testimony, [Child] has witnesse[d], and potentially been

subject[ed] to, domestic violence at the hands of [] Father.

Additionally, [Child] has special education services and an

individualized education plan [(IEP)] through the school. [Child]

has significant mental health concerns[,] which has caused him to

move placements three times during the course of this case.

_________________ __________ ______ ____ _______



### Baker, Esquire

. See In re: Adoption of L.B.M. , 161 A.3d 172, 180 (Pa.

2017) (“[W]hen a child’s relationship with his or her birth family could be

severed permanently and against the wishes of the parents, the legislature

made the policy judgment, as is evidenced from the plain, unambiguous

language of the statute, that a la wyer who represents the child’s legal

interests, and who is directed by the child, is a necessity.”). As our Court has

explained, a child’s legal interests are distinct from his best interests. In re:

Adoption of L.B.M. , 161 A.3d at 174. Representing the child’s “‘[l]egal

interests denotes that an attorney is to express the child’s wishes to the court

regardless of whether the attorney agrees with the child’s recommendation,”

while guardian ad litem discerns the child’s best interests; in each case, these

interests are ultimately determined by the orphans’ court.” In re: Adoption

of K.M.G. , 240 A.3d at 1243 n.20 (quoting In re: T.S. , 192 A.3d at 1082 n.2

(quoting Pa.R.J.C.P. 1154, cmt.)); see also In re: Adoption of L.B.M. , 161

A.3d at 174 n.2.

### J

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- 3

-

[Child] struggles with suicidal ideation, vio lent outbursts, and

goes to trauma therapy weekly.

[] Mother and Father had an incredibly tumultuous relationship.

Mother testified that the relationship was abusive and co

dependent, and both Mother and Father struggled with drug use.

Additionally, th ere were allegations of physical and sexual abuse

by Father toward both Mother and the children. [ ] Father

vehemently denies the allegations that he ever sexually abused

his children, and no criminal charges have ever been filed against

Father for the all eged sexual abuse of [Child] or [Child’s] three

siblings. . . . Father’s visits were suspended [on December 17,

2019] due to the allegations of sexual abuse, and due to Father

being incarcerated.

Trial Court Opinion, 5/24/21, at 1

- 3.

Following the de pendency adjudication, the A gency developed a Child

Permanency Plan, which included the following parental objectives for Father:

live a crime and drug

- free lifestyle; maintain stable housing and income;

ensure mental health needs are met through counseli ng and medication

management; demonstrate parenting skills necessary to meet Child’s

emotional, developmental

, and physical needs; and cooperate with Agency

and service providers. Although Father’s visits with Child were suspende d on

December 17, 2019

, du e to the abuse allegations, the Agency continued to

provide services to Father.

Father was able to maintain housing and employment, however he was

incarcerated twice throughout the dependency proceeding, refused 21 of 28

drug screens, and tested positive for cocaine on January 9, 2019 . De spite a

three

- year effort by the Agency and Families in Crisis Services (FICS)

, Father’s

progress was “minimal” throughout dependency. Notably, Father attended

### J

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- 4

-

only 6 of 39 par enting education sessions and 12 out of 40 counseling

sessions. Once incarcerated, Father attended all scheduled sessions. After

his release, however, Father attended only 17 of 28 sessions. See N.T.

Termination Hearing, 3/10/21, at 320

- 31

. T he Agency petitioned for

termination of Father’s parental rights on June 4, 2020

. After September 5,

2020, Father failed to attend any counseling or parenting sessions,

complaining that they cut into his “me” time

. Id. at 320

- 21

.

At the termination hearings on February 2, 2021, and March 10, 2021,

the court heard testimony from Agency assistant director, Nicole Patkalitsy,

Dr. Kristen Hennessy, Child’s treating psychologist and expert in childhood

trauma, David G. Ray, a licensed psychologist , and Darlene Griff ith, a family

counselor at Family Intervention Crisis Services (FICS), who provided

reunification services to both Father and Mother. Following the hearing s , the

court terminated Father’s parental rights to Child. 4

_________________ __________ ______ ____ _______

4 

### The relev ant grounds for termination, as set forth 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511, are

as follows:

(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:

(2) The repeated and continued incapaci ty, 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.

(Footnote Continued Next Page)

### J

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- 21

- 5

-

On appeal, Father raises one issue: “Whether [Father] will be able to

remedy the conditions causing his current incapacity?” Appellant’s Brief, at 7.

Although the court terminated Father’s parental rights to Child pursuant to

sections 2511(a)(2), (5) and (8), Father ’s appeal addres ses only section

2511(a)(2). See Appellant’s Brief, at 7

- 9

. See also supra n.4.

In cases involving termination of parental rights, “our standard of review

is limited to determining whether the order of the trial court is supported by

competent evid ence, and whether the trial court gave adequate consideration

to the effect of such a decree on the welfare of the child.” In re Z.P. , 994

_________________ __________ ______ ____ _______



### . . .

(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 placem ent of the

child within a 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 wit h 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.

2 3 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 2511(a)(2), (5) & (8).

### J

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- 21

- 6

-

A.2d 1108, 1115 (Pa. Super. 2010) (quoting In re I.J. , 972 A.2d 5, 8 (Pa.

Super. 2009)). “Absent an abuse of discr etion, an error of law, or insufficient

evidentiary support for the trial court’s decision, the decree must stand.” In

re B.L.W. , 843 A.2d 380, 383 (Pa. Super. 2004) (en banc) (internal citations

omitted) . O n review, “we employ a broad, comprehensive rev iew of the record

in order to determine whether the trial court’s decision is supported by

competent evidence .” Id.

Parental rights may be involuntarily terminated where any one

subsection of [s]ection 2511(a) is satisfied, along with

consideration of t he subsection 2511(b) provisions. Initially, the

focus is on the conduct of the parent. The party seeking

termination must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the

parent’s conduct satisfies the statutory grounds for termination

delineated in [s]e ction 2511(a). Only if the court determines that

the parent’s conduct warrants termination of his . . . parental

rights does the court engage in the second part of the analysis

pursuant to [s]ection 2511(b): determination of the needs and

welfare of the child under the standard of best interests of the

child.

In re L.M. , 923 A.2d 505, 511 (Pa. Super. 2007) (internal citations omitted).

Notably, the Agency has provided services for the past three years , yet

Father frames his issue in terms of future ability. Father states he “believes

the court erred in failing to consider [his] ability to remedy said incapacity in

the near future.” Appellant’s Brief, at 9

- 10. This argument is meritless.

Simply stated, Fa ther is out of time. See In re B., N.M. , 856 A.2d 847, 855

(Pa

. Super. 2004 ) (“P arental rights are not preserved by waiting for a more

suitable or convenient time to perform one's parental responsibilities while

others provide the child with [the child's] physical and emotional needs. ”).

### J

- A28015

- 21

- 7

-

We also note that Father presented no evidence of a bond between

Father and Child , and the Agency presented considerable evidence that Child

is bonded with his foster family, an adoptive resource. See 23 Pa.C.S.A. §

2511(b). See also In re J.N.M. , 177 A.3d 937, 943

- 44 (Pa. Super. 2018)

(stating that, in performing best

- interest analysis pursuant to section 2511(b),

trial court should consider parent

- child bond, if any exists, safety needs of the

child, intangibles , such as love, comfort, security, and stability child may have

with current caregiver, and importance of continuing any relationship child

may have with caregiver) ; In re Z.P.

, supra (e vidence was sufficient to

establish father had no bond with child and remaining with foster parents or

being adopted would serve child’s best interests).

After our review, we find no abuse of discretion or error of law. B.L.W.

,

supra . Accordingly, we rely on Judge Gin grich’s opinion to affirm the decree

terminating his parental rights to Child, and we direct the parties to attach a

copy of that opinion in the event of further proceedings. See Trial Court

Opinion 5/24/21, at 12

- 13, 17

- 18) ( finding Agency established clear and

convincing evidence for terminating Father’s parental rights pursuant to

section 2511(a)(2) ; finding “no bond or attachment between [Child] and

Father” a nd terminating Father’s parent rights best serves Child’s

developmental

, emotional, and physical nee ds pursuant to section 2511 (b)).

Decree affirmed.

### J

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- 8

-

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.

Prothonotary

Date: 03 /15/2022**Circulated QJ** **21 -C•** **IN THE** **COURT OF** **COMMON FLEAS** **OF MIFFLIN** **COUNTY, PENNSYL,'VANIA** **ORPHAN'S COURT** **DIVISION IN** **RE: R.** **B. S.** 

### jr,,**a minor** **child. Parental** **Action No.** **11 of** **2.020 ORDER** **and OPINION** **AND NOW,** **this J** **•i.ay of** **May, 2021,** **upon consideration** **of the** **Petition for** **Involuntary Termination** **of Parental** **Rights, filed** **by Mifflin** **County Children** **and Youth** **Social Services** **Agency (hereinafter** **"Agency") to** **terminate the** **parental rights** **of AAWB00** **and R@•** **Sys, Sr.,** **it is** **hereby ORDERED** **and DECREED** **said Petition** **is GRANTED.** **FACTUAL AND** **PROCEDURAL HISTORY** **R.B.S. Jr.** **was born** **on December** **t 2010,** **and at** **the time** **of the** **termination here** **was ten** **(10) years** **old. The** **natural mother** **of R.B.S.** **Jr. is** **AAM BdW** **(hereafter "Mother")** **and the** **natural father** **of R.B.S.** **Jr. is** **Row****wwSX*wxW****Sr. (hereafter** **"Father). R.B.S.** **Jr. was** **adjudicated dependent,** **along with** **'his three** **(3) siblings** **on December** **1, 2017.** **R.B.S. Jr:** **s siblings** **have since** **returned to** **care of** **Mother. On** **November 19,** **2017, Mother** **was arrested** **with three** **of her** **four children** **in the** **car with** **her. Mother** **was arrested** **for driving** **with a** **suspended license,** **endangering the** **welfare of** **children, possession** **of drug** **paraphernalia, driving** **under the** **influence of** **a controlled** **substance, driving** **with operating** **privilege is** **suspended or** **revoked, general** **lighting requirements,** **and failure** **to use** **a safety** **belt system.** **Father, on** **November 20,** **2017, had** **tested positive** **for cocaine.** **The children,** **I**

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### 1**including R.B.S.** **Jr., were** **taken into** **protective custody,** **and were** **all adjudicated** **dependent on** **December 1,** **2017. The** **Agency made** **parental objectives** **for Mother** **and Father.** **Mother's objectives** **were her** **protective capacity,** **meeting her** **mental health** **needs, ensuring** **medical, emotional,** **and physical** **needs are** **met, safe** **and stable** **housing, stable** **income, a** **drug free** **life, proper** **parenting, and** **agency cooperation.** **Father's objectives** **were similar** **to Mother's** **objectives. Case** **Supervisor, Nicole** **Patkalitsky, testified** **that Mother** **and Father** **have failed** **to alleviate** **any of** **the concerns** **that led** **to adjudication.** **R.B.S. Jr.** **is the** **child subject** **to this** **termination. R.B.S.** **Jr. has** **a diagnosis** **of Post-Traumatic** **Stress Disorder** **(hereafter "PTSD").** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **mental health** **has deteriorated** **throughout the** **duration of** **this case.** **The underlying** **facts of** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **PTSD are** **hard to** **discern. R.B.S.** **Jr. alleges** **that Father** **sexually abused** **him and** **his siblings,** **which has** **led to** **many of** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **mental health** **issues throughout** **this case.** **These allegations** **were unfounded** **by the** **Agency. However,** **through extensive** **testimony, R.B.S.** **Jr. has** **witnesses, and** **potentially been** **subject to,** **domestic violence** **at the** **hands of** **his Father.** **Additionally, R.B.S.** **Jr. has** **special education** **services and** **an individualized** **education plan** **(hereafter "IEP")** **through the** **school. R.B.S.** **Jr. has** **significant mental** **health concerns,** **which has** **caused him** **to move** **placements three** **times during** **the course** **of this** **case. R.B.S.** **Jr. struggles** **with suicidal** **ideation, violent** **outbursts, and** **goes to** **trauma therapy** **weekly. Testimony** **provided that** **Mother and** **Father had** **an incredibly** **tumultuous relationship.** **Mother testified** **that the** **relationship was** **abusive and** **co-dependent, and** **both Mother** **and Father** **2**

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i e d th a t t he r e l a ti o ns h i p w a s ab u s i v e a n d co- d e p e n d e n t

, a n d bo t h M o t h e r an d F a th er



### 2**struggled with** **drug use,** **Additionally, there** **were allegations** **of physical** **and sexual** **abuse by** **Father toward** **both Mother** **and the** **children. Mother** **testified that** **it was** **very confusing** **to discern** **the truth** **of these** **statements, While** **Mother testified** **that she** **now believes** **there was** **sexual abuse,** **and that** **the children** **have since** **opened up** **to her** **about their** **experience (expect** **for R,B,S.** **Jr. as** **visitation was** **suspended which** **will be** **discussed below),** **Mother testified** **that the** **children often** **would tell** **her sexual** **abuse happened,** **and then** **quickly recant.** **However, when** **Mother found** **a suspicious** **substance in** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **underwear, she** **did notify** **the Agency** **and take** **the child** **to the** **hospital. Mother** **testified that** **it confused** **her when** **the Agency** **deemed the** **allegations as** **unfounded, and** **then two** **of the** **children told** **her sexual** **abuse did** **not happen.** **However, Mother** **testified that** **one of** **her children** **is ready** **to come** **forward and** **pursue criminal** **action against** **Father, and** **that Mother** **now understands** **there was** **abuse and** **supports all** **of her** **children, including** **R.B.S. Jr.** **in receiving** **help. Father** **vehemently derides** **the allegations** **that he** **ever sexually** **abused his** **children, and** **no criminal** **charges have** **ever been** **filed against** **Father for** **the alleged** **sexual abuse** **of R.B.S,** **Jr. or** **his three** **siblings. The** **Agency, however,** **testified that** **not believing** **and supporting** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **allegations from** **the beginning,** **and consistently** **throughout, points** **to Mother's** **lack of** **protective capacity,** **one of** **Mother's goals.** **Dr. Hennessy** **further testified** **that Mother** **not consistently** **believing R.B.S.** **Jr, has** **caused R.B.S.** **Jr. to** **be re-traumatized.** **The Agency** **additionally had** **concerns that** **it tools** **Mother such** **a long** **time to** **leave Father.** **Case workers** **testified that** **Mother would** **lie about** **having contact** **with Father,** **hid his** **belongings in** **her home,** **allowed the** **children access** **to Father,** **failed to** **obtain a** **Protection From** **Abuse, and** **3**

s t ru g gle d w i th d r u g u se

. A d d i tio n al l y

, the re w e r e a ll e g a t i on s o f p h y s i c a l a n d sexu a l a b u s e b y F a t h e r

t o w a r d bo t h M o t he r a n d t he c h i l d ren

. M othe r t es ti fi e d t h a t i t w a s v e r y c o n: u s i n g t o d i sce rn th e

t rut h o f th es e s t a te m e n t s

. W h i l e M ot h e r t es t i fi ed tha t s he n o w be l i e ves t he r e w a s se xu a l a b u se

, an d

th a t th e c hi l d re n h a v e s i n ce o p e n e d u p to h e r ab o u t t he i r e x pe ri e n ce ( e x p e ct f o r R B .S. J r. a s v i si t a t i o n

w a s s us pe n d e d w h i c h w i l l be d isc us se d b e l o w )

, Mo t h e r te s t i f i e d t h a t t he c h i l d re n o f

t e n w ou l d ve i l

h e r se x u a l a b u se h a p pen e d, an d th en q ui c k l y r ec a n t. H o w e v e r

, w hen M o th e r f o u n d a s u s p i ci o u s

s u bst a n c e in R

. B S. J r ' s u nd e r w e ar

, s he d i d n o t i fy t h e A g e n cy an d t a k e : he chi l d t o t h e h os p i ta l

M o t he r tes ti fi ed th a t i t c o n fu se d h er w h e n the A g en c y d e e m e d th e a l l e g a t i o n s a s u nf o u n d e d

, an d

t h en tw o o f t he ch i l d r en t o l d he r sex u a l a b use di d n o t h a p pe n. H o we v e r

, M o t h e r t e s t i fi ed t h a t o n e

of h e r c hi l d r e n i s re a d y t o co m e fo r w ard an d p u rs u e c r i m i n a l ac ti o n a ga i ns t F a t h e r

, a n d t h a t M o ther

n o w u nd ers ta n d s t h e re w a s a b use an d s u p po rt s a l l o f h e r c h i l d ren, in c l u d i ng R

. B

. S. J r

. i n re c e i vi ng

h el p

. F a the r v e h e m e n t l y d e ni e s t h e a l l e g a t i on s t ha t he e v er se x u a l i y a b u s e d 

### his chi l d r e n, a n d n o

c ri m i n a l ch a r g e s ha v e e ve r bee n f il e d a g a ins t F a th e r { o r t he a l le g e d se x u a l a b u s e o f R. B. S

. J r o r h i s

t h ree 

### s i bl i n g s. Th e A gency

, ho w e v e r

, tes ti f i e d th a t r ot b e l i e v i n g an d s u p po r ti n g R B. S

. J r ' s

al l e g a t i ons f

r o m th e be ginni n g, a n d co n s is t e n t l y t h ro u g h o u t

, p o in ts t o M o t h e r ' s l a c k o f p r o te ct i ve

c a p a c i ty

, on e o f Mo th e r' s g o a l s

. D r. H e nne s s y f u r th e r t e s t if

i e d t h a t M o t h e r n o t c o ns i s t e n t l y be l i e v in g



### R

. B .S

. 

## J r h a s c a u se d R B

. S

. J r

. t o be te

- tra u ma ti z ed

.

Th e A ge n c y a d d i ti o na l l y h a d c on ce ms t ha t i t t ook M o t h e r su ch a l o n g tim e t o le a v e F a th e r

C a se w o r k er s te s ti f

i e d t h a t M o the r w o u l d l i e a b o u t ha v i n g c on t a c t w i t h F a t he r

, hi d 

### his b el o n gi n g s

i n h e r ho m e

, a l l o w e d th e c hi l d re n acce ss t o F a t h e r

, f a i l e d t o ob t ain a Pr o te ct i o n F r o m A b u se

, a n d

3**this all** **demonstrated her** **lack of** **protective capacity.** **Mother testified** **that these** **allegations from** **the Agency** **are not** **true. Mother** **stated that** **she worked** **with the** **Abuse Network** **and was** **guided to** **wait until** **Father was** **nearly out** **o£ jail** **before obtaining** **a PFA.** **Additionally, Mother** **kept Father's** **belongings in** **a shed** **away from** **the children,** **except for** **a television** **because Mother** **did not** **believe that** **a television** **would trigger** **the children.** **Mother testified** **she kept** **these belongings** **until she** **could find** **a third** **party to** **give the** **belongings back** **to Father.** **Additionally, Mother** **testified that** **the children** **never had** **access to** **get into** **contact with** **Father. Mother** **testified that** **while the** **children play** **on her** **phone the** **number to** **the jail** **Father was** **incarcerated in** **was blocked,** **and she** **only unblocked** **the jail** **number near** **the end** **of Father's** **incarceration to** **attempt to** **give his** **belongings to** **a third** **party, and** **promptly blocked** **the number** **again. Mother** **does believe** **that R.B,S.** **Jr. has** **been traumatized** **by the** **domestic violence** **in the** **home and** **the combined** **drug use** **of her** **and Father** **before Mother** **got sober.** **The Agency** **took a** **large issue** **over Mother's** **alleged inconsistency** **and her** **alleged inability** **to tell** **the Agency** **the truth.** **The Agency** **also had** **extensive testimony** **about Mother's** **alleged inability** **to "buy** **in" to** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **trauma. The** **Agency had** **Kristen Hennessy,** **Ph.D,, licensed** **psychologist, testify** **to her** **time with** **R.B.S. Jr.,** **as well** **as conversations** **with Mother.** **Dr. Hennessey** **testified that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **does not** **feel safe** **due to** **Mother's behaviors.** **Dr. Hennessey** **testified that** **she believes** **Mother is** **not consistent** **in believing** **that R.B.S.** **Jr. was** **traumatized by** **both Mother** **and Father.** **Dr. Hennessey** **testified that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **has very** **specific triggers** **and very** **volatile responses** **to triggers.** **R,B.S, Jr.** **has on** **previous occasions** **attempted to** **harm himself** **and his** **foster parents.** **4**

t h i s a l l d em o n s t r a t e d h e r l a c k o f p r o t ect i v e ca p a ci ty. M o t he r t e sti f i e d th a t th e se a ll e g a t i o ns f r o m t h e

A gen cy ar e n o t tr u e. M o th er s t a te d t ha t s he w o r k ed w i t h th e A b u s e N etw o r k an d w a s gui d e t o

w a i t un t i l F a th e r w a s n e a r l y o u t of 

### j a i l be f o r e ob t a in in g a P F A. A d d i ti o n al l y

, M o t h e r ke p t F a th er' s

b e l on gi n g s i n a sh e d

a w a y i ro m 

### the ch i l d re n

, e x ce p t f o r a te l e v i s i o n be c a u se M o t h e r d i d n o t be l i ev e

t h a t a te l e v i s i o n w o ul d tr ig g e r t h e c h i l d ren

. M o t h e r te s t i f i ed s he k e p t t h e s e b e l o n g i n gs un ti l she

c o u l d find a t h i r d p a rty t o g i v e th e be l on gin gs b a ck 

### t F a t he r. A d d i t i o n a l l y

, M o t he r te s t i f i ed th a t

t h e c hi l d r e n n e v e r h a d a c ce s s to ge t in to co n t a c t w i t h F a the r. M oth e r t e s t i f i e d t h a t w h i l e the ch i l d ren

p l a y o n he r ph on e t he n um be r t o the j a il F a t h e r w a s i n c ar ce r a te d in w a s b l o ck e d

, an d s h e o n l y

u n b l oc k e d th e j a i l n u m be r n e a r th e e n d o f F a t h e r ' s i nc a rc e r a ti on t o a t t e m p t t o g i v e his b e l on gin gs t o

a th i r d pa r ty

, a n d p r om p tl y b l o ck e d t he n u m be r a g a i n

. M ot he r d oe s b e li e v e th a t R. B

. S. J r h as bee n

tr a uma tiz e d b y t h e d o m es ti c v i o l en ce i n th e h o m e an d th e co m b i ne d d r u g us e of he r a n d F a th e r

be f o r e M o t h e r go t s o be r

.

Th e A g en c y t oo k a l a r ge i s s u e o v e r M o the r' s a l l e ge d in c ons i s t en cy an d h e r a l l e g ed ina b i l i ty

t o t e l l 

### the A g e ncy t he tru t h. Th e A g e n cy a l so h ad e x t e ns i v e t e s ti m o n y a b o u t M o th er ' s a l l e g e d

i n a b i l i t y t o "b u y i n " t o R. B .S

. J r ' s tr a u m a

. The A ge n cy ha d K r i s t en H enn e s s y

, Ph. D

. , li cense d

ps y ch ol o gi s t

, t e s ti fy t o h er t i m e w i t h R. B S

. J r

, a s w e l l a s co n v e r s a ti o n s w i th M o t h e r

. 

## D r. H e n n esse y

te s ti fi e d th a t 

### R

. B .S

. J r. d oe s n ot f ee ] s a f e d ue to M ot he r ' s b e h a v i o r s

. D r. H e nn e s se y t e s ti fi e d tha t she

be l i e v e s M o t h e r i s n o t c on s i s t en t i n be l i e v i ng t h a t R. B .S. J r

. w a s tr a u m a t i z e d b y bot h M o the r an d

F a th e r. D r

. H e nne ss e y te s ti fi e d th a t R B

. S

. 

### J r. h a s v er y s peci f i c tr i gge r s a n d v e r y v o l a ti l e r e s p on s es

t o tr i gge r s. R B

. S J r

. h a s o n p r e v i ou s occ a s i o ns a t te m p t e d t o h a r m h i m s e lf a n d hi s f o s t er p a r e n ts

.



### 4**Some of** **the discussed** **triggers were** **images of** **Minnie Mouse** **(said to** **remind hire** **of his** **biological sister),** **noise makers** **(which remind** **him of** **Father), and** **Zoom visitation** **(due to** **unfounded allegations** **that technology** **played a** **role in** **R.B.S. jr,'s** **sexual assault).** **Visits with** **Father have** **been suspended** **since November** **8, 2019,** **Mother's visits** **were suspended** **on December** **17, 2019,** **and visitation** **with R.B.S.** **Jr.'s siblings** **was suspended** **on July** **14, 2020.** **There was** **extensive testimony** **over the** **suspended visitation.** **Father's visits** **were suspended** **due to** **the allegations** **of sexual** **abuse, and** **due to** **Father being** **incarcerated. Dr.** **Hennessy recommended** **suspending Mother's** **visitation after** **receiving information** **from R.B.S.** **Jr.'s placement** **at the** **time that** **when he** **was told** **about visits,** **he would** **have sexual** **and violent** **reactions. The** **incident Dr.** **Hennessy specifically** **outlined was** **when R.B.S.** **Jr. was** **told about** **a visit** **he began** **smacking his** **butt, attempting** **to stab** **his butt** **with chapstick,** **and then** **putting the** **chapstick in** **his mouth.** **This incident** **was followed** **by pushing** **his foster** **parents, stating** **he wanted** **to die,** **attempting to** **choke himself,** **and hurting** **his feet** **on a** **wall. During** **this incident,** **R.B.S. Jr.** **did say** **he wanted** **his Mother.** **Dr. Hennessy** **testified that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **is extremely** **conflicted about** **his feelings** **toward his** **Mother and** **that he** **does want** **to see** **her, he** **wants a** **relationship with** **her, but** **he does** **not feel** **safe in** **her care,** **Dr. Hennessy** **ultimately asked** **for suspended** **visitation with** **Mother because** **R.B.S. Jr.** **was having** **these violent** **outbursts, and** **she wanted** **him to** **settle into** **the foster** **home, learn** **how to** **manage his** **emotions before** **attempting to** **visit with** **Mother. Dr.** **Hennessy then** **recommended suspending** **visitation with** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **siblings after** **the siblings** **were returned** **to Mother's** **home. In** **her letter** **recommending suspending,** **visitation with** **the siblings,** **Dr. Hennessy** **5**

So m e o f th e d is c u s s e d tri gg e rs w e r e i m a g e s o f M i nn i e M ou se ( sa i d to re m i n d h i m of h i s b i o l ogi c al

si s te r )

, no is e m a k e r s ( w hi ch re m in d h im o f F a t h er )

, an d Zo o m v i s i t a t i o n ( d u e 

### to un f ou nd e d

a l le g a ti on s 

### t ha t tec hn o l o g y p l a y ed a ro l e i n R. B

. S

. J r

. ' s se x u a l a s s a u l t )

. V i s i t s w i t h F a t he r h a v e bee n

s u s pen d ed s in ce N o ve m be r 8

, 2 0 1 9

, M o th e r ' s vi s i ts we re s u s pe n d e d o n De ce m be r 1 7

, 2 0 1 9

, an d

v i s i ta t i on 

## w th R. B. S. J r ' s s i bl i n gs w a s su s pen d ed on J u l y 1 4

, 202 0

Th e r e w a s e x t ens i v e t es t i m o n y ov er t h e s u s pen d ed v i s i t a t i o n

. F a the r ' s v i s i t s w e re s us pen d e d

d u e t o t he a ll e g a ti o n s o f se x u a l a b u se

, an d d u e t o F a t h e r be i ng i n c a r c e r a t e d. D r. H enne ssy

r e c o m m e n d e d s u s p en d i n g M o t h e r' s v is i t a t i on 

### a ft e r recei v i n g i nf o r m a ti o n f

r o m R. B S

. 

### J r ' s

pl a c e m e n t a r t h e ti m e th a t wh e n he w a s t o l d a b o u t vis i t s

, h e w o u l d ha v e s e x u a l a n d v i o l e n t re a cti o ns

.

The in c i d e n t D r

. H e n ne s s y sp e ci f i ca l l y o u t l i n e d w as w h e n R. B. S. 

### J r. w a s to l d a bo u t a v is i t he 

### be ga n

s m a c k i n g h i s b u tt

, a t te m p t i n g t o s ta b hi s b u t t wi t h ch a p s ti c k

, a n d t h e n p ut ti n g t h e ch a ps ni ck in h i s

m o u t h. Th is in ci d e n t w a s f o l l o w e d b y p u s hin g h i s f o s te r p a r en t s, s t a t ing h e w an t e d t o d i e

,

a tt em p ti n g t o c h o k e h im s e l f

, a n d h u r tin g h i s fe e t on a w a l l. Du r i n g thi s i n c i d e n t

, 

### R

. B

. S

. 

## J r. d i d sa y

h e w an ted h is M o t he r

. 

### D r

. H enn e ss y t e s ti fi e d t h a t 

### R B .S. J r. is e x t r e m e l y con f l i ct e d a b o u t h is 

### f

e el in gs

tow a r d h i s M o t h e r a n d th a t h e d oe s w a n t to se e he r

, h e w a n t s a re l a ti o n sh i p w i t h he r, b u t he d oe s

n ot f ee l sa t e in h er ca r e

. Dr. H e n e ss y u l ti m a te l y a s k ed f o r s us pe n d e d v i s i t a ti on w i th M ot h e r

be ca us e R B. S

. 

## J r. w a s h a v i n g these v i o l e n t o u t bu rs ts

, an d s h e w an t e d h i m t o s e t t l e in t o t h e f os t e r

h o m e, ' e a r n h o w t o m an a g e h i s e m o ti on s b e f o re a tte m p tin g to vi s i t w i th M o t h er. D r. H en n e s s y th e n

r eco m m e nd e d s u s p e n d in g v is i t a t i o n w i th R. B. S

. 

### J r ' s s i b l i n gs a fte r t h e s i b l in g s w e r e ret u r ned t o

M o t h e r' s h o m e

. 

### In h e r l e tt er rec o mm e n d i n g s u s pen d i n g v i s i t a t i o n w i th t h e s i b l in g s

, D r

. H e n n e s s y



### 5**noted that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **was doing** **better but** **after the** **siblings had** **been returned** **to Mother's** **home, there** **became issues** **with the** **visits. Dr.** **Hennessy wrote** **that R.B.S.** **Jr. had** **reactions to** **how much** **the siblings** **spoke about** **Mother, and** **that he** **had been** **thinking about** **Mother more.** **He then** **asked to** **read the** **letter his** **Mother wrote** **him, which** **made him** **upset. The** **next day,** **R.B.S. Jr.** **was in** **such a** **state of** **crisis, he** **was in** **an inpatient** **facility. R.B.S.** **Jr. has** **not had** **contact with** **any family** **member since** **this time.** **Dr. Hennessy** **testified that** **this arrangement** **should have** **been reassessed** **frequently, every** **thirty (30)** **to sixty** **(60) days,** **but that** **there was** **never a** **formal review** **of the** **suspended visitation.** **The Agency** **and Dr.** **Hennessey have** **set out** **tasks for** **Mother to** **complete even** **though visits** **were suspended** **which Mother** **did complete.** **One task** **was to** **get R.B.S.** **Jr. a** **gift, which** **Mother did,** **Testimony provided** **from Dr.** **Hennessey was** **that it** **was ultimately** **decided not** **to give** **the gift** **to R.B.S.** **Jr. because** **the gift** **"smelled" like** **Mother and** **Dr. Hennessey** **feared a** **triggered response** **from R.B.S.** **Jr. would** **occur. Additionally,** **there was** **testimony that** **Mother wrote** **two letters** **to R.B.S.** **Jr, after** **visits were** **suspended. Mother** **asked that** **the first** **letter not** **be shared,** **because Mother** **recognized there** **was language** **and phrasing** **in the** **letter that** **may trigger** **R.B.S. jr.** **Afterward, Mother** **wrote a** **second letter** **which R.B.S.** **Jr. asked** **to be** **read to** **him. Dr.** **Hennessey testified** **that after** **she read** **the letter,** **R.B,S. Jr.** **had a** **negative reaction** **and became** **scared of** **Dr. Hennessey,** **as well** **as having** **a crisis** **that led** **him to** **inpatient care.** **Dr. Hennessy** **also testified** **that since** **suspended visits,** **R.B.S. Jr.** **has expressed** **desire to** **be with** **Mother, see** **Mother, or** **return to** **her care,** **but that** **he also** **does not** **feel safe** **with Mother,** **and expresses** **more desire** **to be** **adopted by** **his foster** **family. 6**  

### n o te d th a t R

. B. S. 

## J r. w a s 

### d o in g be tte r bu t a f t e r th e 

### s i bl in gs h a d be e n r e tu r n e d t o M ot he r' s h o me

,

t h e re be c a m e i s s u es w i th t h e v i s i t s. D r

. H e n n e ss y w r ote th a t R B S. 

## J r. h a d r e a c t i o ns t o ho w m u ch

t h e s i b l i n gs s p o k e a b ou t M o t h e r

, a n d t h a t h e ha d be e n t hi n ki n g a bo u t M o t he r m o r e

. H e then a sk ed



### t o r e a d th e l e t t e r hi s 

### M o tt e r w r o t e hi m

, w hi ch m a d e h i m u pse t. Th e n e x t 

### d a y

, R

. B S. J r

. w a s in s u ch

a s t a t e o f cris i s

, he w a s i n a n i n p a ti e n t a ~li ty

. R B. S. J r

. ha s n ot h a d c o n t a c t w i t h a n y f a m i l y m e m ber

s in ce t h i s ti m e

.

D r

. H e nn e s s y te s ti f

i ed t h a t t h i s a r r a n g e m e n t s h ou l d h a v e be e n re a s se s se d f r eq u e n t l y

, e v e ry

th i rty (30 ) to si x t y ( 6 0 ) d a y s

, b u t t h a t the re w a s ne v e r a f o rm al r e v i e w o f t he s u s pe n d e d v i si t a t i on

Th e A ge n cy an d D r

. He n n e sse y h a v e se t ou t ta s k s f o r M oth e r to c o m p l e te e v e n t h ou gh v i s i ts we re



### s us pe n d e d w hi ch M o t h e r d i d c o m pl e te

. One t a sk w as to ge t R. B

. S. 

## J r. a g i f t

, w hi c h M othe r 

### d i d

.

T e s ti m o n y p r o v i d ed fro m D r

. H e nn e s s e y w a s th a t i t w a s u l t i m a t e l y d e c i d e d n o t to g i v e t he g i f t t o

R B

. S

. 

## J r. be ca u se th e gi f t " s m e l l e d " L i k e M oth er an d D r

. H e nn ess e y f e a r e d a t ri g g e r ed re s po nse from

R

. B S

. J r

. w o u l d o c cu r

. A d d i ti o na l l y

, t h e re w as t es ti m on y th a t M o t he r w ro t e tw o l e t te rs t o R. B. S

. 

## J r.

a ft e r v i si ts w e r e su s pe n d e d. M o th e r a s k ed t h a t t he f i r s t l e t t e r n o t be s h a r e d

, beca use M o t he r

r e co gn i z e d t h

e r e w a s l a n gua g e an d p h r a s in g i n t h e l e t t e r th a t m a y tri g g e r R

. B. S. J r

. A ft e rw a r d

,

M o t h e r wr o te a se co rd l e t t e r w hi ch R B

. S. 

## J r. a sk e d to be rea d to 

## hi m. D r

. H e n ne ss e y te s tif i ed t h a t

a f t e r s h e re a d th e l e t t e r

, R. B

. S. 

## J r. h a d a ne ga ti v e r e a c ti o n a n d be c a m e s c a r e d o f D e

. H en nes se y

, a s

w e l l a s ha v i n g a cri si s t h a t l e d h i m to in pa t i en t c a r e

. D r. H e n n e ss y a l s o te sti f i e d t h a t s in ce s us pen d ed

v is i ts

, R. B S. J r

. h a s e xp re s se d d e sir e t o be w i th M o th e r

, see M o t he r

, o r r e tu r n to h e r c a re

, b u t th a t h e

a l s o d oe s n o t f

ee l sa f e wi t h M o th e r

, a n d e x pre ss es m o r e d e s i re t o be a d o pt e d b y h i s fos t er f a m i

. y

.

6**Dr. Hennessey** **throughout this** **case has** **been concerned** **throughout the** **life of** **this case** **because Mother** **has been** **inconsistent with** **believing that** **trauma occurred** **and questions** **the validity** **of R.B.S.** **Jr.'s allegations.** **Dr. Hennessy** **also testified** **that she** **has never** **had a** **session with** **Mother, and** **does not** **know how** **Mother implemented** **the techniques** **that were** **needed to** **make R.B.S.** **Jr. feel** **safe. Finally,** **Dr. Hennessey** **testified that** **she has** **never had** **contact with** **Father, and** **that Father** **cannot even** **yet be** **mentioned in** **therapy without** **a negative** **reaction from** **R.B.S. Jr.** **Dr, Hennessey** **testified that** **she asked** **Father to** **write a** **letter taking** **responsibility for** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **trauma and** **Father never** **did, which** **stalled progress** **she was** **able to** **make with** **R.B.S. Jr.** **reuniting with** **Father. Additionally,** **the Agency** **had Mother** **undergo a** **psychological evaluation** **completed by** **David G.** **Ray, M.** **Ed. David** **Ray testified** **that Mother** **did have** **some inconsistencies** **between Agency** **reports, other** **counseling reports,** **and his** **evaluation. David** **Ray places** **a high** **value on** **the Agency's** **version of** **Mother throughout** **both his** **evaluation and** **his testimony.** **In his** **report dated** **April 28,** **2020, his** **concerns were** **Mother's history** **of addiction,** **dysfunctional relationship,** **parenting abilities** **and protective** **capacity. David** **Ray ultimately** **diagnosed Mother** **with Personality** **Disorder.' David** **Ray noted** **that Mother** **has made** **very positive** **progress and** **had support** **groups in** **place. However,** **he had** **concerns over** **Mother's inconsistencies** **and poor** **decision making** **in the** **past. His** **concerns were** **over Mother's** **issues with** **the timeline** **of her** **drug usage,** **and reports** **from different** **agencies that** **contradicted what** **Mother reported** **to hire.** **He noted** **that the** **' The** **report notes** **that David** **Ray's diagnosis** **is different** **from Project** **Point of** **Light (another** **counseling service}** **that diagnosed** **her with** **codependency and** **drug addiction,** **not a** **personality disorder.** **David Ray** **disagrees with** **that diagnosis.** **7**

D r. H enn es se y th rou g h ou t th is c a se h a s bee n con ce r n e d t h r o ugh o u t th e l i f e o f t h i s c as e be c a us e

M o t h e r h as bee n i n c o n sist en t w i t h be l i e v in g th a t tr a u ma oc cu r r e d a n d q u e s t i o n s th e v a l i d i t y o f

R. B

. S

. J r ' s a l l e ga t i o n s

. D r

. H e nn e ssy a l so te s ti fi e d t h a t s he h a s n e v e r h a d a s e s s i o n w i th M o th e r

, an d

d oe s r o t k n ow ho w M o the r i m p l e m e n te d the t e chni q ues th a t w e re ne e d e d t o m a k e R

. B. S

. J r

. fee l

s a f e

. F i n a l l y

, D r. H e n n e s se y tes t i f i e d th a t s h e h a s ne v e r h a d c o n ta c t w i th F a t h e r

, an d t h a t F a ther

c a nn o t e ve n y e t b e m e n t i o n e d in th e r a py w i th ou t A r e g a t i v e re a cti o n f r o m R B. S

. J r

. D r

. H enn e ss e y

t e s t i f i e d th a t s h e a s ke d F a t he r t o w r i te a l e tte r t a k i n g r e s po ns i b i l i ty o r R B. S

. J r

. ' s t r a um a a n d F a th e r

ne v e r d i d, w hi c h s t a l le d p ro g r ess sh e w a s a b l e t o m a k e w i t h R B .S. 

## J r. r eun i t i n g w i th F a the r

.

A d d i t i o n a l l y

, the A ge n cy h a d M oth er u n d e r g o a p s y c hol o g i ca l e v a l u a t i on co m p l e te d b y

D a v i d G

. R ay

, M

. E d. D a vi d Ra y te s tif i ed th a t M o t he r d i d ha v e s o m e i n con s i s t e n ci es ber w een



### A g e n c y re por t s, ot h e r c o u nse l i n g r e p o r t s, a n d h i s e v a l u a ti o n. D a v i d 

### R a y p l a ce s a h i g h v al ue on 

### the

A g e n cy' s ve rs i o n o f M o th e r th ro u gh ou t b o th 

### hi s e v a l u a t i o n 

### an d h i s t e s t im o n y

. 

### I hi s r e p ort d a t e d

A p r i l 28

, 2 0 2 0, h i s c o nc e rns we re M o t he r' s h i s t o ry o f a d d i c ti on

, d y sf un ct i on a l re l a t i o ns hi p

pa re n t ing a bi l i t i e s an d p ro te ct i v e c a p a ci t y

. D a v i d Ra y u l ti m a t e l y d i a gn ose d M o t he r w i t h

P e r s o n a l i ty D i so r d e r

. ' D a v i d R a y n o t e d t h a t M o t he r h a s m a d e v e r y po s i ti v e p r o gress a n d h a d

s u p po r t g r o u p s i n p l a ce. H o w e v e r, 

### he h a d con ce rns ov e r M o t he r' s i n c o ns i s te n c i e s a r. d poo r d e c i s i on

ma k i n g in th e pa s t

. H i s co n ce r ns w e re o v e r M o t he r' s i s s u e s w i th th e t i m e l ine o f h e r d r u g u s a g e

, a n d

r e p o r ts fr o m d i f

f e r en t a g e n ci e s t ha t con tr a d ic t e d w h a t M o t h e r re p or t e d t o him. H e n ot e d t ha t 

### the

' Th e r e port no t e s t h at D a v i d Ra y ' s d iagno s i s is d i ffer en t from Pro j ect P o in t o f L i g h t ( a n o ther c o un se l i ng s e rv ic e ; that

d i agn o se d her w i t h co d ep e n d e n cy a nd d ru g a dd ic t ion

, not a p e rs on al i ty d i s o r de r. D a v i d R a y d i s a g r ee s wi th tha t

d i8 g oos 1 s



### 7**visits he** **observed with** **Mother and** **the children** **were actually** **very positive,** **albeit chaotic.** **His report** **indicates that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **does not** **have a** **healthy secure** **attachment to** **Mother, and** **that since** **visits were** **suspended his** **suicidal ideation** **had stopped.** **That testimony** **was in** **conflict with** **testimony presented** **by other** **witnesses. Overall,** **without evaluating** **R.B.S. Jr.,** **and based** **on reports** **by Dr.** **Hennessey, he** **testified that** **R,B.S. Jr,** **was becoming** **more regulated..** **He's overall** **concern with** **Mother is** **her ability** **to remain** **consistent now** **that she** **has made** **progress, something** **he doubts** **can be** **achieved given** **his diagnosis** **of Mother** **having a** **personality disorder.** **David Ray** **ultimately recommended** **termination, and** **testified that** **because there** **was not** **a secure** **attachment with** **Mother, there** **would be** **minimal issues** **severing the** **bond between** **Mother and** **R.B.S. Jr.** **Father was** **asked by** **the Agency** **to have** **a psychological** **evaluation completed,** **but never** **did. Multiple** **caseworkers testified** **in this** **case as** **well. Overall,** **there were** **concerns about** **Mother's drug** **use, consistency,** **honesty, and** **protective capacity.** **Caseworkers testified** **that they** **struggle with** **Mother because** **they do** **not feel** **that Mother** **follows their** **recommendations in** **this case.** **A majority** **of the** **testimony the** **caseworkers focused** **on events** **in 2018** **and 2019,** **prior to** **Mother getting** **sober. The** **caseworkers testified** **that Mother** **could not** **model the** **proper behavior** **when visits** **were still** **occurring. There** **was testimony** **that not** **all the** **concerns were** **shared with** **Mother. For** **instance, Mother** **was unaware** **that R.B.S.** **Jr. had** **contracted coronavirus,** **that technology** **was a** **trigger for** **him because** **of the** **sexual abuse** **allegations, or** **that modeling** **that was** **initially shown** **to Mother** **was not** **effective for** **R.B.S. Jr.** **and that** **the modelled** **behavior had** **actually been** **changed. Additionally,** **there was** **testimony that** **the Agency** **was not** **happy, or** **very concerned,** **9**

v i s i t s 

### he ob se rv ed w i t h M o t he r an d th e chi l d r e n w e r e a c tu a l l y v e r y po s i ti v e

, a l be i t ch a o ti c

. H is

r e po r t i n d i c a te s 

### t ha t R

. B

. S

. 

## J r. d oe s n o t h a v e a h e a l th y s e cu re a tt a ch m e r t o M o t he r

, an d th a t s i r. ce

v i s i t s w e re s us pe n d ed h i s s u i c i d a l i d e a t i o n ha d s top pe d

. Th a t t e s t i m o n y w a s i n co n l i ct w i th

t e s ti m o n y pre se n te d by o t h e r w i tness es

. Ov e r a l l, w i t h o u t e v a l u a ti n g R. B. S. J r

. , a n d b a se d o n re po r ts



### b y D r

. H enn es se y

, h e t e s ti f i e d th at R. B .S

, J r

. w a s b eco min g m o r e re g u l a te d

. H e ' s ov e r al l c on c e m

.



### w i th M o th e r i s h e r a b i l i ty t o re m ai n c o nsi s t e n t n o w th a t sh e 

### ha s m a d e p r o gr e s s, s o m e t h i n g h e d o u b t s

c a n b e a ch i e v e d g i v e n hi s d i a g n os i s 

# o M o t he r h a v i n g a pe rso n a l i ty d i so r d e r. D a vi d R a y ul ti m a t e l y

r e co m m en d e d t e rm i n a ti o n

, a n d te s ti f i e d th a t b e ca u se ther e w a s n o t a secu r e a tt a ch me r. t wi t h

M o t h e r

, th e r e w o u l d be mini m a l i ss ues se v e ri n g t h e bo n d be t w e en M o t he r a n d R

. B

. S. J r

. F a t h e r w A s

a s k e d b y t h e Age n cy t o h a v e a ps y ch o l og i c a l e v al u a ti o n c o m p l e te d, b u t n e v e r d i d

.

M u l ti p l e cas e w o r ke rs tes tif i e d i n th i s c a se a s we l l. O v e r a ll

, th e r e w e r e c once rn s a bo u t

M o t h e r' s d r u g u se

, con si s t en cy

, h o n es ty

, a nd p r ot ecti v e c a p ac i ty. C as e w o r ke r s te s t if i e d th a t th ey

s t r u g g l e w i t h M o the r b e ca u se t he y d o n o t f ee l th a t M o th e r f

o l l o w s t he i r re c o mm en d a ti on s in t hi s

c a se. A m a

j o r i t y o f t h e t e s ti m on y th e c a se w o r k e r s f ocu s ed on e v e n ts i n 2 0 1 8 a n d 2 0 1 9

, p ri o r t o

M o th e r g e tt i n g s o b e r. Th e c a se w o r k e r s t e s tifi e d t h a t M o t h e r cou l d n ot m od e l t h e pro pe r be h a v i o r

w he n v i s i ts w e re s t i l l

oc cu rrin g. Th e r e w as te s t i m on y t h a t n o t a l l th e con c e rns w e re sh a re d w i t h

M o th e r

. F o r in s t an ce

, M o the r w a s un a w a r e th a t R. B .S. 

### J r. h a d c o n tr a c te d co rona vi ru s

, t ha t

te chn ol o gy w a s a tr i g g e r f o r h i m be ca u se o f th e se xu a l a bu se al l e g a ti o n s

, o r th a t m od e l i n g t ha t w a s

i n i ti a ll y s h o w n t o M o t he r w a s n ot e f f ec ti v e { o r R B

. S. 

## J r. a n d th a t th e m od e l l e d b e ha vi o r h a d a ctu a l l y

b ee n chan g e d

. A d d i ti o n a l l y, 

### th ere w as te s ti m o n y t ha t t he A ge n c y w a s n o t h a p p y

, o r 

### ve r y co n c e r n e d

,



### 8**when the** **Court told** **the Agency** **to increase** **visitation with** **Mother. It** **was after** **this time,** **that R.B.S.** **Jr. began** **having suicidal** **ideation, which** **Mother found** **confusing because** **R.B.S. Jr.** **had seemed** **to be** **improving. Testimony** **regarding Father** **was that** **he was** **generally uncooperative.** **While he** **participated in** **some of** **the classes** **while incarcerated,** **he did** **not continue** **that after** **he was** **released. Caseworkers** **said they** **generally did** **not have** **much contact** **with Father.** **Mother testified,** **as well** **as some** **of her** **supports within** **the community.** **Ann Kanagy** **testified that** **she runs** **some of** **the support** **groups Mother** **is involved** **with. Mother** **sought out** **additional resources,** **above what** **the Agency** **set out** **for her.** **Ann Kanagy** **ran quite** **of few** **of these,** **which include** **a support** **group for** **single mothers.** **Ann Kanagy** **testified that** **she has** **seen a** **tremendous change** **in Mother** **throughout her** **time at** **the church** **these groups** **are run** **out of.** **Mother additionally** **testified that** **finding God** **and being** **involved with** **the church** **has been** **a very** **big reason** **that her** **life has** **been turned** **around. Mother** **testified that** **the most** **frustrating part** **of this** **case is** **that she** **felt she** **was never** **communicated with** **by both** **Dr. Hennessy** **and the** **Agency. While** **Mother testified** **she received** **the parenting** **plans and** **spoke with** **case workers,** **she said** **a lot** **of the** **information about** **R.B.S. Jr.** **was not** **told to** **her until** **there was** **a permanency** **review hearing** **before the** **Court. Specifically,** **Mother testified** **that she** **was not** **made aware** **of R.B.S.** **Jr.'s suicidal** **ideation until** **a Court** **hearing where** **testimony was** **presented. Mother** **was greatly** **concerned about** **R.B.S. Jr.`s** **treatment in** **this case** **as well.** **Mother testified** **that "things** **were going** **pretty well"** **for her** **and R.B.S.** **Jr. as** **she started** **to progress** **through her** **case. At** **the outset** **of this** **case, R.B.S.** **Jr. was** **being seen** **by a** **different therapist,** **and Mother** **said she** **saw an** **improvement. Mother** **testified that** **9**



### w h e n th e C o u r t t o l d th e A g e n cy to 

### i ncr e ase v i si ta ti on w i t h M o th e r

. I t w a s a f t e r t hi s ti m e

, t h a t R

. B

. S

J r

. be g a n h a v i n g s u i ci d a l i d e a ti o n, wh i ch 

### M o t he r f o u n d c o n f

u s in g be c a u s e R. B. S

. J r

. h a d see m e d to

b e 

### i m p r ovi n g. T e s ti m on y re ga r di n g F a t h er 

### w as t h a t 

### he w a s g e ne r a l l y u n c oo pe ra ti v e. Wh i l e h e

p a r ti c i pa t e d i n 

### so m e o f th e c l as s e s w hi le 

### in ca r ce r a t e d

, h e 

### d i d n ot c on t in u e t h a t a f t e r h e w a s re l e a se d

C a se w or k e r s s a i d th e y g e n er a l l y d i d n ot h a v e m u c h con ta c t w i t h F a t he r

M o the r te s t i fi e d, 

### a s w e l l as so me o f h e r s u p po r ts w i thi n th e c o m m u n i ty

. A nn Kana gy



### t e s ti f i ed 

### t h a t s h e r uns so m e o f 

### t h e s u p po r t grou p s M o t h e r is 

### in v o l v e d w i t h. M ot h e r so u g h t ou t

a d d i ti ona l r e so u r ce s

, a b o v e w h a t the 

### A gen cy se t o u t fo r h e r. A nn K an a gy r a n q u i te o f 

### ew o f th ese

,

w h i c h i ncl u d e a s u ppo rt g r o u p f o r s i ngl e m o th e rs. Ann 

### K an ag y t e s ti fi e d th a t s h e h a s s ee n a

tr e m e n d o u s c han g e i n M o th e r th rou gh ou t her 

### t i me a t t he ch u r c h th es e g r o u p s a r e r u n ou t o f. M o th e r

a d d i ti on a l l y t e sti fi e d t h a t fi n d in g God 

### an d bei n g in v ol v e d w i t h th e c h u r c h ha s b e e n a v e ry bi g r e ason

th a t h e r l if

e h a s b een tu rn e d a r o u n d

. M o th e r t e s t i f i e d t ha t t h e m o s t f

r u s tr a t i n g 

### pa rt o f this 

### c a se i s

t h a t sh e fel t 

### s h e w a s n ev e r co mm un i c a t e d w i th by 

### bo th D r. H e nness y a n d th e A g e n c y. Whi le 

### M o th e r

t e s ti fi e d s h e r ece i v e d t h e p a ren ti n g p lan s and 

### s po k e w i th ca se w o r k e r s

, s he s a i d a l o t o f th e

i n f o rm a ti o n a b ou t 

### RR

. B

. S. J r

. w a s 

### n o t t o l d to he r 

### un ti l th e r e w a s a 

### pe rm a n e n c y re v i e w h e a r i n g b e f o r e

t h e C o u r t

. S p e ci fi ca l l y

, M ot he r te s ti fi e d tha t 

### s h e w a s n o t ma d e a w a re o f R. B

. S. J r

. ' s s ui ci d a l i d e a ti o n

u n t i a Cou r t h e a r ing w he r e te s ti m on y w a s p r e se n te d. M o t h e r w a s gr e a t l y con c e rne d a bo u t R B. S



### J r ' s tr ea t m e n t in 

### t his c a se a s w e ll. M o t h e r t e s t i fi e d th a t " t h in gs w e r e g o i ng p re tty w e l l " [ o r h e r a n d

R. B

. S. 

## J r. a s s h e s ta r t e d t o p ro g re s s t h r o u gh b e r ca se. A t t h e ou t se t o f th i s c a se

, R B

. S

. J r

. wa s b ei n g

se e n b y 

### a d i f

f er e n t the r a p i s t

, a n d M o t he r s ai d s h e sa w a n i m p r o v e m e n t. M o t h er te s tif i e d t h a t



### 9**without reason,** **R.B.S. Jr.** **was moved** **to Dr.** **Hennessey's practice,** **and that** **is when** **Mother began** **to notice** **a dedine** **in this** **case, and** **things like** **R.B.S. Jr:** **s violent** **outbursts and** **suicidal ideation** **began. Mother** **testified that** **this is** **something she** **discusses with** **her own** **therapist, and** **worries about** **re traumatization** **with R.B.S.** **Jr. as** **his mental** **state continues** **to decline.** **Mother also** **testified that** **this case** **has been** **increasingly difficult** **because any** **time she** **asks for** **clarification on** **a decision** **the Agency** **or Dr.** **Hennessy makes,** **or a** **reason why** **decisions are** **being made,** **the Agency** **claims that** **she is** **not complying** **with recommendations** **and that** **Mother lacks** **protective capacity.** **Mother testified** **that she** **asked the** **Agency what** **an appropriate** **gift would** **be for** **R.B.S. Jr.,** **and was** **given no** **guidance, so** **she picked** **out a** **Nike T-Shirt** **she thought** **he would** **like. Mother** **testified that** **she was** **never informed** **the gift** **was inappropriate** **and never** **told that** **the gift** **was not** **given to** **R.B.S. Jr.** **Additionally, Mother** **testified that** **the first** **letter she** **gave R.B.S.** **Jr. and** **asked not** **to be** **shared is** **because Mother** **put in** **"I'm fighting** **for you"** **and she** **thought that** **may trigger** **him and** **wanted to** **remove the** **phrase. After** **she removed** **that phrase,** **she believed** **that the** **letter was** **fine, and** **was not** **told otherwise.** **Additionally, Mother** **also testified** **that it'sbeen** **incredibly difficult** **to be** **involved with** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **therapy. Mather** **testified that** **a majority** **of her** **contact with** **Dr. Hennessy** **has been** **by phone,** **and that** **she is** **not very** **informed of** **what she** **needs to** **be doing** **to help** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **therapy. She** **met with** **Dr. Hennessy** **one time,** **and was** **informed that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **has an** **issue with** **his feet.** **She said** **the only** **thing Dr.** **Hennessy taught** **her was** **to massage** **his feet,** **give him** **socks, and** **talk to** **him in** **a very** **calm voice.** **However, prior** **testimony provided** **that calm** **voices do** **not work** **well with** **R.B.S. 10** 



### w i t h o u t re a s o n, R B. S

. J r

. 

### w a s m o v e d t o D r. H e nne sse y ' s p r a c ti c e

, 

### a n d t h a t i s w hen 

### M o th e r b e g an. t o

n o ti ce a d e cl in e in 

### th i s c a s e

, a n d th ing s l i k e R. B .S

. J r ' s 

### v i ol e n t ou t b u r s t s an d su i c i d a l i d e a ti o n b eg an

M o th er te s ti f

i e d t h a t t hi s 

### i s s o m e thi ng sh e d i scuss e s w i th h er 

### o wn t h e r a p i s t

, a nd w o rri es 

### a b o u t re t r a u m a t i z a t i on 

### w i th R. B S. J r

. as h i s 

### me n t a l s ta t e co n t in u es t o d e c l i ne. M ot h e r a l s o t e s ti fi e d tha t 

### t h is

c a se ha s b e e r 

### in cre a s in gl y d if fi c u l t be ca u se 

### an y ti m e s he 

### a s k s fo r 

### c l a r i f

i c a t i o n o n a 

### d e ci si o n t h e

A g e n c y o r D r. H e nn e ss y m a k e s

, o r a r ea so n w h y d e ci s i o ns a re be ing 

### m a d e

, t he 

### A ge n cy c. a im s th a t

s h e i s no t c o m p l y in g w i t h re co mm en d a ti o ns an d th a t M o the r l a ck s p r o t e c t i v e c a p a c i t y. M o the r

t e s ti f i e d th a t s h e as k e d th e A ge n cy w h a t an a p pr o pr i a te g i ft w o u l d b e ( o r R. B S. 

## J r.

, e nd w as g i v en

n o gui d a nce

, 

### s o s he p i c k e d o ut a 

### N ik e T

- Sh i r t s h e t ho u g h t h e w o u l d l i k e. M o th e r t e s ti f i ed 

### th a t s h e

w a s n e v e r in f

o r me d t h e gi f t 

### w a s in a p p r o p r i a te an d ne v e r 

### t o l d th a t t h e gi f t 

### w a s n o t giv en to R

. B. S

.



## J r. A d d i ti o n a l l y

, M oth e r t e s ti f i ed th a t the f

ir s t 

### l e tte r s he ga v e R. B. S

. J r

. an d a s k ed 

### n o t t o b e sha re d i s



### b ec a u se M o the r p u t i n " I ' m f i gh tin g for 

### y o u " an d s h e 

### t h o u gh t t h a t ma y tr i g g e r hi m a n d w ar t e d t o

r em ov e the ph r ase

. A f

te r s h e r e m o ve d tha t 

### p hr ase, sh e b e l i e v ed t h a t th e l et te r w a s f i ne

, a nd w a s no t

t o l d o t h e rw i se

.

A d d i ti o n a l l y

, M o t h e r a l so tes t i fi ed 

### t h a t i t ' s bee n i n c r e d i b l y d if f i c u l t t o be 

### in v ol ve d w i th R B. S



### J r ' s t he r a p y

, M oth e r t e s ti f i e d t h a t a m aj o r i ty o f he r co n t a ct w i th 

### D r

. H e n n e s s y h a s be e n b y ph o ne

,

a n d th a t s he is 

### n ot v e ry i nf o r me d 

### of w h a t sh e ne eds t o be 

### d o i n g t o h e l p R B .S

. J r ' s t he r a p y. S h e met



### w i t h D r

. H enn e s s y one ti m e

, a n d w as in f o rm e d t ha t R

. B

. S

. J r

. h as an 

### i ss u e w i t h hi s f ee t. Sh e 

### s a i d t he



### o n l y th in g Dr

. H en n e ss y ta u gh t he r 

### w a s to 

### m a ssa ge h i s f ee t

, g i v e h i m soc ks

, 

### a n d t al k t o h i m i n 

### a

v e r y ca l m v o i c e. H o w e v e r

, p ri or te s ti mon y p r o v i d e d th a t c a l m v o i c e s d o n o t w o r k w e l l w i t h

. B S



### 1 0**Jr., nor** **does a** **maternal figure** **attempting to** **calm down** **R.B.S. Jr.** **immediately after** **a negative** **behavior, a** **fact Mother** **says she** **again, only** **learned during** **the hearing.** **Mother testified** **that it** **has been** **incredibly difficult** **to know** **what she** **needs to** **work on** **regarding R.B.S.** **Jr.'s mental** **health and** **how best** **to help** **him, because** **there is** **not a** **lot of** **communication about** **it. Finally,** **the Guardian** **Ad Litem** **(hereafter "GAL")** **and R.B.S.** **Jr.'s legal** **counsel both** **presented findings** **to the** **Court. Both** **reported that** **this case** **is very** **difficult due** **to R.B.S.** **Jr.'s mental** **state. The** **GAL reported** **that R.B.S.** **Jr. in** **the latest** **placement is** **happy and** **safe, and** **has expressed** **interest in** **being adopted.** **However, the** **GAL also** **reported R.B.S.** **Jr. wants** **to see** **his siblings** **but is** **worried what** **his response** **maybe. The** **GAL stated** **it is** **clear that** **the child** **wants to** **remain in** **his placement,** **but also** **that he** **wants a** **relationship with** **Mother and** **his biological** **siblings. The** **GAL also** **reported she** **is concerned** **by Mother's** **decision to** **drive which** **resulted in** **criminal charges** **for driving** **on a** **suspended license,** **because she** **believes that** **presented a** **backslide in** **Mother's progress.** **Additionally, R.B.S.** **Jr.'s legal** **counsel reported** **that the** **child has** **expressed a** **desire to** **be adopted.** **However, R.B.S.** **Jr. does** **not seem** **to understand** **what termination** **means, and** **has expressed** **a desire** **to see** **his siblings.** **Ultimately, the** **GAL recommended** **termination, but** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **legal counsel** **could not** **make a** **recommendation either** **way. DISCUSSION** **The Court** **begins the** **discussion with** **noting that** **this case** **is highly** **complicated. There** **has been** **a tremendous** **level of** **progress by** **Mother in** **this case,** **during the** **second half** **of placement.** **The Court** **notes that** **if the** **Court did** **not find** **that Mother** **had made** **sustained and** **successful 31** 

J r

. , n a r d oe s a m a te r n a l f i gu re a t te m pt in g to c a l d o w n R

. B S

. 

## J r. i m m e d i a t e l y a ft e r a n e g a ti ve

b e h a v i o r

, a f

a ct M o t h e r s a y s s h e a g ain, o n l y l e a rne d d u r i n g t h e h ea ri ng. M o t h e r te s t i f i e d th a t i t ha s

be e n i nc r e d i b l y d if

f i cu l t t o k n o w w h a t s he n eeds t o w o r k o n re g a r di n g R. B .S. J r ' s m e n t a l he al t h a n d

h o w be s t t o h e l p hi m, be c a u se t he re i s not a l o t of com m u n i ca ti o n a b o u t i t

.

F in a l l y

, t h e 

### G u a r

d ia n A d Li t e m (he re a f

t e r " G A L " ) an d R

. B. S. J r. ' s eg a l c o u n s e l bo t h p r ese n te d

f in d i n gs t o th e C o u r t

. B o t h r e p o r ted th a t thi s c as e i s v e r y d i f f i cu l t d u e t o R. B S. J r ' s m en t al s ta t e

Th e G A L r e po rt e d t h a t R

. B S. J r

. i n t he l a te s t p l a ce m e n t i s h a p p y a n d s a f e

, an d ha s e x p re ssed i n te re s t

i n bein g a d o p t e d

. H o we v e r

, th e G A L 

## al so re po r ted R. B S

. J r

. w an t s t o s e e hi s si b l i n g s b u t i s w o r r ie d

w h at h i s r e s po nse m a y b e

. The G A L st a ted i t i s cl e a r tha t t h e c t; l d w an ts t o re m a in i n h i s p l a c em en t,

b u t a l s o th a t h e w a n t s a r e l a ti o n s h i p w i t h M o the r a n d h i s b i o l ogi ca l s i b l i n gs

. Th e G A L a l so r e po r t ed

s h e i s c o n ce m e d b y M ot h e r' s d e ci s i o n t o d r i v e w h i ch r e s u l t ed i n cr i m i na l c h a rge s f or d r i ving on a

su s p en d e d li ce n se

, bec a u se s he be l i e ve s t h a t pr esen t ed a b a c k s l i d e i n M o t he r ' s p r o gre ss

.

A d d it i o na l l y

, R

. B S

. J r ' s l e g a l cou nse l r e po r te d tha t t he chi ld h a s e x p re ss ed a d e s i r e to 

### be a d o p ted

H o w ev e r

, R B S. 

### J r. d o e s n o t see m to un d ers t a n d w h a t t e rm in a ti o n m e an s, a n d h a s e xp r e sse d a d e s i re

t o s ee hi s s i b l ing s

. U l ti m a t e l y

, th e G A L recom m en d e d t e r m i na t i o n, b u t R. B S

. J r. ' s le g a l co unse l

c o u l d no t m a k e a re co m m e n d a ti on e i th e r w a y

D I S C U S S I O N

Th e C o ur t be gin s t h e d iscu ss i o n w i th n o t i n g th a t th i s c a se i s h i g hl y c o m p l i c a t ed

. Th er e ha s

bee n a t re m en d ou s l ev e l o f p r o gre ss b y M o th e r i n thi s c a se

, d u ri n g t he se con d h a l f o f p l a ce m en t

Th e C ou r t n o t e s th a t if t he Co u rt d i d n o t f i n d t h a t M o t he r h a d m a d e sus t a i ned an d su cce s s f u l



### II**progress, the** **Court would** **not have** **returned the** **three (3)** **siblings of** **R.B.S. Jr.** **to Mother's** **care. While** **a majority** **of testimony** **was presented** **on Mother's** **misgivings, the** **Court feels** **that this** **case comes** **down to** **the PTSU** **and mental** **health of** **R.B.S. Jr.** **rather than** **any lack** **of progress** **Mother has** **made while** **working towards** **reunification. The** **court must** **undergo a** **two-step analysis** **when deciding** **whether to** **terminate an** **individual's parental** **rights. First,** **the court** **must determine** **whether the** **petitioner proved** **with clear** **and convincing** **evidence one** **of the** **grounds for** **termination stated** **in 23** **Pa.C.S,A. §** **2511(a). Next,** **the court** **must assess** **the child's** **developmental, physical,** **and emotional** **needs and** **welfare in** **accordance with** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(b)** **and the** **best interest** **of the** **child standard.** **The court** **must consider** **each case's** **individual circumstances** **and the** **parent's explanations** **to determine** **whether the** **"totality of** **the circumstances"** **justifies terminating** **the parent's** **rights. 7n** **re B.N.M.,** **856 A.2d** **847, 853** **(Pa. Super.** **2004). The** **Agency alleges** **grounds for** **termination under** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§§ 2511(a)(2),** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **2511(a)(5), and** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **2511(a)(8). The** **Court will** **first address** **the termination** **grounds found** **in all** **alleged sections.** **Then it** **will separately** **determine whether** **terminating Father** **and Mother's** **parental rights** **serves R.B.S.** **Jr.'s best** **interest. I.** **Termination Grounds** **for Father** **A. Termination** **Pursuant to** **23 ra.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(a)(2)** **Section 2511(a)(2)** **authorizes the** **court to** **terminate a** **parent's rights** **if: "The** **repeated and** **continued incapacity,** **abuse, neglect** **or refusal** **of the** **parent has** **caused the** **child to** **be without** **essential parental** **care, control** **or 12**  

### p ro gr es s

, th e 

### Co u r t w o u l d r o t 

### h a v e r e t u r ne d th e th r ee ( 3 ) 

### s i b l i n g s o f R. B

. S. 

### J t

. t a M o t h e r' s c a re

. Whi l e

a m a j o r i ty o f te s t i m o n y w a s p re sen te d on M o t he r' s m is gi vin g s

, t he C ou rt f e e l s th a t t hi s ca se c o m e s

d o w n t o t h e PTS D a n d m en t a l he a l th o f R B. S

. 

## J r. r a th e r 

### t h a n an y l a ck o f p r o g re s s M ot h e r ha s ma d e

w il e w o r k i n g t o w a r d s re un i fi c a ti on

Th e c o u r t mu s t un de r g o a tw o-s te p an a l y si s w he n d e ci d in g w he t he r t o t e r m i na t e an

i n d i vi d u a l' s p a re n t a l ri g h t s

. Fi r s t

, t he 

### cou r t m u s t d e t e rm i n e w h e t h e r th e pe t i ti on e r pro v ed w i t h



### c l e a r a n d co n v i n c in g 

### e v i d en ce on e o f the 

### g r o u n ds f o r t e r m i n a ti o n 

### s t a te d in 

### 2 3 P L. C

. S A. 

### S 25 1 1 ( a )



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, p h y s i c a l

, an d e m o ti o n a l n e e d s an d w e l f a r e in



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### 23 P a

. C S. A. 5 2 5 1 1 ( b ) 

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### of th e c h i l d s t a n d a r d. Th e co u rt 

### m u s t

co n si d e r e a ch ca se ' s in d i v i d u a l ci r cum s tan ce s a n d t h e p a ren t' s ex p l a na ti o n s t o d e t e r mine w h e t he r

t he " to t al i t y o f t he ci rcu m s t a n ce s " j u s ti f i e s t e rm in a tin g the 

### p a re n t' s r i gh ts

. 

### In re B NM. 85 6 A. 2 d

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, 8 53 ( P a. 

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. 2 004 )

.

Th e A g e n cy 

### a l l e ge s g r ou n d s t o r te rm i na t i on 

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. A

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i n a l l al l eg e d 

### se ct i o n s

. Th e n i t 

### wi l l se p a r a te l y d e te r m in e w he the r t e r mi na ti ng F a t h e r an d M o t he r' s

p a r en tal r i g h t s se rv e s R

. B

. S. 

### J r ' s bes t 

### in t e re s t

.

I

, 

### T e rm i n a t i o n G r o un ds f o r 

### F a th e r

A. T e r m i n a t i o n P u r s u an t t o 2 3 P a. C S

. A

. $ 

### 2 5 1 1 ( ) 0 2 )

Se cti o n 25 1 1 ( a ) 2 ) a u th o r i z es th e co u rt t o t e rm i n a t e a pa r e n t' s r i gh t s i f



### " T e r e pe a t ed a n d 

### c o n ti n u e d i nc a p a c i ty

, a bu se

, n e g l e c t o r r e f usa l o f t he

p a ren t h a s c a u se d th e chi l d t o b e 

### w i th o u t e s se n t i a l pa ren t a l ca re

, co n tro l o r



### 1 2**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." 23** **Pa. C,S.A.** **§ 2511(a)(2).** **The Agency** **has established,** **by clear** **and convincing** **evidence, the** **grounds for** **termination of** **Father's parental** **rights under** **§ 2511(a)(2).** **Father has** **not cooperated** **with the** **Agency in** **any meaningful** **way which** **has caused** **R.B.S. Jr.** **to be** **without essential** **parental care.** **Father has** **had numerous** **opportunities to** **be involved** **with services** **and has** **flouted almost** **every opportunity.** **This has** **caused R.S.S.** **Jr. to** **be without** **essential parental** **care, control** **or subsistence** **necessary for** **his physical** **and mental** **well-being. Furthermore,** **Father's incapacity** **cannot be** **remedied in** **a timely** **manner, as** **evidenced by** **his unwillingness** **to participate** **in this** **case meaningfully.** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§2511(a)(2). B.** **Termination Pursuant** **to 23** **Pa,C.S.A. §** **2511(a)(5) Section** **2511(a)(5) permits** **the court** **to terminate** **parental rights** **when.- "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 reasonable** **period of** **time and** **termination of** **the parental** **rights would** **best serve** **the needs** **and welfare** **of the** **child." 23** **Pa.C.S.A. §** **2511(a)(,5). The** **Agency has** **established, by** **clear and** **convincing evidence,** **the grounds** **for termination** **of Father's** **parental rights** **under §** **2511(a)(5). Father** **has not** **cooperated with** **the Agency** **in any** **13** 

### s u b s i s t e n ce n ece ss a ry f o r his 

### p h y s i c a l o r m e n t a l w e l l

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### i n c a p a c i ty, a b u se

, n eg l e c t o r re fu s a l c ann o t o r

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### p ar e n t "



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o f F a t h er' s p a re n t a l r i g h t s un d er g 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 2 ) F a the r h a s n o t coo p e r a te d w i t h th e A ge n cy i n an y

m e aning f

u l w a y w h i ch h a s c a u s ed R. B. S

. J r

. 

### to be w i th ou t e s se n ti a l p a r e n t a l c a re. F a th e r h a s h a d

n u m e ro u s o p po r tu n i t ie s to 

### b e in v o l v ed w i t h ser v i c es a n d h a s fl o u t e d a l m o s t e v e ry op po r tun i ty

Th i s h a s c a use d R. B

. S

. f r

. to 

### b e w i tho u t e ssen ti a l pa re n ta l c a r e

, c o n tro l o r s u b s i s t en ce n e ce ss a ry fo r

h i s p h y si c al a n d m e n ta l w e l l

- bei n g. F u rt h erm o re

, F a t h e r' s i n c a p a c i ty c a nn o t be 

### r e med i ed i n a ti m e l y

m ann e r, a s e vi d e n c e d b y h i s un w il l i n gnes s to 

### p a r t i ci p a te i n th i s 

### c a s e m e a n i n g fu ll y, 23 P a

. C S. A

$ 25 1 1 ( a ) 02 )

.



### B. T e r m i n a t i o n P u rs u a n t t 6 23 P a

. C S

. A

, 

### $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 5 )



### S ec ti o n 2 5 1 1 ( a ) ( 5 ) p e rmi ts t he 

### co u rt t o te r m i n a t e pa re n t a l r i gh ts w he n :

" Th e c h i l d h a s bee n re m o v ed f r o m t h e c a re o f t h e p a re n t b y th e c o u r t o r u n d e r

a v o l un t a ry a g re e m en t w i t h a n a g e n cy f o r a pe r i od o f a t l e a s t s i x m on t h s

, the



### co n d i ti o ns w h i ch l ed t o t h e r e m o v a l or p l a ce m e n t o f t he c h i l d c o n t i n u e to 

### e x i s t

,

t h e p a r e n t c an n ot 

### o r 

### w ill n ot 

### r em e d y th os e c o n d i ti o ns w i thi n a 

### re a s o r

. a b l e

p e r i o d o f ti m e

, the 

### se rvi ce s or as s i s t an ce r e a so n a b l y a v a i l a b l e 

### to t he p a r en t a r e

n o t l i ke l y t o re m e d y th e c o n d i tio n s w hi c h l e d t o t he 

### re m o v a l o r p l a ce m e n t of



### t h e chi l d w i t hi n a re aso na b le pe r i od o f t i m e an d t e r m in a ti o n o f th e p a re n t a l

n i gh t s w o u l d be s t s e rv e t he n eed s an d w e l f a re o f th e chi l d

. "

2 3 P a. C S. A. $ 25 1 1 ( a ) 0 5 )

Th e A g e ncy h a s es ta b l i she d, b y d e a r a n d con v i nci n g ev i d e n ce

, t he 

### g r oun d s f o r t e rm i n a t i o n

£ 

### F a th e r' s pa r en tal r i g h t s un d e r 

### $ 2 5 1 1 ( a ) ( 5 )

. F a t h er ha s n o t c oo pe r a t ed w i t h th e A ge n cy i n an y

1 3**meardngful way** **which has** **caused R.B.S.** **Jr. to** **be without** **essential parental** **care. Father** **has failed** **to address** **the Agency's** **mental health** **concerns, failed** **to seek** **drug and** **alcohol treatment** **for his** **addiction, failed** **to maintain** **a crime** **free lifestyle** **which resulted** **in Father** **being incarcerated** **three (3)** **times during** **the life** **of this** **case. Father** **has had** **numerous opportunities** **to be** **involved with** **services and** **has flouted** **almost every** **opportunity. This** **has caused** **R.B.S. Jr.** **to be** **without essential** **parental care,** **control or** **subsistence necessary** **for her** **physical and** **mental well-being.** **Furthermore, Father's** **incapacity cannot** **be remedied** **in a** **timely manner,** **as evidenced** **by his** **unwillingness to** **participate in** **this case** **meaningfully. 23** **Pa.C.S.A. §2511(a)(2).** **C. Termination** **Pursuant to** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(a)(6)** **The court** **may terminate** **a parent's** **parental rights** **under §** **2511(a)(8) if:** **"The child** **has been** **removed from** **the care** **of the** **parent by** **the court** **or under** **a voluntary** **agreement with** **an agency,** **twelve 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** **serve the** **needs and** **welfare of** **the child."** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **y 2511(a)(8).** **The Agency** **by clear** **and convincing** **evidence also** **established the** **termination grounds** **found in** **§ 2511** **(a)(8). At** **the time** **of the** **hearing, R.B.S.** **Jr. had** **been in** **foster care** **for approximately** **thirty-right (38)** **months. Father** **has clearly** **failed to** **address any** **of the** **problems that** **led to** **R.B.S. Jr.** **being removed** **from the** **home. Father** **has failed** **to address** **the Agency's** **mental health** **concerns, failed** **to seek** **drug and** **alcohol treatment** **for his** **addiction, failed** **to maintain** **a crime** **free lifestyle** **which resulted** **in Father** **being incarcerated** **three (3)** **times during** **the life** **of this** **case, and** **failed to** **14**

m e a r u n gfu l w a y w hi ch h as c a us e d R B S

. J r

. t o 

### be w i t h o u t e s se n t i a l p a r en t a l c a r e. F a t h e r h as f a i l e d

t o a d d r e ss t h e 

### A g e n c y' s m e n ta l h e a l th co nce rns

, f a i le d to see k d r u g an d a l c o h o l tr e a t m en t f o r h i s

a d d i cti o n, f a i l e d t o m a i n t ai n a c ri m e 

### free l i f e s t y l e w h i c h r e s u l te d in F a t h e r be in g i n c a rc e r a ted th ree

( 3 ) t i m e s d u rin g 

### t he l i f

e o f t hi s 

### case. F a the r h a s h a d n u m e r o u s o p p o r tu n i t i e s t o be i n v o l v e d w i th

s er v ie s an d h a s fl o u t e d a l m ost e ve ry op p o rtr i ty. Th i s h as c a u sed R B. S. 

### J r. t o be w i th ou t e ssen ti a l

p a r en t a l c a r e

, co n tr o l o r s u bsis t e n ce n ece ss a r y f o r h e r p h y s i ca l an d m e n t a l w e l l

- b e i n g

. F u r the r m o re

,

F a th e r' s in c a p a ci ty ca n n o t be re m e d i ed in a ti m e l y m a nn e r

, a s ev i de n c e d b y hi s u n w i l l i ngn ess t o

pa r t i ci p a te i n 

### hi s c a se 

### m e a n i n gful' y. 23 P a. C S

. A

. $ 25 1 1 ( 2 ) 2 )

C. T e rm i n a t i on Pu rs u a n t t o 23 P a

. C

. S

. A. 

### $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 8 )

The c ou rt m a y te rmin a t e a p a r e n t' s p a re n t a l r i g h t s u n d e r g 2 5 1 1 ( a ) ) :f :

"The c hi l d ha s be en re m o v e d f r om t he c a re o f t h e p a r e n t b y th e c o u r t O r

u n d e r a v o l u n t a ry a gr e e m en t w i th a n a g e n c y

, t w e l v e m on t hs o r t o re h a v e

e l a ps e d f r o m t he d a te of r e m o v a l o r p l a ce m e n t

, the c o n d i t i o n s w h i c h l ed t o

th e re m o v a l o r p l a ce m e n t o f 

## th e c h i l d c o n tin u e t o e x i s t a nd te rm i n a ti o n o f

pa r e n t a l r i gh ts w o u l d se rv e the n ee d s and w e l f a re o f t h e c hi l d. "

23 P a. C 5 A $ 25 1 1 ( 8 ) ( 8 )

The A g e n cy b y c l e a r a nd c on v i n c i n g ev i d e n ce a l s o es t a b l i s h e d t h e t erm i n a ti o n gr ou n ds

f ou nd i n 3 2 5 1 1 { a ) 8 ). A t t h e ti m e of th e h ea ri n g R. B S. J r

. h a d be en i n f o s t e r ca r e f

o r a p p r o x i m a t e l y

thir ty

- ri g h t ( 3 8 ) m o n th s. F a t he r h a s c l e a r l y f a i l e d t o a d d re ss a n y o f t he p r o b l e m s th a t l e d t o R

. B .S

J r

. be i n g r e m o v ed fr o m th e h o m e. F a t her ha s f a il e d t o a d d r ess t h e A g e n cy' s m e n t a l h e a l th co ncern s

,

f a il ed t o s ee k d r u g a nd a l co h ol tre a tm e n t f o r h i s a d d i c ti on, f

ai l e d to m a in t a i n a c ri m e f ree l i f e st y le

wh i ch res u l te d i n F a t h e r bei ng in ca r c e r a t e d th re e ( 3 ) t i m es d u r i n g the l i fe 

# o t hi s ca se

, an d f a i l ed to

1 4**cooperate with** **the Agency** **in any** **meaningful way.** **It is** **apparent to** **the Court** **that Father** **will not** **cooperate with** **the Agency** **and work** **on any** **of the** **concerns the** **Agency has.** **As such,** **the Court** **finds grounds** **to terminate** **Father's parental** **rights pursuant** **to §** **2511 (a)(8).** **II. Termination** **Grounds for** **Mother A.** **Termination Pursuant** **to 23** **Pa.C.S.A. §** **2511(a)(2) Section** **2511(a)(2) authorizes** **the court** **to terminate** **a parent's** **rights if:** **"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." 23** **Pa. C.** **5,A. §** **2511(a)(2). Here,** **the Agency** **by clear** **and convincing** **evidence established** **the termination** **grounds found** **in §** **2511(a)(2), relative** **to Mother.** **Irremediable incapacity** **by Mother** **has caused** **R.B.S. Jr.** **to be** **without essential** **parental care** **for his** **mental wellbeing** **and conditions** **cannot be** **remedied. The** **abuse of** **R.B.S. Jr.** **caused such** **trauma that** **Dr. Hennessy** **recommended no** **contact with** **Mother, as** **it causes** **R.B.S. Jr.** **continued trauma** **and concerns** **of self-harm.** **This initial** **incapacity caused** **R.B.S. Jr.** **to be** **without essential** **parental care** **for his** **wellbeing and** **according to** **the expert** **testimony of** **Dr. Hennessy,** **there conditions** **continue to** **exist as** **the triggers** **are Mother's** **home, Mother's** **family, and** **Mother's presence.** **Accordingly, the** **Court finds** **grounds to** **terminate Mother's** **parental rights** **pursuant to** **§ 2511(a)(2).** **B. Termination** **Pursuant to** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(a)(5)** **15**

co o per a t e w i t h th e A g e nc y i n an y me an ing f u l w a y

. i t i s a p p a r e n t to t h e C o u r t th a t F a t h e r w i l l n ot

c o o p e r a te wi t h 

### t he A g en cy a n d w or k o n a n y 

### of t h e co nce m s the A g e n c y h a s. A s s u c h, the C our t

fi n d s g r o un d s t o t e rm i n a t e F a th e r' s p a r e n t a l r i g h ts p u rsu a n t t o 

### $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 8 )

I L

. T e r m i n a t i o n G r o u n d s 

### fo r M o th e r

A. T e rm i n a t i o n P u r s u a n t t o 23 P a. C

. S

. A

. $ 25 1 1 ( a ) 0 2 )

Secti on 25 l 1 ( a ) 2 ) a u t h o r i ze s t h e co u r t to t e r m i n a te a p a ren t ' s r i gh ts i f



### The rep e a ted an d co n ti n u e d i n c a pa ci ty

, a b u se

, n e gl e ct o r r e f u s a l o f t he

p a r e n t h a s c a u se d th e chil d t o be w i t h o u t e s sen t i al p a r e n t a l ca re

, c on tr o l or

su b s i s t en c e n e ce ss a ry fo r h is p h y s i c al or m en t a l w el l

- b e in g an d t h e

co n di ti o n s a n d 

### ca uses o f 

### th e i n c a p a c i t y

, 

### a b use

, n e g l e c t o r r e f u s a l c a nn o t o r

w i l l n o t be r e m e d ied b y t he pa r en t

23 P a

. C S

. A

. $ 2 5 1 1 ( a ) 2 )

H e r e

, t h e A g e nc y by c l e a r a n d con v inc i n g e v i de n c e e s : a b l i s h e d t he te r min a t i o n g r o u n d s

f o u n d i n 

### 6 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 2 )

, re l at i v e to M o th e r. I r re m e d i ab l e i nc a pa ci ty b y M o t h e r h a s c a u s ed 

### R

. B

. S. J r

. t o

be w i t h o u t e s se nt i a l p a r en t a l ca r e f o r h i s men t al w e ll b e in g a n d c on d i t i o ns c a nn o t 

### be r em ed ie d. Th e

a b u s e o ! R. B S

. J r. c a u se d s u c h tr a u m a t h a t D r. H e nn e s s y r ec o mm e n d e d n o con t ac t w i th M ot he r a s

i t c a u s es R B. S. 

## J r. co n t i n u ed tr a u m a an d co n ce r n s o f se l f h a r m. T h i s in i ti a l in c a p a ci ty c a u se d R B .S.



### J r. t o be w i t h o u t e s s e n ti a l pa re n ta l ca re f o r h i s w e l l b e i n g an d a cco r d in g to t h e e x pe r t tes t i m on y o f

D r

. H enn e s s y

, t he re c on d i t i o n s co n tin u e 

### to e x i st a s t he tri g g e r s a re M o t h e r ' s h o m e

, M o t he r' s f a m i ly

,

a n d M o t h e r' s p res en ce

. A cc o r d i n g l y

, th e C ou r t f i n d s g rou n d s to t e r m in a t e M o t h e r' s p a r e n ta l ri g h ts

p u r s u a n t 

### to $ 2 5 1 1 ( a ) 2 )

B

. T e rmi n a t i o n Pu rsu a n t t o 23 P a

. C

. S

. A

. 

### $ 2 5 1 1 6 a ) (5 )**Section 2511(a)(5)** **permits the** **court to** **terminate parental** **rights when:** **"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** **reasonable period** **of time** **and termination** **of the** **parental rights** **would best** **serve the** **needs and** **welfare of** **the child."** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(a)(5).** **The Agency** **by clear** **and convincing** **evidence also** **established the** **termination grounds** **found in** **§ 2511(a)(5).** **At the** **time of** **the hearing,** **R.B.S. Jr.** **had been** **in foster** **care for** **approximately thirty-eight** **(38) months.** **The conditions,** **by way** **of R.B.S.** **Jr.'s triggers,** **continue to** **exist. Per** **the expert** **testimony of** **Dr. Hennessey** **the conditions** **continue to** **exist, and** **Mother cannot** **remedy due** **to the** **nature of** **the abuse** **and ongoing** **trauma of** **R.B.S. Jr.** **While Mother** **has made** **progress in** **almost every** **area of** **her life,** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **extensive trauma** **cannot be** **remedied in** **Mother's care,** **per expert** **testimony of** **Dr. Hennessy.** **While it** **is clear** **that Mother** **does love** **R.B.S. Jr.** **very much,** **and has** **worked hard** **to address** **the problems** **that led** **to the** **placement of** **R.B.S. Jr.,** **R,B.S. Jr.'s** **trauma is** **intrinsically linked** **to Mother,** **and seems** **unlikely to** **be resolved.** **As such,** **the Court** **finds grounds** **to terminate** **Mother's parental** **rights pursuant** **to §** **2511(a)(5). C.** **Termination Pursuant** **to 23** **Pa.C.S.A. §** **2511(a)(8) The** **court may** **terminate a** **parent's parental** **rights under** **§ 2511(a)(8)** **if: 16** 

Secti o n 25 1 1 ( a )5 ) pe r r i t s t h e cou r t t o t e r min a t e p a re n t a l 

### r i gh t s w he n :

"Th e ch i l d h as b e e n r e m ov ed f ro m t he ca r e o f t h e p a re n t b y the c ou r t O r

u n d e r a v o l u n ta r y a gree m e n t w i th a n a g e n cy 

### f o r a 

### pe r i o d o f a t l e a s t 

### s i x

m on t hs, th e con d i ti ons w h i c h l e d t o the re m ov a l o r p l a c e m e n t o f th e ch i l d

co n ti n u e t o e x is t, the 

### pa r en t cann ot o r w il l n o t r e m ed y t h o se co n d i t i o ns

w i th i n a r e a s on a b le 

### pe ri od o f t i me

, the servi ce s o r 

### as s i s t an ce r e a s o n a b l y

a v a i l a bl e t o the p a re n t a r e n ot l i k e l y t o r e m ed y t he c on d i t i o n s w h i ch l e d t o

t he r e mo v a l o r p a ce m en t o f t h e chi l d w i t h i n a r e a so n a b l e peri od o f ti r e

a n d t e rmin a ti o n o f the p a ren t a l r i gh ts w o uld bes t s e r v e t he ne e d s an d

we l f a r e 

# o the 

### ch i d. "

23 P a. C S

. A

. $ 2 5 1 1 ( a ) 0 5 )

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f o u n d i n S 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 5 )

. A t t h e ti m e 

### o f t h e he a r i n g R

. B. S. 

## J r. h a d bee n in f o s te r c a r e f

o r a p p r o x i m a te l y

thir ty

- eigh t (3 8 ) m o n th s

. The c o nd i tio ns, b y w a y o f 

### R. B. S

. J r ' s t r i gg e r s

, co n tin u e t o 

### e x i s t

. P e r 

### the

e x p e rt t e s tim o n y of 

### Dr. H e nne ss e y th e c o nd i t i on s con t i n u e to e x is t, an d M o t h e r c ann o t r e m e d y d u e



### t o 

## th e n a tu r e o f t h e a bus e a n d o r. g o i n g tr a u m a o f R B. S. 

### J

. Whi l e M o th e r h a s m a d e p r o g r es s i n

a l m os t e v e r y a re a o f h e r l i fe

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. J r ' s e x t e n s i ve t r a u m a c a nn o t be re m ed i e d in M o th e r' s care

, pe r

e x pe rt te s t i m on y o f D r. H enne ss

. W hi le i t is c l e a r tha t M o th e r d oe s l o v e R. B

. S. 

## J r. v e ry m u c h, an d

h a s w o r ke d h a r d to a d d r e ss th e pr ob l e ms t h a t l ed t o th e p l a ce m e n t o f R

. B S. J r

. R B. S

. J r. ' s tr a um a is

i n t r i ns i c a l l y l i n ke d t o M o th e r, an d se e m s un l i k e l y t o be re s o l v e d. A s su ch

, t h e C o u r t f i n d s g r o un d s

t o t e r m i n a t e M o t he r ' s p a r e n ta l ri g h ts p u r s u a n t t o 

### $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 5 )

.

C

. T e r m i n a ti o n P u r s u a n t t o 2 3 P a

. C

. S. A

. 

### $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 8 )

Th e c o u r t m a y te rm ina t e a p a re n t' s p a re n t a l r i gh t s u n d e r 

### $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 8 ) i i



### 1 6**"The child** **has been** **removed from** **the care** **of the** **parent by** **the court** **or under** **a voluntary** **agreement with** **an agency,** **twelve 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** **serve the** **needs and** **welfare of** **the child."** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(a)(8).** **The Agency** **by clear** **and convincing** **evidence also** **established the** **termination grounds** **found in** **§ 2511** **(a)(8). At** **the time** **of the** **hearing, R.B.S.** **Jr. had** **been in** **foster care** **for approximately** **thirty-eight (38)** **months. R.B.S.** **Jr.'s continued** **trauma and** **extensive triggers** **linked to** **Mother's care** **continue to** **exist. While** **Mother has** **attempted to** **remedy the** **trauma caused** **to R.B.S,** **Jr., testimony** **provided by** **Dr. Hennessy** **shows that** **R.B.S. Jr.** **is still** **not safe** **in Mother's** **care, and** **the trauma** **continues to** **exist. Termination** **of Mother's** **rights would** **best serve** **the needs** **and welfare** **of R.B.S.** **Jr. As** **such, the** **Court finds** **grounds to** **terminate Mother's** **parental rights** **pursuant to** **§ 2511** **(a)(8). III.** **The Child's** **Best Interests** **Havitlg found** **the Agency** **established with** **clear and** **convincing evidence** **the termination** **grounds for** **Mother and** **Father stated** **in §** **2511(a)(2), §** **2511(a)(5) and§** **2511(a)(8), the** **Court must** **determine whether** **terminating parental** **rights serves** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **bes interest.** **The Court** **must ive** **"primary determination"** **to the** **child's "developmental,** **physical, and** **emotional needs."** **23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§ 2511(b).** **This analysis** **involves an** **examination of** **"intangibles such** **as love,** **comfort, security,** **and stability."** **In re** **C.P., 901** **A.2d 516,** **520 (Pa.** **Super. 2006).** **The court** **must assess** **the bond** **the children** **have with** **their parents** **and whether** **termination would** **sever "existing,** **17** "The ch i l d h a s bee n r e m o v e d fro m the ca r e o f t he p a r e n t by t h e c o u r t o f

u n d e r a v o l u n t a ry a gree m e n t w i t h an a g en cy

, tw e l ve m on t h s or m o r e h a v e

el a p se d f r o m t h e d a t e o : r e m ov al o r p l a ce m en t, th e c on d i ti o n s w h i ch l e d t o

t h e r e m o v a l o r p l a c em e n t o f the ch il d co n tin ue t o e xi s t a n d t e rm i n a t i on o f

p a r en t a l r i gh ts w ou l d se r v e the ne e d s an d w e l f a re 

## o: t he ch i l d. "

23 P a. C S. A

. $ 25 1 1 ( a ) ( 8 )

Th e A g e n c y b y cle a r a nd co n v in c ing e v i d e n ce al so e s t a b l i s h e d t h e t e r r

. i n a ti on g roun d s

f o u n d in $ 2 5 1 1 ( a ) ( 8 ). A t t h e t i me 

## o: the h e a ri n g R B S

, J r

. h a d bee n in f o s t e r c a r e f

o r a p p ro xi m a te l y

th i r t y

- e i g h t ( 38 ) m o n t h s. R. B

. S. J r ' s co n t i n u e d t r a u m a a n d ex t e n s i v e t ri gg e r s l i n k e d t o M oth er ' s c a re

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### 1 7**necessary, and** **beneficial relationship[sl."** **In re** **K.Z.S., 946** **A.2d 753,** **760 (Pa.** **Super. 2008)(citing** **In re.** **C.S., 761** **A.2d 1197,** **1202 (Pa.** **Super. 2000).** **The court** **must pay** **"close attention"** **to the** **effect severing** **the bond** **with a** **parent has** **on the** **children. In** **re L.M.,** **923 A.2d** **505, 511** **(Pa. Super.** **2007). However,** **the child's** **needs and** **welfare are** **the most** **important factors.** **In re** **K.Z.S., 946** **A.2d at** **760. The** **Court firids** **that there** **is no** **bond or** **attachment between** **R.B_S. Jr.** **and Father.** **In fact,** **testimony provided** **by all** **parties indicated** **that there** **is a** **severe trauma** **response to** **Father. The** **Court finds** **that R.B,S.** **Jr.'s needs** **and welfare** **are best** **met with** **terminating Father's** **parental rights.** **The Court** **acknowledges that** **Mother loves** **R.B.S. Jr.** **and does** **want him** **returned to** **her care.** **The Court** **also takes** **notice that** **Mother has** **worked exceptionally** **hard to** **dramatically change** **her life.** **However, R.135.** **Jr. does** **have mental** **health concerns** **that Mother** **has not** **been able** **to address** **given the** **severity of** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **symptoms. While** **R.B.S. Jr.** **is confused** **and does** **not fully** **understand what** **termination is,** **as reported** **by both** **his legal** **counsel and** **the CAL,** **the Court** **finds that** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **mental condition** **appears to** **be more** **stable in** **his foster** **home, than** **in the** **care of** **Mother. Further,** **there was** **testimony presented** **that while** **there is** **a bond** **between Mother** **and R.B.S.** **Jr., that** **bond is** **not a** **safe, secure** **bond, but** **rather a** **trauma bond.** **Therefore, the** **Court finds** **that terminating** **Mother's parental** **rights serves** **R.B.S. Jr.'s** **developmental, physical,** **and emotional** **needs and** **welfare. CONCLUSION** **This Court** **finds the** **Agency met** **its burden,** **by proving** **through clear** **and convincing** **evidence the** **grounds for** **involuntary termination** **of Mother** **and le'ather's** **parental rights** **found in** **18**

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### 1 8**23 Pa.C.S.A.** **§§2511{a)(2), 2511(a)(5),** **and 2511(a)(8).** **Further, terminating** **Mother and** **Father's parental** **rights is** **in the** **best interests** **of R.B.S.** **Jr. BY** **THE COURT:** **C: Alina** **Reed, Esq,** **Karen Muir,** **Esq, Jeffrey** **M. Davis,** **Esq. Erica** **Shoaf, Esq,** **Brian Baker,** **Esq. MCCYS** **File 19** 

# ,•**lr.• ;.** **AARON L.** **GINGRICH JUDGE**  23 P a. C S

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