IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

DIVISION II

In the Matter of the Adoption of: No. 52684-1-II

T.A.W.,

R.B. and C.B.,

Petitioners,

UNPUBLISHED OPINION

v.

C.W.,

Respondent.

SUTTON, J. — CW, the biological father of TAW, an Indian1child, appeals from the trial 

court order terminating CW’s parental rights and granting TAW’s stepfather’s adoption petition

under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)2and the Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act 

(WICWA).

3

 CW argues that (1) the trial court improperly concluded that there had been “active 

efforts” to provide him with remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the 

breakup of the Indian family as required under ICWA and WICWA, (2) the trial court erred when 

 

1

“With the understanding that ‘Indian’ may not be preferred when referencing Native Americans, 

American Indians, indigenous peoples, or First Nations, we use the term throughout this opinion 

only because it is the expression adopted by both [the Indian Child Welfare Act] and [the 

Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act]. We intend no disrespect.” In re Adoption of T.A.W., 

186 Wn.2d 828, 834 n.1, 383 P.3d 492 (2016).

2

25 U.S.C. §§ 1901-1963.

3 Ch. 13.38 RCW.

Filed

Washington State

Court of Appeals

Division Two

November 22, 2019
No. 52684-1-II

2

it found that the guardian ad litem (GAL) was qualified as an expert witness under ICWA based 

on its erroneous finding that the GAL had over 30 years of experience as a GAL, and (3) the trial 

court erred in concluding that continuing CW’s parental rights would likely result in serious 

emotional or physical damage to TAW. 

We hold that although facilitating visitation can be a remedial service, it was not reasonably 

available under the circumstances after September 2012. Thus, CW does not show that the trial 

court erred when it concluded that CB and RB had proved they had made active efforts to provide 

CW with remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the 

Indian family as required under ICWA. We further hold that CW waived his argument challenging 

the GAL’s qualifications as a qualified expert witness and that, in light of this holding, any error 

in the trial court’s finding that the GAL had 30 years of experience is harmless. Finally, we hold 

that the trial court’s findings support its conclusion that continuing CW’s parental rights would 

likely result in serious emotional or physical damage to TAW. Accordingly, we affirm.

FACTS

I. BACKGROUND AND CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY4

CB and her son TAW are enrolled members of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe (Tribe). 

CW is not an enrolled member of any recognized Indian band or tribe nor is he eligible for such 

enrollment. 

 

4 Unless otherwise noted, these facts are based on the trial court’s unchallenged findings of fact, 

which are verities on appeal. In re Welfare of L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. 215, 243, 237 P.3d 944 

(2010). These facts also include portions of the findings of fact challenged by CW to the extent 

CW does not present any argument related to those portions of the challenged findings of fact, 

which are also verities on appeal. See Cowiche Canyon Conservancy v. Bosley, 118 Wn.2d 801, 

809, 828 P.2d 549 (1992).
No. 52684-1-II

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CB and CW began their relationship in 2004, married in 2007, and divorced in September 

2009. CB married RB, TAW’s stepfather, in 2013. 

A. 2004 THROUGH 2009 EVENTS

TAW was born to CB and CW in December 2007. When TAW was a few months old, the 

family moved to Tokeland, which is located within tribal jurisdiction. For the next month and a 

half, CW cared for TAW on the days CB worked in Longview. Starting in December 2008, CW 

started selling drugs. 

From March 11, 2009 through April 1, 2009, CW received inpatient drug and alcohol 

treatment. During this treatment, CW and CB attended family counseling in an attempt to preserve 

the family. CB provided CW with transportation so he could attend treatment. At CB’s request, 

the Tribe paid for CW’s drug treatment and family counseling. 

Upon CW’s release from the treatment facility, CB allowed CW to return home. Kathirine 

Horne, the director of Shoalwater Bay Tribal Social Services, established a case plan for intensive 

outpatient treatment for CW, which had been recommended by the treatment facility. Although 

the Tribe was willing to pay for CW’s aftercare treatment and to provide transportation, CW 

rejected this treatment. 

Thirteen days after the end of his inpatient treatment, CW left for Mount Rainier with a 

friend who had offered him (CW) employment. CB gave CW permission to take her vehicle and 

cash card. When the employment did not materialize, CW relapsed into drug use off and on until 

2017. 
No. 52684-1-II

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When CW failed to return from Mount Rainier, CB posted flyers attempting to locate him. 

Horne located CW and offered to take him to another drug treatment facility at the Tribe’s expense. 

CW refused this offer. 

On April 20, 2009, CW had his last face to face contact with TAW. That same day, CW 

assaulted CB. Around this time, CW moved out of the family home. 

On April 22, CW committed felony attempt to elude; he was charged with this offense on 

April 24. On April 23, CB obtained a temporary protection order. On May 1, a temporary 

restraining order5“restricting visitation” between CW and TAW was entered. Clerk’s Papers (CP)

at 47 (Finding of Fact (FF) A 21).

Soon after obtaining the May temporary restraining order, CB filed for dissolution of the 

marriage. On CB’s motion, the superior court terminated the temporary order or orders6because 

CW was again in drug treatment. 

In June 2009, CB and CW reconciled. The marriage failed again in July. 

Meanwhile, on June 29, CW pleaded guilty to a violation of a domestic violence court 

order; he entered the drug court program on or around August 23. The drug court ordered CW to 

complete inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment. In early September, CW entered an 

inpatient and outpatient treatment program that was paid through the drug court program. 

 

5 The trial court’s written findings of fact use the terms “protection order” and “restraining order” 

interchangeably. Because these facts are based on the trial court’s written findings of fact, we do 

as well.

6 The trial court’s finding of fact does not state whether this motion related to only one of the 

previously issued orders or to both. 
No. 52684-1-II

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During this time, the dissolution proceeded. A September 23, 2009 parenting plan allowed 

CW to have supervised visitation with TAW at Reunion Outreach during CW’s drug treatment if 

he provided proof of three months of clean urinalysis tests and stable housing. CW did not exercise 

his visitation with TAW. 

B. 2010 THROUGH 2011 EVENTS

On January 1, 2010, while still under drug court supervision, CW was charged with 

possession of heroin with intent to deliver. His drug court agreement was terminated in February 

2010, and he pleaded guilty to the underlying felony eluding charge. 

In March, CW pleaded guilty to the January 2010 drug charge and received a drug offender 

sentencing alternative (DOSA)7sentence, which required drug treatment. CW started inpatient 

treatment that was paid for by the Department of Corrections (DOC). In May or June, CW was

discharged from the program “apparently due to seizure or illness.” CP at 48 (FF 32).

Meanwhile, between April and May 2010, CW committed several more offenses including 

second degree burglary, residential burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and theft of a motor 

vehicle. He pleaded guilty to these offenses and was sentenced to prison. Soon after CW’s 

incarceration, on CB’s motion, the May 1, 2009 protection order prohibiting contact with TAW 

was terminated. 

While CW was in prison in 2011, CB contacted CW by phone and letter and allowed TAW 

to be involved in these communications. CB also sent CW a book of photographs of TAW. But 

CB refused CW’s requests to allow TAW to visit him in person. 

 

7 RCW 9.94A.660.
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C. 2012 THROUGH 2018 EVENTS

CW was released from prison in September 2012. On September 12, CB obtained a 

domestic violence protection order from the Tribal court. This protection order prohibited CW 

from contacting CB or TAW or entering reservation property for any reason other than to attend 

court hearings. 

In October, CW obtained an order modifying the September 12, 2012 protection order to 

allow him to petition for a rehearing if he completed at least six months of domestic violence 

classes or programs. The Tribe offered CW further services upon request. Despite being aware 

that the Tribe would pay for services and that domestic violence classes were available locally, 

CW never attended any domestic violence classes or programs.8 

In January 2013, within four months of his September 2012 release, CW committed a

second degree robbery. He pleaded guilty to this charge in April 2013, and was sentenced to 43

months of confinement followed by 18 months of community custody. 

In June, CB and RB petitioned to terminate CW’s parental rights and to allow RB to adopt 

TAW. These proceedings are described in more detail below.

CW was released from prison on September 6, 2015. On October 14, CB obtained another 

domestic violence protection order from the Tribal court prohibiting contact between CB and 

TAW. This order did not contain any purging conditions and expired on October 14, 2018. From 

October 2015 through March 2016, CW “received intensive outpatient treatment . . . with services 

paid by the [DOC].” CP at 53 (FF B9(g)).

 

8 CW assigns error to this factual finding, but he presents no relevant argument. Accordingly, we 

consider this finding a verity on appeal. L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. at 243.
No. 52684-1-II

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In April and May 2016, CW was charged with additional offenses. In June, he pleaded 

guilty to taking a motor vehicle without permission and was sentenced to 29 months in 

confinement. In November, CW pleaded guilty to second degree robbery and two counts of theft 

of a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 72 months in confinement to run consecutive to his 29-

month sentence on the taking a motor vehicle without permission conviction. In June 2018, the 

DOC classified CW “as a High-Risk Violent Offender” and a “High-Risk Property Offender,” 

which means there is a high risk when CW is released, he will commit another violent or property 

crime. CP at 52 (FFs A58-A59).

II. TERMINATION/ADOPTION PETITION, TRIAL COURT’S INITIAL DECISION, AND FIRST APPEAL

In June 2013, CB and RB petitioned to terminate CW’s parental rights and to allow RB to 

adopt TAW. Following a trial, the trial court granted the petition. In re Adoption of T.A.W. (T.A.W. 

I), 188 Wn. App. 799, 805, 354 P.3d 46 (2015), aff’d, 186 Wn.2d 828, 383 P.3d 492 (2016) (T.A.W. 

II).

CW appealed and our Supreme Court held that (1) ICWA and WICWA apply to the 

termination of parental rights of a non-Indian biological parent of an Indian child, (2) ICWA and 

WICWA apply to stepparent adoptions of Indian children, (3) ICWA and WICWA’s active efforts 

provisions apply to privately initiated terminations when the Indian child will remain with the 

Indian parent, and (4) “WICWA does not contain an abandonment exception.” T.A.W. II, 186 

Wn.2d at 847, 850-51, 852, 861-62. Our Supreme Court remanded this case back to the trial court 

to reconsider the “termination petition” in light of its holdings. T.A.W. II, 186 Wn.2d at 862.
No. 52684-1-II

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III. PROCEEDINGS ON REMAND

A new trial was held on June 13 and 14, 2018. Evidence of CW’s criminal and treatment 

history and interactions with CB and TAW were presented at trial as described above.9

A. EVIDENCE

GAL Keith Lawrence testified at trial. CW did not object to Lawrence’s testimony on the 

grounds that he was not a qualified expert witness under ICWA.

Lawrence testified that he had a psychology degree and a 47-year history in criminal justice 

and social service. He also described his extensive experience as a case worker with the 

Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) and as a 

juvenile probation officer. Lawrence stated that he had done home studies for adoptions for “about 

forty years” and he had been on the GAL register for a year. 1 Report of Proceedings (RP) at 58. 

Lawrence estimated that he had completed about 30 GAL reports in that year. As to his experience 

with ICWA, Lawrence stated that he had worked on one ICWA dependency case when he was 

working with CPS and that he had not been involved in any ICWA adoption cases. 

Horne testified that the Tribe supported the adoption. She also testified that because of 

CW’s relationship to TAW, the Tribe continued to offer services to CW and that it would continue 

to offer services to CW even if his parental rights were terminated. 

 

9 CW does not challenge the findings of fact described above, so they are verities on appeal. 

L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. at 243.
No. 52684-1-II

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B. FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

The trial court terminated CW’s parental rights and granted the adoption petition. In 

support of these decisions, the trial court issued 26 pages of written findings of fact and conclusions 

of law. 

In addition to the facts set out above, the trial court issued the following written findings 

of fact:

4) . . . . As a result of [his numerous] criminal convictions [between 2010 and 

2016, CW] has served most of the last 8 years in custody and remains in custody 

until October of 2020.

5) 2005 to 2009 - Between 2005 and 2009, [CW] assaulted [CB] five times.

. . . .

10) April 2009 to June 2018 - [CW] continued in drug use, was often incarcerated, 

and was by his own admission addicted to methamphetamine. CW was convicted 

of eleven felonies between 2010 and 2016. At the time of trial, he remained 

incarcerated with a release date scheduled for October 2020.

11) April 2009 to June 2013 - Between April 2009 and June 2013, any contact 

between the CW and child was initiated solely by [CB] or the [CW’s] mother, and 

not by any effort of [CW].

. . . .

13) April 2009 - After late April 2009, CW had not contacted nor made any

attempted contact with TAW, nor sought [c]ourt assistance to have such contact.

14) April 2009 to June 13, 2013 - Between April 2009 and June 13, 2013, [CB]

under the circumstances made a good faith and consistent effort to establish and 

maintain a relationship between [CW] and the child, and this effort was rejected by 

[CW].

. . . .

19) The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe received actual notice of these 

proceedings and approved of [CB’s] efforts in this action.

CP at 53-55 (FF B) (citations to exhibits and record omitted).
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The trial court also made additional findings related to the “‘active efforts’” on behalf of 

CB, RB, and others. CP at 55. In addition to the facts set out above, the trial court’s findings 

included the following:

 At trial, Horne stated that CW was considered part of the Tribe family and the Tribe was 

willing to offer him services if he requested them, just as the Tribe would have if he had 

been a tribal member. (FF C9).

 Supervised visits with TAW were available as of May 1, 2009, but they did not happen 

because CW’s mother declined to supervise the visits out of concern “that she was aiding 

and abetting violations of other restraining orders.” CP at 57 (FF C10).

 Horne contacted CW in prison between October 2010 and September 2012, to inform him 

that the Tribe would be willing to help with services, including drug treatment and domestic 

violence classes, upon his release and would continue to offer him services even though he 

was no longer married to CB. (FFs C22-C24). But CW never took advantage of this offer. 

(FF C24).10

 Horne contacted CW when he was served with the Tribal no-contact order to offer help. 

(FF C22).

The trial court concluded “that the active efforts described [in its findings were] more than 

sufficient to meet the requirements of the statute. RCW 13.38.130[.]”

11

 CP at 60 (FF C). The trial 

court stated, 

 

10 CW assigns error to the trial court’s findings of fact C23 and C24, but he presents no argument 

relevant to these portions of those findings, so we consider them verities on appeal. L.N.B.-L., 157 

Wn. App. at 243.

11 Although the conclusion was part of a finding of fact, it is more properly characterized as a 

conclusion of law. In re Welfare of A.L.C., 8 Wn. App. 2d 864, 871, 439 P.3d 694 (2019) (we 

review conclusions of law erroneously characterized as findings of fact as conclusions of law);

Casterline v. Roberts, 168 Wn. App. 376, 382-83, 284 P.3d 743 (2012) (determinations made by 

a process of legal reasoning from the facts in evidence are conclusions of law).
No. 52684-1-II

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In the present case, [CB] sought to address [CW’s] drug problem by 

encouraging the Tribe to pay for his treatment for drug addiction, which they did on 

one occasion. The Tribe repeatedly made it clear to [CW] that they would continue to 

provide treatment if he desired. [CW] clearly chose drugs over his child every single 

time between 2009 and 2018, and during that time, there were at least four attempts at 

treatment.

All during that time, up until 2012, [CB] sought to maintain the relationship

between [CW] and the child. It is true she sought restraining orders against him, but 

she also repeatedly asked that those restraining orders be lifted so he could have a

relationship with his child. It is a fine line of survival that an abused woman walks 

balancing her perception of what it takes to stay alive and giving her child the 

opportunity to know his father. It is easy to “Monday morning quarterback” her 

decisions, but in this case considering the intransigent nature of [CW’s] addiction 

decisions, she more than met the requirements of the statute. On at least one 

occasion, she sent photographs of the child to [CW] in prison and allowed telephone 

communications. She attempted to allow visitation through [CW’s] mother, even 

though a restraining order existed forbidding that contact. That that contact did not 

occur, or occurred only one or two times, was the result of [CW’s] mother’s worry 

that she was aiding and abetting a violation of the restraining order. [CB] here was 

clearly attempting to allow a relationship yet keep herself safe by utilizing the 

services [CW’s] mother.

It was only in 2012, after [CW] had committed four felonies (2 in Pacific County 

and 2 in Grays Harbor County) and after the last domestic violence incident that 

[CB] did not pursue efforts to maintain the father-son relationship. On the other 

hand, other than obtaining a restraining order to protect herself from his assaults, 

she did not do anything to interfere with the efforts by [CW] to seek a relationship. 

He just never did. After 2009, he never contacted her about visitation; he never 

went to court to obtain visitation except to modify the restraining order to get the 

possibility of contact, if he completed domestic violence perpetrator education and 

treatment (which he never pursued); and he never provided financial support.

[CB’s] attempts to maintain the father-son relationship between 2008 [and]

2012, the Tribe’s efforts and offers to provide treatment for drug addiction between 

2008 and 2012, and the criminal justice system’s provision of treatment 

opportunities between 2012 and 2017, through drug court, and pursuant to the 

DOSA sentencing alternative requiring inpatient and aftercare, more than meet the 

statute’s requirement of “active efforts”.
No. 52684-1-II

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The only arguable ingredient of “active efforts” missing in the history of 

the relationship of [CB], [CW] and son, is visitation. But visitation is not one of 

the requirements under the statute[.] “In re Dependency of T.H.[12]holds that that 

visitation is not a service that the [DSHS] is required to provide under RCW 

13.34.180(1)(d). [] The [c]ourt noted that the term “services” required under RCW 

13.34.136, includes domestic violence counseling, parenting classes, drug and 

alcohol counseling, random urinalysis, and other similar services. [] Each of these 

activities is a means of curing parental deficiencies, whereas visitation itself 

provides no such rehabilitation. The [c]ourt went on to explain that RCW 

13.34.136, clearly differentiates between services and visitation, and prohibits a 

dependency court from limiting visitation as a sanction for a parent’s failure to 

comply with services. [] Both of these circumstances imply that visitation is not 

itself considered a service.” In re the [M]atter of S.B.-L., [noted at] 183 Wn. App.

1008[, 2014 WL 4198289]).

CP 60-61 (FF C) (emphasis added).

The trial court also discussed the effect of the existence of the Tribal [c]ourt restraining 

order and CW’s incarcerations on CB and RB’s “active efforts” to maintain TAW’s relationship 

with CW. The trial court concluded,

In the present case, this [c]ourt must give full and complete effect to the Tribal

Court [r]estraining [o]rder against [CW]. This [c]ourt cannot order [CB] to foster 

a relationship between the [c]hild and [CW] that the Tribe forbids. This [c]ourt 

cannot make some finding that “active efforts” should have included some sort of 

relationship forged around the absence of contact. No such relationship would 

fulfill the intent of the [s]tatute to maintain Tribal integrity.

Finally, between 2010 and 2018 [CW] spent almost 7 years in prison. The need for 

any drug treatment resulting in a fit-father could not have been accomplished in the 

brief stints of freedom between incarcerations. Even if it could be argued that more 

services should have been offered, [CW] could not have accepted these services 

since he kept returning to prison. Offering services in the face of the Tribal [o]rder, 

the real danger presented by [CW] to [CB’s] health and safety, and the constant 

return to incarceration by [CW] would have made the offer, or provision, of 

additional services futile beyond a reasonable doubt.

CP at 62-63.

 

12 In re Dependency of T.H., 139 Wn. App. 784, 162 P.3d 1141 (2007).
No. 52684-1-II

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The trial court then addressed Lawrence’s testimony. The trial court stated, 

[CB] called Mr. Lawrence to fulfill the obligation required of the statute. 

Mr. Lawrence is not a member of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, does not have 

substantial experience in delivering child and family services to Indians, does not 

have extensive experience with delivery of services to any other tribe, he is however 

a professional person having substantial education and experience in the area of his 

or her specialty which is as a [GAL] for children for over 30 years.

CP at 63 (emphasis added) (internal quotation marks omitted). The trial court concluded that 

Lawrence’s lack of specialized knowledge of the social and cultural aspects of Indian life did not 

disqualify him as a qualified witness because this case did not involve any culturally sensitive 

issues. 

Quoting extensively from Lawrence’s report, the trial court then further discussed 

Lawrence’s testimony about CW and the potential consequences of CW maintaining a relationship 

with TAW:

Mr. Lawrence testified unequivocally to the likelihood of harm to [TAW] 

if [CW] were allowed contact:

And what I have seen like when I was at Green Hill School and also looking at the 

guys in Longview Work Release, is that when an individual is in prison they’re told 

when to get up, what they’re going to do for day, what they’re going to eat, when 

they’re going to go to bed. They never really truly have to exercise any decisionmaking skills. And so, what happens is you end up with a 40 or 45 year old man, 

who functions like a 13 or 14 year old emotionally. And they become very ah, 

they’re self-centered, ah, they don’t plan things well, and that’s one of the reasons 

they get caught so easily.

Now, his release date or earliest release date is October 20, 2020. [TAW] is now 

10; by 2020, he will be 12. In [TAW’s] development he is just starting to get 

through this security and love stage. He has a stable home, his mother, his stepdad, 

both love him. They provide a secure home for him, and it’s a stable home life.

By the time he gets to be 12, he’s going to be moving into dealing with his social 

needs, and he’s going to be, his friends are going to become a lot more important 

to him than his parents. And so, what happens is if [CW] comes out of prison in a 
No. 52684-1-II

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couple years, and starts trying to visit with [TAW], you’re going to have one 

teenager basically interacting with another. And [CW] hasn’t shown, from my 

understanding of his record, that he can remain clean and sober or remain out of 

trouble with the law, when he’s not in a very structured setting.

And my concern is that if [CW] tries to start renewing a relationship with [TAW], 

is that [TAW] will be ultimately disappointed because [CW] will either get high 

again or get into trouble again. And he’s going to start missing appointments to 

visit. And [TAW], at his state of development, [TAW] is going to start internalizing 

some of that, that he feels that it maybe was his fault. And I see that as being very 

destructive . . . , and when he’s trying to visit his biological father, that [CW] can 

be there on a regular basis.

CP at 63-64 (quoting 1 RP at 76-78) (emphasis added by trial court). The trial court also 

acknowledged that Horne was an expert witness and that Horne testified that the Tribe was aware 

of and supported the proposed adoption. 

Ultimately, the trial court concluded that the evidence established beyond a reasonable 

doubt that maintaining “contact” between CW and TAW “would likely result in serious emotional 

or physical damage to the child.” CP at 65 (FF E). The trial court stated, 

The evidence is sufficient for the [c]ourt to find beyond a reasonable doubt, 

that contact by the child at issue, TAW, with [CW] would likely result in serious 

emotional or physical damage to the child. As indicated above, [CW] is impulsive 

and remains addicted to methamphetamine/heroin. He has an extensive criminal 

record and is likely to commit property crimes if released. The child has seen [RB]

as his father for over six years. The fact that [CW] has an addiction to narcotics 

and has a long history of committing criminal acts impulsively and has abandoned 

the child for the past seven years, leads to the conclusion beyond a reasonable doubt 

that actual harm to the child would occur if the child was allowed to have contact 

with [CW].

. . . .

Likewise, Mr. Lawrence testified, and provided in his [r]eport, that [CW] 

has engaged in significant domestic violence toward the child’s mother and has not 

been treated for this condition.
No. 52684-1-II

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Untreated domestic violence tendencies, which could lead to violence [in] 

the presence of the child, is a basis for determining that contact with the child here 

would likely result in serious or physical harm to the child.

CP at 65 (citations omitted).

The trial court also entered the following findings related to CW:

1. [CW] is not a fit parent because he has failed to perform parental duties under 

circumstances showing a substantial lack of regard for his parental obligations. 

(RCW 26.33.120) Since 2009, [CW] has not expressed love and affection for the 

child, has not expressed personal concern over the health education and general 

well-being of the child, has failed to provide necessary food clothing and medical 

care or the means to obtain the same, has not provided adequate domicile, and has 

failed to furnish social or religious guidance. In [re] Adoption of Lybbert, 75 Wn.2d 

671[,453 P.2d 650] (1969).

2. Pursuant to RCW 26.32.040(4), [CW] has abandoned the child herein under 

circumstances showing a willful substantial lack of regard for parental functions

3. While in prison, [CW] made no serious efforts to locate his son or attempt to 

establish contact. Even if it could be said that he had made some efforts, which the 

[c]ourt does not find, whenever he encountered resistance or obstacles he never 

demonstrated sincere interest in retaining his parental rights. [In re Interest of 

Skinner, 97 Wn. App. 108, 122, 982 P.2d 670 (1999)].

CP at 65-66 (FF F) (emphasis added). The trial court also found that the adoption was in TAW’s 

best interests.13 

 

13 The trial court’s conclusion stated, 

[T]he [c]ourt finds beyond a reasonable doubt that [it] is in the best interests of the 

child, TAW, to be adopted by the Petitioner, [RB]. Considering the physical and 

mental condition of the child, as testified to by [RB] and [CB], the home 

environment family life, the health of the parties, the facilities available to the child, 

and the resources of [CB and RB], and also including the consideration of the 

cultural heritage of both the mother and the child as Native Americans, there can 

be no doubt that the best interests of [t]he child, TAW is to be adopted by [RB].

It is also of some significance to the [c]ourt that the child, TAW, not be 

forced to live in limbo for the rest of his young life. As it stands now, if the adoption 

were not granted, the child, TAW, would be in the position of having a natural 
No. 52684-1-II

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Finally, the trial court entered the following conclusions of law:

1) The above Findings of Fact have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

. . . .

7) [CW] has been provided with access to reasonably available and culturally 

appropriate preventative, remedial, or rehabilitative services. The Shoalwater Bay 

Indian Tribe, and the Washington State Department of Corrections have actively 

worked with [CW] to engage him in remedial services and rehabilitation programs 

beyond simply providing referrals to such services.

8) [CB] actively engaged in preserving the family unit, and at the same time protect 

herself from further serious harm, between April 2009 and June 13, 2013.

9) Any future contact between the child, TAW, and [CW] is likely to result in 

serious emotional or physical damage to the child.

10) It is in the child’s best interest that [CW’s] parental rights be terminated.

CP at 66-67.

CW appeals the termination of his parental rights and the order granting the adoption

petition of TAW. 

ANALYSIS

CW argues that the trial court erred when it (1) concluded that CB and RB had engaged in 

“active efforts” based on its conclusions that visitation was not a remedial service and that CB and 

RB’s efforts to provide remedial services after 2012 would have been futile, (2) concluded that 

Lawrence was qualified as an expert witness under ICWA based on its erroneous finding that 

Lawrence had over 30 years of experience as a GAL, and (3) concluded that continuing CW’s 

 

father whom he is not able to see because of various restraining orders and 

protection orders, and the unlikelihood that any of those would change, and that the 

present active and loving father-figure could never be his “legal father”. Common 

sense and traditional notions of decency and a fair application of existing law 

should keep this from happening.

CP at 66 (FF G) (citation omitted).
No. 52684-1-II

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parental rights would likely result in serious emotional or physical damage to TAW. These 

arguments are either waived or fail.

I. LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND BACKGROUND

ICWA was enacted to protect Native American children, families, and tribes from 

“‘abusive child welfare practices that resulted in the separation of large numbers of Indian children 

from their families and tribes through adoption or foster care placement, usually in non-Indian 

homes.’” T.A.W. II, 186 Wn. 2d at 841 (quoting Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl, 570 U.S. 637, 642, 

133 S. Ct. 2552, 186 L. Ed. 2d 729 (2013)). ICWA, and the state equivalent WICWA, apply when 

the child qualifies as an Indian child;

14 the parents’ status is not relevant. T.A.W. II, 186 Wn.2d at 

847, 857. Additionally, ICWA and WICWA apply in stepparent adoption cases. T.A.W. II, 186 

Wn.2d at 850-51.

15

Under both ICWA and WICWA, before a trial court can terminate the relationship between 

the Indian child and the child’s parent, the party seeking to terminate the parental rights must also 

establish that “active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative 

programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and that these efforts have proved

unsuccessful.” 25 U.S.C. § 1912(d); see also RCW 13.38.130(1). The petitioning party must 

 

14 The parties do not dispute that TAW is an Indian child.

15 We are aware that a federal district court in Texas concluded that ICWA was unconstitutional 

for many reasons, including that it violates equal protection and improperly requires state agencies 

to apply federal standards to state claims. Brackeen v. Zinke, 338 F. Supp. 3d 514 (N. D. Texas, 

2018). The parties do not raise any issue with respect to ICWA’s or WICWA’s constitutionality, 

so we do not address the constitutionality of ICWA or WICWA. We note that although, Brackeen 

was reversed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, a motion for rehearing was recently granted in 

the appeal. Brackeen v. Bernhardt, 937 F.3d 406, rehearing granted, ___ F.3d ___, 2019 WL 

5847349 (Fifth Cir., 2019).
No. 52684-1-II

18

establish active efforts by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence. In re Dependency of A.M., 106 

Wn. App. 123, 134-35, 22 P.3d 828 (2001). The active efforts requirement applies to privately 

initiated terminations. T.A.W. II, 186 Wn.2d at 854.

Additionally, under both ICWA and WICWA, in order to terminate parental rights, the trial 

court must find, based on evidence “including testimony of a qualified expert witness,” that the 

petitioning party has proved beyond a reasonable doubt “that the continued custody of the child 

by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the 

child.” 25 U.S.C. § 1912(f); RCW 13.38.130(3).

When reviewing termination and adoption orders under ICWA or WICWA, we determine 

whether the trial court’s findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence from which a 

rational trier of fact could find the necessary facts by the relevant evidentiary standard. In re 

Welfare of L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. 215, 243, 237 P.3d 944 (2010). Substantial evidence exists 

when the evidence would persuade a fair-minded rational person of the truth of the declared 

premise. L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. at 243. We defer to the finder of fact “on issues of witness 

credibility and the persuasiveness of the evidence.” L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. at 243. Unchallenged 

findings are verities on appeal. L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. at 243.

We review the trial court’s conclusions of law de novo to determine whether the trial 

court’s findings support the conclusions of law. In re Welfare of A.L.C., 8 Wn. App. 2d 864, 871, 

439 P.3d 694 (2019). We review conclusions of law erroneously characterized as findings of fact 

as conclusions of law. A.L.C., 8 Wn. App. 2d at 871.
No. 52684-1-II

19

II. ACTIVE EFFORTS

CW first challenges the trial court’s conclusion that there had been “active efforts” to 

provide him with remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup 

of the Indian family as required under ICWA because CB and RB failed to “facilitate visitation” 

between TAW and CW after 2012. Specifically, CW argues that (1) the trial court erred when it

concluded that “facilitating visitation”

16 was not a remedial service,17 and (2) CB and RB failed 

to facilitate visitation by making an active effort to make domestic violence counseling available 

for CW when such counseling was a precondition to visitation.18 

CB and RB concede that “the case law and statute” establish that facilitating “visitation 

can be a part of active efforts,” but they assert that facilitating visitation was not appropriate under 

the circumstances here. Br. of Resp’t at 22. They also assert that they clearly showed that active 

efforts were made to facilitate visitation to the extent possible. We agree that facilitating visitation 

can be part of an active effort to preserve a family, and we also agree with CB and RB that active 

efforts were made to facilitate visitation.

 

16 We recognize that the trial court appears to have concluded that “‘visitation is not itself 

considered a service,’” not whether facilitating visitation can be a remedial service. CP at 61 (FF 

C) (quoting S.B.-L., 2014 WL 4198289 *6). But this conclusion also suggests that the trial court 

was unwilling to consider whether CB and RB’s failure to facilitate visitation weighed against 

finding that they engaged in active efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family.

17 This argument relates to CW’s assignments of error 2 and 7 and challenges the portion of the 

trial court’s unnumbered finding of facts in part C of its findings of fact, in which the trial court 

states, “But visitation is not one of the requirements under the statute.” CP at 61 (FF C); Br. of 

Appellant at 1-2. This statement is more properly characterized as conclusion of law. A.L.C.,

8 Wn. App. 2d at 871.

18 This argument relates to CW’s assignments of error 1, 3, and 7. 
No. 52684-1-II

20

A. FACILITATING VISITATION

We first address whether facilitating visitation can be an active effort. We hold that it can.

Under WICWA, CB and RB were required to “make timely and diligent efforts to provide 

or procure . . . services, including engaging the parent . . . in reasonably available and culturally 

appropriate preventative, remedial or rehabilitative services.” RCW 13.38.040(1)(a). WICWA 

defines “active efforts,” as “a documented, concerted, and good faith effort to facilitate the parent’s 

. . . receipt of and engagement in” the “remedial services and rehabilitation programs.” RCW 

13.38.040(1)(a)(iii), (b). But this definition does not help determine whether facilitating visitation 

is a remedial service or rehabilitative program because the statute does not specify what remedial 

services or rehabilitative programs are required or recommended. Similarly, “ICWA . . . does not

define ‘active efforts,’ nor does it indicate the requisite amount of services required before the 

termination of parental rights may occur.” T.A.W. II, 186 Wn.2d at 842.

A federal regulation, however, is helpful. 25 C.F.R. § 23.2 defines active efforts and 

suggests that supporting visitation is among the actions that can help establish active efforts.

25 C.F.R. § 23.2 provides, in part:

Active efforts means affirmative, active, thorough, and timely efforts 

intended primarily to maintain or reunite an Indian child with his or her family. 

Where an agency is involved in the child-custody proceeding, active efforts must 

involve assisting the parent or parents or Indian custodian through the steps of a 

case plan and with accessing or developing the resources necessary to satisfy the 

case plan. To the maximum extent possible, active efforts should be provided in a 

manner consistent with the prevailing social and cultural conditions and way of life 

of the Indian child’s Tribe and should be conducted in partnership with the Indian 

child and the Indian child’s parents, extended family members, Indian custodians, 

and Tribe. Active efforts are to be tailored to the facts and circumstances of the 

case and may include, for example:

. . . .
No. 52684-1-II

21

(7) Supporting regular visits with parents or Indian custodians in the most natural 

setting possible as well as trial home visits of the Indian child during any period of 

removal, consistent with the need to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the 

child[.]

(Emphasis added).

Additionally, the cases CW cites, In re Crystal K., 226 Cal. App. 3d 655, 276 Cal. Rptr. 

619 (1990), and In re Interest of C.A.V., 787 N.W. 2d 96 (Iowa 2010), support his assertion that 

facilitating visitation can be considered when evaluating whether active efforts were made. In 

Crystal K., the basis for the parental termination proceeding was the biological father’s alleged 

abandonment of the child. 226 Cal. App. 3d at 666-67. The California Court of Appeals stated 

that the remedial efforts had to be directed at remedying the basis for the parental termination

proceeding, abandonment, and that the mother could “meet [the] remedial and rehabilitative 

services requirement by proving, for example, that efforts have been made to contact the tribe to 

assist in maintaining the relationship between [the biological father and the child.]” 226 Cal. App. 

3d at 667. We agree that Crystal K. demonstrates that facilitating visitation that maintains a 

relationship between parent and child can be an example of an active effort.

Similarly, in C.A.V., the Iowa Court of Appeals held that the mother had satisfied the active 

efforts requirement, in part, by taking steps to ensure that her daughter maintained contact with 

the father, even after his incarceration. 787 N.W.2d at 103. Again, we agree that C.A.V. 

demonstrates that facilitating visitation can be an example of an active effort.

As 25 C.F.R. § 23.2 and these cases show, facilitating an ongoing relationship between the 

child and the parent is one of many possible active efforts CB and RB could have engaged in in 

order to help prevent the breakup of the family.
No. 52684-1-II

22

But Crystal K., C.A.V., and C.F.R. § 23.2 do not require facilitating visitation in all 

circumstances. “Active efforts are to be tailored to the facts and circumstances of the case.”

25 C.F.R. § 23.2. And the final clause of 25 C.F.R. § 23.2(7) requires that the child’s contact with 

the parent be “consistent with the need to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the child.”

25 C.F.R. § 23.2(7).

Here, there were protection orders prohibiting contact, which is strong evidence that 

contact between CW and TAW was not “consistent with the need to ensure the health, safety, and 

welfare of the child.”19 25 C.F.R. § 23.2(7). And CW does not cite any case law establishing that 

facilitating visitation is required when there is an active protection order in place. Essentially, 

facilitating visitation was not reasonably available, and a parent has no duty to provide a resource 

that is not reasonably available. RCW 13.38.040(1)(a); C.A.V., 787 N.W. 2d at 103. Here, where 

there were protection orders prohibiting CW’s contact with TAW until CW complied with a 

domestic violence treatment requirement, CB and RB cannot be faulted for failing to facilitate

visitation between CW and TAW after September 2012.

 

19 CW argues the portion of the trial court’s ruling that states, “This [c]ourt cannot order [CB] to 

foster a relationship between the [c]hild and [CW] that the Tribe forbids,” implies that the Tribe 

forbade contact between CW and TAW. Br. of Appellant at 20; CP at 62 (FF D). He contends 

that this statement is incorrect because the Tribe did not seek the protection order. CW is correct 

that it was CB, not the Tribe, who obtained the protection order. But, read in context, the trial 

court was not asserting that the Tribe forbade the contact. Rather the trial court was stating that it 

must give effect to an order issued by the Tribal court. 
No. 52684-1-II

23

B. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TREATMENT

CW further argues that the evidence did not support the trial court’s conclusion of law that 

CB and RB engaged in active efforts after 2012 because CB and RB did not contact the Tribe to 

attempt to facilitate the domestic violence treatment that was required for CW to be able to 

challenge the protection orders issued in September 2012 and October 2015. As discussed below, 

the findings of fact support the trial court’s conclusion of law.

Although CB and RB were not obligated to facilitate visitation when the protection orders 

were in place,20 they still had an obligation to make active efforts to provide the remedial or 

rehabilitative services that were reasonably available under the circumstances. Arguably, they 

could have provided support by assisting CW in accessing the domestic violence resources when 

CW was not incarcerated. Once CW was arrested and incarcerated, however, CB and RB no longer 

had any ability to provide for any such remedial services. Thus, we examine whether CB and RB 

could have provided support during the periods CW was not incarcerated after the protection 

orders were issued.21 

CW was released from prison in September 2012 and remained in the community until he 

was rearrested in January 2013. The trial court found that CB obtained a Tribal court domestic 

violence protection order preventing CW from contacting her or TAW shortly after CW’s 

September 2012 release from prison. On October 10, 2012, CW successfully moved to modify 

 

20 The September 2012 protection order was in place until, at the least, the time of the 2018 trial. 

The October 2015 protection order expired on October 14, 2018. 

21 The first domestic violence protection order was issued on September 12, 2012. The second 

domestic violence protection order was issued on October 14, 2015. 
No. 52684-1-II

24

this order to allow for purging conditions that would allow him to petition for a rehearing on the 

matter “[u]pon at least 6 months of [domestic violence] classes/programs.” CP at 50 (FF A48). 

The trial court also found that on October 10, Horne advised CW that the Tribe would pay for any 

treatment he needed even though he was no longer married to CB. The trial court further found 

that CW did not take advantage of this offer. 

The trial court’s finding that the Tribe offered to pay for treatment establishes that remedial 

services were in fact offered to CW when the September 2012 protection order was issued.

22

 

Accordingly, the trial court did not err when it concluded that the active efforts requirement was 

satisfied during the period of time between CW’s September 2012 release and his January 2013

arrest.

CW was released from incarceration in September 2015 and was in custody again by 

approximately June 2016.

23

 In October 2015, CB obtained another Tribal court domestic violence 

protection order prohibiting contact between CW and TAW. The trial court found that this 

protection order did not contain a purging condition, and CW does not challenge this finding so it 

is a verity on appeal. L.N.B.-L., 157 Wn. App. at 243. Because this protection order did not contain 

 

22 CW argues that “C.B. did not contact the Tribe to attempt to facilitate the provision of [the 

domestic violence treatment]. In order to make ‘active efforts,’ CB could have--and should have-

-contacted the Tribe to pay for and facilitate this service. CB sat on her hands.” Br. of Appellant 

at 19 (citations omitted). Given this statement, CW may also be arguing that CB and RB, rather 

than the Tribe, were required to supply the resources. But CW cites no authority requiring 

petitioners in the termination action to facilitate the provision of treatment when those services 

have already been offered to the parent by another entity. Accordingly, we do not further address 

this argument. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, 118 Wn.2d at 809.

23 The trial court made findings as to the dates of CW’s 2016 offenses and his 2016 pleas, but it 

did not make a finding as to when CW returned to custody. It is most likely that he was in custody 

by the time he pleaded guilty to taking a motor vehicle without permission in June 2016. 
No. 52684-1-II

25

a purging condition, and there was such a short time between CW’s release in September 2015 and 

the issuance of the October 2015 protection order, there were no services CB and RB could have 

provided to facilitate TAW’s visitation with CW when he was in the community from September

2015 to approximately June 2016. Furthermore, even if there had been a purging condition, Horne 

had already told CW that the Tribe would help facilitate any necessary treatment. Accordingly, 

the trial court did not err when it concluded that the active efforts requirement was satisfied during 

the period of time between CW’s September 2015 release and his next incarceration in or around 

June 2016.

Although the trial court erred when it concluded that facilitating visitation was not a 

remedial service that CB and RB were obligated to make active efforts to provide, such services 

were either not reasonably available or were provided. And CW does not show that the trial court 

erred when it concluded that CB and RB had proved they had made active efforts to provide CW

with remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian 

family as required under ICWA.

C. FUTILITY

CW further argues that the trial court erred in applying “some sort of futility doctrine to 

excuse [CB and RB] from” making an active effort to facilitate visitation. Br. of Appellant at 19-

20. Citing In re J.L., 483 Mich. 300, 770 N.W.2d 853 (2009), CW asserts that other courts have 

rejected application of the “futility doctrine” in the ICWA context. This argument fails.

Although the trial court used the term “futile,” it did not use the term in the same sense that 

it was used in J.L. CP at 61-63 (FF D). Instead, the trial court here was discussing whether the 

service was reasonably available under the circumstances of the case. See RCW 13.38.040(1)(a) 
No. 52684-1-II

26

(petitioners are required to “[m]ake timely and diligent efforts to provide or procure . . . services, 

including engaging the parent . . . in reasonably available and culturally appropriate preventative, 

remedial or rehabilitative services.”) (Emphasis added).

Under RCW 13.38.404(1)(a), CB and RB were required to make active efforts to provide 

“reasonably available” remedial or rehabilitative services. And “[a]ctive efforts are to be tailored 

to the facts and circumstances of the case.” 25 C.F.R. § 23.2. Excusing petitioners from having 

to make active efforts to provide services that were not reasonably available to the respondent is a 

method of tailoring the active efforts to the facts and circumstances of the case. CW cites no 

authority requiring the trial court to require the petitioners to attempt to provide services that are 

not reasonably available under the circumstances. RAP 10.3(a)(6); Cowiche Canyon 

Conservancy, 118 Wn.2d at 809.

Furthermore, even if the trial court was attempting to apply a futility doctrine and that 

approach was improper, “[e]rror without prejudice . . . is not grounds for reversal.” In re Welfare 

of M.G., 148 Wn. App. 781, 791, 201 P.3d 354 (2009). As discussed above, CW does not show 

that the trial court erred when it concluded that CB and RB had proved they had made active efforts 

to provide him with remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup 

of the Indian family as required under ICWA, thus, even if the trial court improperly referred to a 

futility doctrine, any such error was harmless.

III. QUALIFIED EXPERT WITNESS

CW next argues that the trial court erred in concluding that Lawrence was a qualified expert 

witness because it relied on the “faulty premise” that he had 30 years of experience as a GAL and 

because Lawrence lacked experience with ICWA and Indian families. CW has waived the 
No. 52684-1-II

27

argument regarding whether Lawrence was a qualified expert witness under ICWA; thus, whether 

the finding that Lawrence had 30 years of experience as a GAL is harmless.

Both ICWA and WICWA require that before a court can involuntarily terminate the 

parental rights of a parent of an Indian child, the petitioning party must provide “testimony of a 

qualified expert witness” establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that the continued relationship 

with that parent is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.24 25 U.S.C. 

§ 1912(f); RCW 13.38.130(3). However, a party’s failure to object to the witness’s qualifications

 

24 ICWA provides:

No termination of parental rights may be ordered in such proceeding in the absence 

of a determination, supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, including 

testimony of qualified expert witnesses, that the continued custody of the child by 

the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical 

damage to the child.

25 U.S.C. § 1912(f).

Under RCW 13.38.130(4)(b), a person seeking to terminate the parental rights to an Indian 

child must identify a witness who meets one or more of the following criteria:

(i) A member of the child’s Indian tribe or other person of the tribe’s choice who 

is recognized by the tribe as a knowledgeable regarding tribal customs as they 

pertain to family organization are child rearing practices for this purpose;

(ii) Any person having substantial experience in the delivery of child and family 

services to Indians, and extensive knowledge of prevailing social and cultural 

standards and child rearing practices within the Indian child’s tribe;

(iii) Any person having substantial experience in the delivery of child and family 

services to Indians, and knowledge of prevailing social and cultural standards and 

child rearing practices in Indian tribe’s with cultural similarities to the Indian 

child’s tribe; or

(iv) A professional person having substantial education and experience in the area 

of his or her specialty.
No. 52684-1-II

28

at trial waives the issue on appeal. ER 103(a); RAP 2.5(a).

25 CW did not object to Lawrence’s 

testimony based on whether Lawrence was a qualified to testify as a qualified expert witness. 

Thus, he has waived this issue.

CW also argues that the trial court’s finding of fact that Lawrence had 30 years of 

experience as a GAL is not supported by the evidence. Although we agree that the evidence does 

not support this finding because Lawrence testified that he had only one year of experience as a 

GAL, because CW did not challenge Lawrence’s qualifications as an expert witness under ICWA,

this error is harmless.

IV. SERIOUS EMOTIONAL OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE

Finally, CW argues that the trial court’s conclusion that a continued relationship between 

him and TAW is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child is not 

supported by substantial evidence. We disagree.

Under ICWA and WICWA, CB and RB have the burden of proving beyond a reasonable 

doubt that “custody of the child by [CW] . . . is likely to result in serious emotional or physical 

damage to the child.” 25 U.S.C. § 1912(f), RCW 13.38.130(3). The trial court concluded that 

they had carried their burden. We agree with the trial court.

 

25 See also In re Interest of R.L.F., 437 N.W.2d 599, 602 (Iowa, 1989) (failure to object waived 

“any improprieties in” expert’s testimony); In re Interest of B.L.L.S., 557 S.W.3d 486, 494 (Mo., 

2018) (failure to object waived argument regarding whether witness was qualified expert witness);

In re Interest of D.A.C., 933 P.2d 993, 1002 (Ut., 1997) (failure to object to testimony by mother’s 

witness on grounds that witness was not a qualified expert witness waived the issue on appeal).
No. 52684-1-II

29

The trial court found, based on Lawrence’s testimony, that continuing the relationship

between CW and TAW could be “very destructive” because CW would likely be incapable of 

maintaining the relationship and, due to TAW’s “state of development,” TAW could 

“internaliz[e]” the problems in the relationship and start to believe that he was at fault. CP at 64 

(FF E). In addition, the trial court found that CW has issues with impulsivity; continued drug 

addiction; and a history of untreated domestic violence against CB, and there was a chance that 

TAW could witness such violence. The trial court also noted that CW had not been part of TAW’s

life for at least seven years, that CW had an extensive criminal record, and that CW was at high 

risk of reoffending upon release. 

The trial court further considered the need for finality to allow TAW to fully integrate into 

his existing family, noting that it was unlikely that TAW and CW could achieve a real relationship 

in light of “various restraining orders and protection orders, and the unlikelihood that any of those 

would change[.]” CP at 66 (FF G). These findings, as a whole, support the trial court’s conclusion 

that continued contact between CW and TAW was likely to result in serious emotional damage to 

TAW.

CW argues, however, that Lawrence’s testimony did not support the conclusion of law

stating that CW’s continued legal relationship to TAW would likely result in serious emotional or 

physical harm to TAW because Lawrence (1) did not discuss TAW’s physical well-being, (2) 

merely suggested that TAW could be disappointed, and (3) did not establish how CW’s continued
No. 52684-1-II

30

legal relationship with TAW could damage his secure and stable home with CB and RB.26 This 

argument is unpersuasive.

First, the trial court was not required to find that the relationship could be both emotionally 

and physically harmful. 25 U.S.C. § 1912(f) (court must find that continued custody “is likely to 

result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child”). So there was no need for evidence 

regarding TAW’s physical well-being.

Second, Lawrence testified that it was unlikely CW could maintain a relationship with 

TAW and that, because of his age, TAW could blame himself for this failure, which would be 

“very destructive.” CP at 64 (FF E). Lawrence’s testimony that TAW would take responsibility 

for CW’s failures and that this would be “very destructive” to TAW is more than an assertion that 

TAW could be disappointed. Instead, this statement is evidence that a continued relationship with 

CW was potentially emotionally damaging to TAW.

 

26 In their argument, CB and RB refer to other evidence that was not included in the trial court’s 

findings of fact. Because the trial court’s conclusion of law, that continued contact between CW 

and TAW was likely to result in serious emotional damage to TAW, is a conclusion of law, we do 

not consider evidence presented that was not part of the trial court’s written findings of fact in our 

analysis. A.L.C., 8 Wn. App. 2d at 864 (we review the trial court’s conclusions of law de novo to 

determine whether the trial court’s findings support the conclusions of law); L.N.B.-L, 157 Wn. 

App. at 249 (treating conclusion that continued custody of child by parents is likely to result in 

serious emotional or physical damage to the child as a conclusion of law); Casterline, 168 Wn. 

App. at 382-83 (2012) (determinations made by a process of legal reasoning from the facts in 

evidence are conclusions of law).
No. 52684-1-II

31

Additionally, although the trial court was required to consider testimony from a qualified 

expert witness, the trial court was not restricted solely to Lawrence’s testimony.

27

 Lawrence’s 

testimony in conjunction with the other evidence revealed CW’s past inability to maintain any 

kind of relationship with TAW, his failure to seek or successfully complete treatment that would 

assist him in having a relationship with TAW, and the existence of domestic violence and CW’s 

failure to seek treatment for his domestic violence issues. These facts, combined with Lawrence’s 

testimony, support the trial court’s conclusion that there was a likelihood of serious emotional 

harm beyond a reasonable doubt.

CW also notes that Lawrence recognized that CW and his family objected to the 

termination because they did not want TAW to think CW had given up on him and argues that the 

risk of thinking that his natural father did not want him would be far more damaging to TAW than 

the possibility that CW would “disappoint[ ]” him. Br. of Appellant at 31. CW does not direct us 

to anything in the record establishing that the trial court failed to balance the risk of harm to TAW 

due to severing CW’s parental rights with the risk of harm to TAW caused by maintaining the 

relationship. And, despite CW’s assertion that he wanted to maintain a relationship with his son, 

CW’s actions have not been consistent with this claim. Beyond opposing the termination and 

 

27 25 U.S.C. § 1912(f) (“No termination of parental rights may be ordered in such proceeding in 

the absence of a determination, supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, including

testimony of qualified expert witnesses, that the continued custody of the child by the parent or 

Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.” 

(Emphasis added).); RCW 13.38.130(3) (“No involuntary termination of parental rights may be 

ordered in a child custody proceeding in the absence of a determination, supported by evidence 

beyond a reasonable doubt, including testimony of qualified expert witnesses, that the continued 

custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or 

physical damage to the child.”) (Emphasis added.)
No. 52684-1-II

32

adoption petitions and successfully moving to have a purging clause added to one of the protection 

orders, CW’s actions overwhelmingly demonstrated that he was unable or unwilling to do what it 

would take to have a relationship with TAW because he (CW) repeatedly failed to engage in the 

services offered and repeatedly engaged in behavior that placed his ability to be part of TAW’s 

life in peril. Accordingly, this argument fails.

CW also asserts that the trial court relied in part on the fact that the Tribe approved the 

adoption and argues that the Tribe’s approval was not relevant to whether the continued 

relationship would cause serious damage. There is nothing in the trial court’s findings of fact and 

conclusions of law suggesting that the trial court considered the Tribe’s approval when 

determining the serious emotional or physical damage element. Accordingly, this argument fails.

CW further contends that the trial court erred in considering the past domestic violence 

because the domestic violence was solely between CW and CB, CB was now in a stable 

relationship with someone else, and CB could maintain no contact orders prohibiting contact 

between her and CW. CW argues that “[t]he circumstances do notshow any likelihood of domestic 

violence occurring within the sight or sound of TAW.” Br. of Appellant at 32.

But the trial court found that CW had an extensive history of untreated domestic violence 

with CB, that CW had raped CB before their marriage, 28 and that CW had struggled with 

impulsivity and drug use that resulted in his criminal behavior. The trial court also found that CW 

had previously been convicted for violating a domestic violence protection order. Given CW’s

history of abuse, rape, impulsivity and drug use, and prior violation of a domestic violence court 

 

28 Sometime before their marriage, CW raped CB. 
No. 52684-1-II

33

order, the trial court properly concluded that there was a risk of exposing TAW to domestic 

violence should CW retain his parental rights because contact or interaction with CB would be 

difficult to avoid. Thus, we are not persuaded by this argument.

CW next argues that the trial court improperly relied on “abandonment” when the record

showed that CW’s lack of contact with TAW was due to CB’s actions and that our Supreme Court 

had expressly rejected an abandonment finding in the first appeal. Br. of Appellant at 32. 

Regardless of whether the findings of fact supported this conclusion, this error is harmless.

Prior to its repeal in 1984, the termination statute required the trial court to determine 

“whether such parent has deserted or abandoned the child under circumstances showing a willful 

substantial lack of regard for parental obligations.” Former RCW 26.32.056 (1979), repealed by 

Laws of 1984, ch. 155 § 38. But the current statute, RCW 26.33.120, does not require an 

abandonment finding.29 In re Adoption of McGee, 86 Wn. App. 471, 476, 937 P.2d 622, 625 

(1997). Furthermore, because TAW is an Indian child, CB and RB had to meet the test from 

ICWA, which likewise does not require an abandonment finding. See 25 U.S.C. § 1912(f) 

(requiring petitioner to establish beyond a reasonable doubt “that the continued custody of the 

child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage 

to the child”). Thus, the trial court’s abandonment finding is error. However, as discussed above, 

the trial court’s other findings support the termination; therefore, any error is harmless.

 

29 We note that trial court’s findings cite to In re Adoption of Lybbert, 75 Wn.2d 671, 453 P.2d 

650 (1969), and former RCW 26.32.040(4) (1976). CP at 65-66 (FFs F 1, F 2d). Lybbert is 

inapplicable here because it addresses the prior adoption statute, former RCW 26.32.040 (1955), 

which required a showing of abandonment. And former RCW 26.32.040 (1976) is irrelevant 

because it was repealed in 1979. Laws of 1979, Ex. Sess, ch. 165 § 23.
No. 52684-1-II

34

CONCLUSION

We hold that although facilitating visitation can be a remedial service, it was not reasonably 

available under the circumstances of this case after September 2012. Thus, CW does not show 

that the trial court erred when it concluded that CB and RB had proved they had made active efforts 

to provide CW with remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup 

of the Indian family as required under ICWA. We further hold that CW waived his argument 

challenging the GAL’s qualifications as a qualified expert witness and that, in light of this holding, 

any error in the trial court’s finding that the GAL had 30 years of experience is harmless. Finally, 

we hold that the trial court’s findings support its conclusion that continuing CW’s parental rights 

would likely result in serious emotional or physical damage to TAW. Accordingly, we affirm.

A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the 

Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040, 

it is so ordered.

SUTTON, J.

We concur:

MAXA, C.J.

LEE, J.