IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

In re the Welfare and Guardianship of:

A.N.B.; A.C.B.; A.J.B.; and A.J.B.,

Minor Children,

CARLOS BENITEZ,

Appellant,

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT

OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES,

Respondent.

No. 71230-6-1

(Consolidated with Nos.

71231-4-1, 71232-2-1, 71233-1-1,

71234-9-1, 71236-5-1, 71237-3-1)

DIVISION ONE

UNPUBLISHED

FILED: February 23. 2015

Cox, J. — In this consolidated appeal, Carlos Benitez contests termination

of his parental rights and dismissal of his petition for guardianship. He argues

that collateral estoppel does not bar the petition for guardianship. He further

claims that the Department of Social and Health Services failed to prove all

statutory elements for termination. Finally, he claims the trial court abused its

discretion by not fully granting his motion to appear unshackled in court.

We hold that the doctrine of collateral estoppel bars relitigation of the

question whether the paternal grandmother of these children is a suitable

guardian. DSHS proved and the trial court properly found that one of the

challenged statutory elements for termination was established. But the trial court
No. 71230-6-1/2

did not make a required finding for the other challenged element. Finally, any

error in not fully granting his motion to appear unshackled in court was harmless.

We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings.

Benitez is the biological father of four children—A.N.B. (D.O.B. 2/8/99),

A.C.B. (D.O.B. 12/15/99), A.J.B. (D.O.B. 5/16/02), and A.J.B. (D.O.B. 9/15/06).

In December 2011, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)

petitioned for dependency of the children for the second time. At the time,

Benitez was incarcerated. The trial court ordered the children placed in foster

care, and it directed DSHS to investigate whether the children's relatives could

offer appropriate placement.

On March 20, 2012, the court heard oral argument on Benitez's motion to

place A.J.B. with her paternal grandmother. DSHS opposed this proposed

placement due to allegations of physical and sexual abuse in the grandmother's

home when the children were younger. At the hearing, the children provided the

court with specifics regarding her alleged conduct. Their biological mother also

opposed this placement. The court denied Benitez's motion.

On April 18, 2012, the court held the dependency disposition hearing.

Benitez acknowledged that he would be incarcerated until 2031. Nonetheless,

he contested dependency on the basis that the children had a "guardian" or

"custodian" to care for them—their paternal grandmother. But, as this court later

stated in the appeal of the dependency disposition order entered on that date,

Benitez "failed to refute the concerns that were raised about the paternal
No. 71230-6-1/3

grandmother at the March 20 hearing."1 The April 18, 2012 disposition order of

dependency for all the children was based on RCW 13.34.030(6)(c).2 Under that

statute, the children were dependent because they had "no parent, guardian, or

custodian capable of adequately caring for [them]. .. ."3 They remained placed

in foster care.

Benitez appealed the April 18, 2012 dependency disposition order to this

court, challenging the trial court's determination that his four children were

dependent and challenging the trial court's placement decision.4 This court

rejected his arguments and affirmed. Thereafter, the supreme court denied

Benitez's petition for discretionary review.

In March 2013, DSHS petitioned to terminate Benitez's parental rights.

Benitez petitioned for guardianship, naming the children's paternal grandmother

as the proposed guardian. He also moved to continue the termination hearing

and requested that DSHS conduct a home study to consider placement of the

children with the paternal grandmother. In response, DSHS moved to dismiss

the guardianship petition. The trial court dismissed the guardianship petition on

the basis of collateral estoppel and entered an order terminating Benitez's

parental rights.

1 In re Welfare of A.N.B., noted at 174 Wn. App. 1047, 2013 WL 1739120,

at*3.

2 Clerk's Papers at 25.

3 (Emphasis added.)

4Welfare of A.N.B.. noted at 174 Wn. App. 1047.
No. 71230-6-1/4

Benitez appeals.

TERMINATION OF PARENT CHILD RELATIONSHIP

Benitez makes two arguments that the trial court erred in finding that

DSHS met its burden under RCW 13.34.180(1). The first is without merit. But

we agree with the second.

The court may enter an order terminating all parental rights to a child only

ifthe court finds all of the following elements are established by clear, cogent,

and convincing evidence:

(a) That the child has been found to be a dependent child;

(b) That the court has entered a dispositional order pursuant to

RCW 13.34.130;

(c) That the child has been removed or will, at the time of the

hearing, have been removed from the custody of the parent for a

period of at least six months pursuant to a finding of dependency;

(d) That the services ordered under RCW 13.34.136 have been

expressly and understandably offered or provided and all

necessary services, reasonably available, capable of correcting the

parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future have been

expressly and understandably offered or provided;

(e) That there is little likelihood that conditions will be remedied so

that the child can be returned to the parent in the near future. .. . ;

and

(f) That continuation of the parent and child relationship clearly

diminishes the child's prospects for early integration into a stable

and permanent home. If the parent is incarcerated, the court shall

consider whether a parent maintains a meaningful role in his or her

child's life based on factors identified in RCW 13.34.145(5)(b);

whether the department or supervising agency made reasonable

efforts as defined in this chapter; and whether particular barriers

existed as described in RCW 13.34.145(5)(b) including, but not

limited to, delays or barriers experienced in keeping the agency
No. 71230-6-1/5

apprised of his or her location and in accessing visitation or other

meaningful contact with the child.[5l

"Clear, cogent, and convincing evidence exists when the ultimate fact in

issue is shown by the evidence to be 'highly probable.'"6 If this firststep is met,

the trial court must also find that termination of the parent-child relationship is in

the best interests of the child.7 "The dominant consideration ... is the moral,

intellectual, and material welfare of the child."8

"'Where the trial court has weighed the evidence, review is limited to

ascertaining whether the findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence,

and ifso, whether the findings support the conclusions of law and the

judgment.'"9 "'Substantial evidence is evidence in sufficient quantity to persuade

a fair-minded, rational person of the truth of the declared premise.'"10

Here, Benitez does not challenge four of the six termination elements.

Rather, he contends that DSHS failed to prove that two of the elements had been

established—specifically RCW 13.34.180(1 )(d) and (f).

5 RCW 13.34.180(1); RCW 13.34.190(1)(a)(i).

6 In re Dependency of K.R., 128Wn.2d 129, 141,904P.2d 1132(1995)

(internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting In re Seqo. 82 Wn.2d 736, 739, 513

P.2d831 (1973)).

7 RCW 13.34.190(1 )(b).

8 In re Dependency of J.W., 90 Wn. App. 417, 427, 953 P.2d 104 (1998).

9 In re Dependency of A.M.M., 182 Wn. App. 776, 785, 332 P.3d 500

(2014) (quoting In re Dependency of P.P.. 58 Wn. App. 18, 25, 792 P.2d 159

(1990)).

10 Id (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting In re Welfare of T.B., 150

Wn. App. 599, 607, 209 P.3d 497 (2009)).
No. 71230-6-1/6

RCW 13.34.180(1)(d)

First, Benitez asserts that the State "did not expressly and

understandably provide all reasonably available services capable of correcting

Mr. Benitez's parental deficiencies."11 We disagree.

DSHS must prove that it has offered or provided "all necessary services,

reasonably available, capable of correcting the parental deficiencies within the

foreseeable future."12 "The services offered must be tailored to each individual's

needs."13 "[T]he court may consider any service received, from whatever source,

bearing on the potential correction of parental deficiencies."14

"Even where the State inexcusably fails to offer a service to a willing

parent, termination is nonetheless appropriate ifthe service would not have

remedied the parent's deficiencies in the foreseeable future."15

Here, the trial court found that all necessary services reasonably available

have been offered and that there is no hope that the child will be returned to

Benitez regardless of services provided:

2.10 Since dependency was established, services ordered

under RCW 13.34.130 have been offered or provided and all

necessary services reasonably available, capable of correcting the

parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future have been

11 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 29.

12RCW13.34.180(1)(d).

13 In re Dependency of T.R., 108 Wn. App. 149, 161.29P.3d 1275(2001).

14 In re Dependency of DA, 124 Wn. App. 644, 651-52, 102 P.3d 847

(2004).

15 Id. at 655.
No. 71230-6-1/7

offered or provided. In this case, Mr. Benitez is in Department of

Corrections (DOC) custody until the year 2031. The only services

available to Mr. Benitez there, other than AA or NA, will be provided

two years prior to his release. Nothing in the law requires [DSHS]

to send outside professionals to an inmate who will be in custody

for another twenty years.

2.11 Even if [DSHS] did send outside professionals to Mr.

Benitez in prison to provide services, there is little likelihood that the

conditions will be remedied so that the child could be returned to

[Benitez] in the near future. There is no hope this child will be

returned, regardless of services to [Benitez]. [Benitez] is

unavailable due to his own making and the numerous felonies he

committed.[16]

These findings are supported by substantial evidence, and they support

the conclusion that this termination factor was satisfied. At trial, a counselor at

the correctional center testified that DSHS recommended services for Benitez,

but because of his incarceration until 2031, Benitez is not eligible to participate in

those services until 2029.17 Benitez does not dispute that he is incarcerated until

2031.

Benitez argues that "if [he] is not offered services due to his incarceration,

and his parental rights are terminated because he has not completed services

which he was never offered, then incarceration is effectively the basis for

terminating his parental rights."18 But, while imprisonment alone does not justify

termination, "[T]he parent's resulting inability to perform his or her parental

16 Clerk's Papers at 309.

17 Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 43-44.

18 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 30.
No. 71230-6-1/8

obligations is certainly relevantto the child's welfare."19 Further, termination is

appropriate if the service would not have remedied the parent's deficiencies in

the foreseeable future. Benitez is incarcerated until 2031, and his deficiencies

cannot be remedied in the foreseeable future.

Benitez also argues that DSHS "did not request or provide for outside

professionals to come to the facility."20 But, as the trial court stated, "Nothing in

the law requires [DSHS] to send outside professionals to an inmate who will be in

custody for another twenty years."21 Benitez fails to point to any authority to the

contrary. Thus, this argument is not persuasive.

The trial court properly determined by clear, cogent, and convincing

evidence that this element was satisfied.

RCW 13.34.180(1)(f)

Second, Benitez asserts that DSHS failed to prove all of the necessary

elements to show that continuation of his relationship with his children clearly

diminished their prospects for early integration into a stable and permanent

home. Specifically, he argues that the trial court failed to consider recent

amendments to this statute regarding incarcerated parents.22 Because this

record fails to show such consideration by the court, we agree.

19 Dependency of J.W.. 90 Wn. App. at 426.

20 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 31.

21 Clerk's Papers at 309.

22 Supplemental Brief of Appellant at 1-4.

8
No. 71230-6-1/9

The below emphasized portions of this statute show the amendments that

are at issue:

That continuation of the parent and child relationship clearly

diminishes the child's prospects for early integration into a stable

and permanent home. If the parent is incarcerated, the court

shall consider whether a parent maintains a meaningful role in

his or her child's life based on factors identified in RCW

13.34.145(5)(b); whether the department orsupervising agency

made reasonable efforts as defined in this chapter; and

whether particular barriers existed as described in RCW

13.34.145(5)(b) including, but not limited to, delays or barriers

experienced in keeping the agency apprised of his or her

location and in accessing visitation or other meaningful

contact with the child,[23]

For example, as one of several requirements, "[T]he court shall consider

whether [the] parent maintains a meaningful role in [the] child's life based on

factors identified in RCW 13.34.145(5)(b)."24 That statute sets forth the following

six factors the court may consider in making this assessment:

(i) The parent's expressions or acts of manifesting concern for the

child, such as letters, telephone calls, visits, and other forms of

communication with the child;

(ii) The parent's efforts to communicate and work with the

department or supervising agency or other individuals for the

purpose of complying with the service plan and repairing,

maintaining, or building the parent-child relationship;

(iii) A positive response by the parent to the reasonable efforts of

the department or the supervising agency;

(iv) Information provided by individuals or agencies in a reasonable

position to assist the court in making this assessment, including but

not limited to the parent's attorney, correctional and mental health

personnel, or other individuals providing services to the parent;

23 RCW 13.34.180(1 )(f) (emphasis added).

24 Id.
No. 71230-6-1/10

(v) Limitations in the parent's access to family support programs,

therapeutic services, and visiting opportunities, restrictions to

telephone and mail services, inability to participate in foster care

planning meetings, and difficulty accessing lawyers and

participating meaningfully in court proceedings; and

(vi) Whether the continued involvement of the parent in the child's

life is in the child's best interest.1251

In In re Dependency of A.M.M., this court reversed a termination order

because there was no evidence in the record that the trial court considered the

2013 amendments to RCW 13.34.180(1)(f).26 Itstated, "This omission indicates

both that the Department failed to satisfy its burden of proof as to the termination

factor contained within RCW 13.34.180(1 )(f) and that the trial court failed to apply

the law in effect at the time of its ruling."27

Here, there are some differences between this case and A.M.M. For

example, here, DSHS made the trial court aware of these 2013 amendments to

the statute when it referenced the amended language in its memorandum of

authorities submitted prior to trial.28 Additionally, DSHS presented evidence at

trial that is relevant to Benitez's relationship with his children. For example,

DSHS presented testimony that letters Benitez wrote to his children were

inappropriate and not shared, that the children did not request phone contact with

25RCW13.34.145(5)(b).

26 182 Wn. App. 776, 778-89, 332 P.3d 500 (2014).

27 Id, at 787.

28 Clerk's Papers at 271-72.

10
No. 71230-6-1/11

Benitez, and that Benitez had not visited with his children.29 Further, in closing

argument, DSHS argued, "Clearly the parent-child relationship diminishes these

children's prospects for integration into a safe and stable home. The

relationship is not good between [Benitez] and his children."30

Nevertheless, this record fails to show that the trial court considered all

factors that the amended language of the statute requires. Specifically, there is

nothing to indicate that the trial court considered each of the three requirements

under the amended statute—whether Benitez maintained a meaningful role in his

children's life, whether DSHS made "reasonable efforts," and whether particular

barriers existed.

Further, despite the argument of DSHS to the contrary, we do not infer

from the findings that the trial court entered that it clearly considered the factors

required by the amended language. An appellate court may infer omitted

findings "'if—but only if—all the facts and circumstances in the record . . . clearly

demonstrate that the omitted finding was actually intended, and thus made, by

the trial court.'"31

Here, the record does not clearly demonstrate that the omitted findings

were actually intended and made by the trial court. Like in A.M.M.. the trial court

applied the language contained within former subsection (1)(f), and made no

29 See, e.g., Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 59-60, 67-71, 78-80.

30 Id. at 110 (emphasis added).

31 Dependency of A.M.M., 182 Wn. App. at 788 (quoting In re Welfare of

A.B., 168Wn.2d908, 921,232P.3d 1104(2010)).

11
No. 71230-6-1/12

mention of the amended language or to the factors in RCW 13.34.145(5)(b)

either in its written findings or its oral ruling. In A.M.M.. this court stated, "Given

this, we cannot conclude that all of the facts and circumstances in the record

clearly demonstrate that the omitted findings were actually intended."32 The

same is true here.

DSHS argues that the trial court considered all the evidence and "then

made clear findings that [Benitez] did not maintain a meaningful relationship with

the children . . . ,"33 In support of this, it cites the trial court's oral remarks that

Benitez is not a fit parent and had not provided food, clothing, or medical care

since 2007.34 But this is not a "clear finding" that Benitez did not maintain a

meaningful relationship with the children. Rather, it is a clear finding that Benitez

is not a fit parent. And DSHS expressly asked the court to make a finding that

Benitez is not a fit parent based on that evidence.35 DSHS fails to explain how a

finding of parental unfitness is sufficient to show that the trial court considered

each of the amended statutory requirements. Moreover, the court appears to

have made this oral remark when considering whether termination was in the

best interests of the children, not when it was considering the six termination

factors. For these reasons, this argument is not persuasive.

32 id, at 789.

33 Respondent's Supplemental Brief at 5.

34 ]d, at 5-6 (citing Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 116).

35 Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 110-11.

12
No. 71230-6-1/13

DSHS also argues that the trial court found DSHS offered all necessary

services that were reasonably available.36 This is true, as the trial court made

this finding to show that another termination factor—(1)(d)—was met. But DSHS

fails to explain how this finding shows that the court considered whether DSHS

made "reasonable efforts" as that term is contemplated within the amended

language of (1 )(f). Further, even ifthis finding is sufficient to show "reasonable

efforts" under (1)(f), there is still no showing that the trial court considered the

other two requirements of the amended language—whether Benitez had a

meaningful relationship with his children and whether particular barriers existed.

DSHS next points to the following language from A.M.M.: "[T]here is no

evidence in the record suggesting that [DSHS] presented evidence in an effort to

satisfy its burden or that the trial court did, in fact, make the findings referenced

in the amended subsection . . . ,"37 DSHS emphasizes the "or" from that quote

and argues that, in this case, "the record is replete with evidence that [DSHS]

met its burden."38 With this, DSHS appears to argue that either it is not

necessary for the trial court to make the findings if DSHS met its burden, or that

this court may make the required finding. But a proper reading of A.M.M. does

36 Respondent's Supplemental Brief at 8.

37 Dependency of A.M.M. 182 Wn. App. 787 (emphasis added).

38 Respondent's Supplemental Brief at 9.

13
No. 71230-6-1/14

not support this view. More importantly, an appellate court does not make

findings of fact.39

Finally, DSHS argues that "[a]ny objective reading of the findings can only

support the conclusion that the court determined Mr. Benitez had no relationship

with his children and had no hope of establishing one for the next 18 years."40

But an objective reading of the findings does not support the conclusion that the

trial court determined that Benitez had "no relationship" with his children. And

regardless, the findings still do not address the other two requirements of the

amended language. DSHS asks this court to infer too much.

We express no opinion whether DSHS proved the required factors on the

record that is now before us. That is for the trial court to decide, in the first

instance. But we cannot conclude that the trial court considered whether the

amended language had been satisfied by clear, cogent, and convincing

evidence. Accordingly, we must reverse this ruling and remand for further

proceedings to address this element.

COLLATERAL ESTOPPEL

Benitez next argues that the trial court erred in dismissing his

guardianship petition based on the doctrine of collateral estoppel.41 We hold that

the trial court properly applied the doctrine to this case.

39 Marcum v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs.. 172 Wn. App. 546, 560, 290

P.3d 1045(2012).

40 Respondent's Supplemental Brief at 10.

41 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 16-24.

14
No. 71230-6-1/15

In order for collateral estoppel to apply, the party asserting the doctrine

must prove the following: "'(1) the issue decided in the prior adjudication is

identical with the one presented in the second action; (2) the prior adjudication

must have ended in a final judgment on the merits; (3) the party against whom

the plea is asserted was a party or in privity with the party to the prior

adjudication; and (4) application of the doctrine does not work an injustice.'"42

"Collateral estoppel requires a prior determination of an issue on its

merits."43 Thus, "[t]he doctrine will preclude relitigating only those issues which

have actually been tried and determined. If there is ambiguity or indefiniteness in

a verdict or judgment, collateral estoppel will not be applied as to that issue."44

Here, Benitez only disputes the first two elements of collateral estoppel—

whether the issue decided in the prior adjudication is identical, and whether the

prior adjudication ended in a final judgment on the merits.

First, the court properly determined that the issue presented in the current

guardianship petition—the suitability of the paternal grandmother for placement

of the children—is the same issue that was previously before the trial court in the

dependency proceeding.

42 Thompson v. Dep't of Licensing, 138 Wn.2d 783, 790, 982 P.2d 601

(1999) (quoting Nielson v. Spanawav Gen. Med. Clinic, Inc., 135 Wn.2d 255,

262-63, 956 P.2d 312 (1998)).

43 Mead v. Park Place Props., 37 Wn. App. 403, 407, 681 P.2d 256

(1984).

44 id,

15
No. 71230-6-1/16

The suitability of the children's paternal grandmother was the subject of

both the March 20, 2012 hearing and the April 18, 2012 hearing. In the first

hearing, Benitez sought to have his mother serve as the guardian. The children's

mother and DSHS both opposed this. The court heard testimony from the

children and declined to appoint the paternal grandmother as guardian due to

issues of her suitability.

At the April 18, 2012 disposition hearing, Benitez again sought to have the

paternal grandmother appointed as guardian. The trial court declined this

request. As this court stated in the prior appeal of the disposition order, "Benitez

failed to refute the concerns that were raised about the paternal grandmother at

the March 20 hearing."45 And the supreme court denied review, quoting this

court's language characterizing the April 18, 2012 disposition hearing.46

In sum, there is no doubt that the question of the suitability of these

children's paternal grandmother was addressed in the prior proceeding. The

issue is identical to that presented in this proceeding.

In short, because the issue decided in the prior adjudication is the same

as the one presented here, the first element of collateral estoppel is satisfied.

Second, the trial court properly determined that there was a final judgment

on the merits of the placement decision by the trial court in the dependency that

was the subject of the prior appeal.

45 Welfare of A.N.B., 2013 WL 1739120, at *3.

46 Clerk's Papers at 257-61.

16
No. 71230-6-1/17

A disposition decision following a finding of dependency is a final and

appealable order under RAP 2.2(a)(5).47 The finality of that order is subject to

timely requests for review. But upon exhaustion of review, the order is a final

judgment.48

Here, it is undisputed that the disposition decision following the finding of

dependency was the subject of review, both in this court and the supreme court.

This court rendered its decision in the prior appeal, and the supreme court

denied review. Thus, the disposition decision of the trial court was a final

judgment for purposes of collateral estoppel.

The remaining issue is whether the disposition decision was a final

judgment on the merits on the suitability of the paternal grandmother for

placement.

In his prior appeal to this court on the disposition decision, Benitez

challenged the trial court's placement decision, arguing that itwas based on

evidence shown to be false.49 This court rejected his challenge and stated:

We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion in

denying Benitez's request to place the children with their paternal

grandmother and determining that continued placement in foster

care was in their best interests. On March 20, 2012, several weeks

before the dependency and disposition hearing, the court heard

argument about moving A.J.B. to the paternal grandmother's home.

At that hearing, three children provided statements to the court

47 In re Dependency of Brown, 149 Wn.2d 836, 839-40, 72 P.3d 757

(2003).

48 See Gronouist v. State, 177 Wn. App. 389, 397, 313 P.3d 416 (2013),

review denied, 180Wn.2d 1004(2014).

49Welfare of A.N.B., 2013 WL 1739120 at *3.

17
No. 71230-6-1/18

indicating that they wished not to be placed with the paternal

grandmother and that she had physically or sexually abused the

children in the past. DSHS and the children's mother also opposed

placement with her. At the dependency and disposition

hearing, Benitez failed to refute the concerns that were raised

about the paternal grandmother at the March 20 hearing. The

evidence provided good cause not to follow Benitez's wishes

regarding placement, particularly where the other natural

parent opposed such placements

The supreme court denied review of this court's decision.51 In its ruling

denying review, it stated, "Contrary to Mr. Benitez's seeming argument, no

evidence shows that the children's allegations were false."52

The trial court considering the motion to dismiss the guardianship petition

at the time of the termination hearing properly relied, in part, on this court's prior

decision when it dismissed the guardianship petition. It stated:

The Court of Appeals . . . went on to decide that the trial

court Commissioner Paxton did not abuse its discretion in denying

Mr. Benitez's request to place the children with their paternal

grandmother and determining that continued placement in foster

care was in their best interest.

So in light of a clear mandate in the statute that the child

shall be placed with a relative unless there is a risk to the child in

doing so the Court of Appeals affirmed Commissioner Paxton's

ruling that the children should not be placed with the paternal

grandmother. / think that decision, the Court ofAppeals'

decision, very clearly shuts the door on any future

guardianship proceedings. That decision by Commissioner

Paxton in the face of a statutory mandate that the children should

be placed with [a] relative unless there is something that was of

concern about the children's safety or welfare in that placement.

And the Court ofAppeals affirming Commissioner Paxton's

50 jd, (emphasis added).

51 Clerk's Papers at 257-61.

52 Id. at 260.

18
No. 71230-6-1/19

decision not to place the children with their paternal

grandmother constitutes a decision which collaterally estops

Mr. Benitez from further pursuing placement with his mother

either as a foster placement relative, foster placement, or as a

guardianship placement. So the motion to dismiss the petition for

guardianship is granted.[53]

Generally, issues of placement are subject to regular review and

modification at review hearings.54 But, as the trial court stated, as to placement

with the paternal grandmother, this court's prior decision "very clearly shut[] the

door on any future guardianship proceedings."55 Notably, this court pointed out

that Benitez failed to refute concerns about the paternal grandmother at the

dependency hearing. Thus, the disposition decision was a final judgment on the

merits as to denying placement with the paternal grandmother.

The law of the case doctrine also supports this conclusion. This doctrine

provides that "once there is an appellate holding enunciating a principle of law,

that holding will be followed in subsequentstages ofthe same litigation."56 Thus,

we decline to revisit the holding in the prior appellate decision—that there was no

abuse of discretion because placement with the paternal grandmother was

inappropriate.

53 Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 32 (emphasis added).

54 See RCW 13.34.138.

55 Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 32

56 Roberson v. Perez, 156 Wn.2d 33, 41, 123 P.3d 844 (2005).

19
No. 71230-6-1/20

Benitez argues that collateral estoppel does not apply because

dependency review orders are not final judgments.57 In doing so, he relies

heavily on In re Dependency of Chubb.58 It is true that dependency review

orders are not final orders. But, the relevant order here is the dependency

disposition order, not any of the review orders that followed. Thus, reliance on

Chubb is misplaced.

Benitez argues that this court "did not render a final judgment on the

merits as to [the paternal grandmother's] suitability, but merely found that the

commissioner did not abuse his discretion in denying [Benitez's] dependency

placement request."59 For the reasons already explained, this argument conflicts

both with this court's prior view of the record at the disposition hearing and our

view of the arguments in this case.

Benitez next argues that collateral estoppel does not apply because the

issue ofsuitability ofthe paternal grandmother was not actually litigated.60 He

argues that the commissioner "did not intend for his placement decisions to bar

any future placement of the childrenwith their grandmother" and he cites

excerpts from the transcript ofthe hearings to support this contention.61 For

example, he cites the following statements by the commissioner: "I'm not in a

57 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 16.

58 112 Wn.2d 719, 773 P.2d 851 (1989).

59 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 19.

60 id,

61 id, at 18.

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position today to make any decision with regard to placing the children [with the

paternal grandmother]," "I'm not going to ruling [sic] today ... ifwe learn

something down the road okay, but not today."62

Notwithstanding these assertions, Benitez fails to address this court's prior

observations that there was nothing at the April 18, 2012 hearing that refuted the

allegations made at the March 20, 2012 hearing regarding placement with the

paternal grandmother. We do not depart from those observations here.

Finally, Benitez argues that the trial court's error in dismissing the

guardianship petition requires reversal of the termination order, because the

availability of a guardianship placement is material to whether the State can meet

its burden to prove RCW 13.34.180(1 )(f). Because we conclude that there was

no error, we reject this argument.

DENIAL OF MOTION TO REMAIN UNSHACKLED

Benitez argues that the trial court abused its discretion when it denied his

motion to remain unshackled during the termination proceeding.63 Any error in

this ruling was harmless.

It is well settled that "a prisoner is entitled to be brought into the presence

of the court free from restraints."64 "'Restraints are viewed with disfavor because

they may abridge important constitutional rights, including the presumption of

innocence, privilege of testifying in one's own behalf, and right to consult with

62 Clerk's Papers at 202-03, 231.

63 Motion for Accelerated Review Opening Brief of Appellant at 24-28.

64 State v. Damon, 144 Wn.2d 686, 690, 25 P.3d 418 (2001).

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No. 71230-6-1/22

counsel during trial.'"65 "[Restraints should 'be used only when necessary to

prevent injury to those in the courtroom, to prevent disorderly conduct at trial, or

to prevent an escape.'"66

"A trial judge must exercise discretion in determining the extent to which

courtroom security measures are necessary to maintain order and prevent

injury."67 In State v. Hartzog, the supreme court listed several factors the trial

court may consider in determining whether to use physical restraints:

"[T]he seriousness of the present charge against the defendant;

defendant's temperament and character; his age and physical

attributes; his past record; past escapes or attempted escapes, and

evidence of a present plan to escape; threats to harm others or

cause a disturbance; self-destructive tendencies; the risk of mob

violence or of attempted revenge by others; the possibility of rescue

by other offenders still at large; the size and the mood of the

audience; the nature and physical security of the courtroom; and

the adequacy and availability of alternative remedies."[68]

A court's discretion to restrain a defendant "must be founded upon a

factual basis set forth in the record."69 Thus, "the trial court should allow the use

65 State v. Turner, 143 Wn.2d 715, 725, 23 P.3d 499 (2001) (quoting State

v. Hartzog, 96 Wn.2d 383, 398, 635 P.2d 694 (1981)).

66 State v. Finch, 137 Wn.2d 792, 846, 975 P.2d 967 (1999) (quoting

Hartzog, 96 Wn.2d at 398).

67 Hartzog, 96 Wn.2d at 400.

68 96 Wn.2d 383, 400, 635 P.2d 694 (1981) (alteration in original) (quoting

State v. Tollev, 290 N.C. 349, 368, 226 S.E.2d 353 (1976)).

69 id,

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No. 71230-6-1/23

of restraints only after conducting a hearing and entering findings into the record

that are sufficient to justify the use of the restraints."70

This court reviews a trial court's decision to shackle a defendant under an

abuse of discretion standard.71

"A claim of unconstitutional shackling is subject to harmless error

analysis."72 "[T]he Defendant must show the shackling had a substantial or

injurious effect or influence on the jury's verdict."73

Here, at the hearing on Benitez's motion to remain unshackled, defense

counsel requested "to have [Benitez] at least unshackled on his hands in order to

communicate with the attorneys" and to have his hands free while testifying.74

DSHS opposed the motion, stating that Benitez was in custody for extremely

violent crimes, and asked "that all he be allowed is one shackle."75 The following

exchange then occurred:

[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: Certainly we're not opposed to the leg

shackles remaining on. There are obviously deputies in the

courtroom. I would ask that both of his hands be unshackled.

THE COURT: Alright. Are you right handed or left handed?

[BENITEZ]: Right handed.

70 Damon, 144 Wn.2d at 691-92.

71 Turner. 143 Wn.2d at 724.

72 State v. Hutchinson, 135 Wn.2d 863, 888, 959 P.2d 1061 (1998).

73 id,

74 Report of Proceedings (Nov. 7, 2013) at 4.

75 id, at 5.

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No. 71230-6-1/24

[THE COURT]: Alright. So the motion to change into civilian

clothes is denied. There is no jury present. I don't see any need

for that. The decision here is going to be made by the court. And

believe me I've seen a lot of people in red pajamas. So the right

hand can be uncuffed so that you can communicate with your

attorney and write if you need to. But the left hand will remain

shackled to the waist chain. Alright.[76]

Benitez does not contest that he was incarcerated for extremely violent

crimes, as DSHS stated. It is clear from the above exchange that Benitez did not

oppose the leg shackles. It is also clear that the court ordered that Benitez's

dominant right hand remain free so that he could communicate with counsel.

So the only real dispute is the effect of the court not explaining its

reasoning for the use of a restraint on Benitez'sleft hand, as case law dictates.77

Assuming, without deciding, this was error, itwas harmless. Benitez's dominant

right hand remained free so he could communicate with counsel. Benitez never

appeared in front of a jury, and a proceeding without a jury "greatly reduces the

likelihood of prejudice."78 Further, the trial court indicated that it would not be

prejudiced. There is no reason to doubt this. In sum, Benitez fails to show that

the use of a restraint on his left arm substantially affected the trial court's fact

finding.

76 id,

77 See Damon, 144 Wn.2d at 691-92; Hartzog, 96 Wn.2d at 400.

78 State v. E.J.Y., 113 Wn. App. 940, 952, 55 P.3d 673 (2002).

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No. 71230-6-1/25

DSHS argues that Benitez "did not have a right to appear free from

shackles" because this "was a civil trial executed without a jury."79 Because of

our resolution of the issue, we need not address this argument.

We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings to

address the recently amended statute.

6dxJ.

WE CONCUR:

>? JlownQ,.,

79 Respondent's Brief at 26.

25

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