J-S87033-16

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

IN RE: INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF 

PARENTAL RIGHTS TO:

D.B.J., JR., A MINOR

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF

PENNSYLVANIA

APPEAL OF: D.B.J., SR., FATHER

No. 880 MDA 2016

Appeal from the Order February 23, 2016

In the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County

Orphans' Court at No(s): 4080

BEFORE: LAZARUS, J., SOLANO, J., and PLATT, J.*

MEMORANDUM BY LAZARUS, J.: FILED JANUARY 06, 2017

D.B.J., Sr., (“Father”) appeals from the order, entered in the Court of 

Common Pleas of Centre County, terminating his parental rights to D.B.J., 

Jr., (“Child”) (born September 2014).1 We affirm.

The family came to the attention of Children and Youth Services 

(“CYS”) when Mother was pregnant with Child. Mother had a history of drug 

and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and “overall instability.” N.T. 

____________________________________________

* Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court.

1

Father has eight other children, three of whom are minors. None of these 

children is in Father’s custody. A.A.M.’s (“Mother”) parental rights to Child 

were also terminated; Mother did not appeal the termination order. Mother 

has four other children, none of whom is in her custody. 
J-S87033-16

- 2 -

Termination Hearing, 10/27/15, at 12.2 While pregnant with Child, Mother 

had been going to a local hospital twice a month to receive narcotics 

injections for migraines; she did not inform the caregiver that she was 

pregnant. 

Caseworker Rebecca McKinley-Walsh testified that the day after he 

was born, Child had trouble feeding, had breathing difficulties and an 

accelerated heart rate, and suffered from tremors. When Child was two 

days old, the hospital started him on morphine to help with his narcotic 

withdrawal. Id. at 27. 

At that time, McKinley-Walsh spoke with Father about his ability to 

care for Child, especially since Mother was regularly incapacitated from 

migraines. Father was unable to commit due to his work schedule. Further, 

McKinley-Walsh reported that the month before Child was born, Father and 

Mother had been evicted from their apartment. In light of CYS’ concerns 

about drug use, Father agreed to submit to a urine test, which was positive 

for marijuana. Id. at 32. Additionally, McKinley-Walsh was aware that 

Father had served ten years in prison in New York for an armed robbery; in 

light of his criminal record, McKinley-Walsh expressed doubt about Father’s 

ability to rent an apartment in certain areas. 

____________________________________________

2 CYS has been involved with Mother since 2005 with regard to her four 

other children. N.T. Termination Hearing, 10/27/15, at 12. 
J-S87033-16

- 3 -

The court adjudicated Child dependent on September 19, 2014; 

neither parent appealed. In November 2014, Father and Mother did secure 

an apartment, and they signed a reunification service agreement with CYS. 

Tamsey Ochs, a reunification counselor at Family Intervention Crisis 

Services, met with the family in October 2014 to explain the services 

provided and to get the parents underway on their reunification plan. Id. at 

52-54. While Father was initially involved in the reunification process, he 

was verbally aggressive and uncooperative, he refused half of the drug tests 

CYS sought, and the tests he complied with were all positive for marijuana. 

Id. at 55-56, 67. Several of his tests were also positive for alcohol, another 

concern of CYS’ because Father admitted that he “became more aggressive 

when he was drinking.” Id. at 69. 

Ochs also testified that for one-third of Child’s scheduled visits, Father 

“either left for a period of time or did not get out of bed.” Id. at 78. With 

regard to his drug and alcohol counseling, Father was discharged from the 

services due to a lack of cooperation. Id. at 68. Thus, with respect to 

reunification goals, financial stability, healthy lifestyle, stable living 

environment, child care, and drug and alcohol counseling, McKinley-Walsh 

testified that Father met none of these objectives. Id. at 59-69. Finally, 

Ochs testified that at the June 2, 2015 review conference, Father was 

agitated, and stated he no longer wanted services, did not want to hear from 
J-S87033-16

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the agency and that the agency workers were “no longer welcome” in his 

home.3 Id. at 55. She recounted the seven-month period that Father was 

involved with reunification services, stating he was uncooperative and 

verbally aggressive with both the counselors and with Mother. Id. at 55-56. 

Caseworker Lauren Stoud testified that in addition to providing case 

management services to the family, she observed Child at least once each 

month in the foster home. At the time of the hearing, Child was fourteen 

months old, was developmentally on track, was beginning to walk and talk, 

and was progressing in his motor skills. He no longer required early 

intervention services. Id. at 107-08. Child has been with the foster family 

his entire life. Stoud testified that Child has bonded with his foster parents 

and has a sibling relationship with the foster parents’ daughter, who is one 

year older than Child. She also testified that the foster parents have 

addressed all of Child’s physical and emotional needs, as well as his medical 

needs, and that the foster parents are a long-term option for Child. Id. at 

107-17. 

Additionally, Stoud testified that Child has been without essential 

parental care from Father and Mother, and that she did not see any 

possibility of that situation being remedied any time in the near future. Id. 

____________________________________________

3 Mother continued to work with CYS, but she would not sign a new 

agreement. Reunification services ended in August 2015. N.T. Termination 

Hearing, 10/27/15, at 55. 
J-S87033-16

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at 109. She also testified that it was the agency’s position that termination 

of Father’s and Mother’s parental rights would be in Child’s best interest. 

Id. at 113.4 

At the conclusion of the termination hearing, counsel for the CYS 

summarized its position: The conditions that gave rise to Child’s placement 

cannot or will not be remedied by Father, Child has been in placement for 

over six months, and that Child’s needs and welfare would be best served by 

termination of parental rights. Id. at 113. The trial court determined that 

CYS had established by clear and convincing evidence that termination of 

both Father’s and Mother’s parental rights was appropriate under 23 

Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(2)5and (a)(5),6and that termination would best serve 

____________________________________________

4

Father’s counsel objected, arguing that Stoud was not qualified to opine on 

what is in Child’s best interest. N.T. Termination Hearing, at 109-11. 

5 § 2511. Grounds for involuntary termination

(a) General Rule.—The rights of a parent in regard to a child 

may be terminated after a petition filed on any of the 

following grounds:

. . .

(2) The repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect or 

refusal of the parent has caused the child to be without essential 

parental care, control or subsistence necessary for his physical 

or mental well-being and the conditions and causes of the 

incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or will not be 

remedied by the parent.

23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(2).
J-S87033-16

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Child’s needs and welfare. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(b).7 Father appealed, and 

he raises the following issues for our review:

(Footnote Continued) _______________________

6 § 2511. Grounds for involuntary termination 

(a) General Rule.—The rights of a parent in regard to a child 

may be terminated after a petition filed on any of the 

following grounds:

. . .

(5) The child has been removed from the care of the parent by 

the court or under a voluntary agreement with an agency for a 

period of at least six months, the conditions which led to the 

removal or placement of the child continue to exist, the parent 

cannot or will not remedy those conditions within a reasonable 

period of time, the services or assistance reasonably available to 

the parent are not likely to remedy the conditions which led to 

the removal or placement of the child within a reasonable period 

of time and termination of the parental rights would best serve 

the needs and welfare of the child.

23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(5).

7 Section 2511(b) provides: 

Other considerations.—The court in terminating the rights of a 

parent shall give primary consideration to the developmental, 

physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child. The 

rights of a parent shall not be terminated solely on the basis of 

environmental factors such as inadequate housing, furnishings, 

income, clothing and medical care if found to be beyond the 

control of the parent. With respect to any petition filed pursuant 

to subsection (a)(1), (6) or (8), the court shall not consider any 

efforts by the parent to remedy the conditions described therein 

which are first initiated subsequent to the giving of notice of the 

filing of the petition.

23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(b).
J-S87033-16

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1. Whether the trial court erred by receiving hearsay evidence at 

the termination of parental rights trial?

2. Whether the trial court erred by receiving opinion testimony 

from a CYS worker at the termination trial about the ultimate 

issues in this case? 

3. Whether, due to a failure by CYS to meet its burden of proof, 

the court of common pleas erred in terminating the parental 

rights of Father to Child? 

Brief for Appellant, at 4.

When reviewing an appeal from a decree terminating parental rights, 

we are limited to determining whether the

decision of the trial court is supported by competent evidence. 

Absent an abuse of discretion, an error of law, or insufficient 

evidentiary support for the trial court’s decision, the decree must 

stand. Where a trial court has granted a petition to involuntarily 

terminate parental rights, this Court must accord the hearing 

judge’s decision the same deference that it would give to a jury 

verdict. We must employ a broad, comprehensive review of the 

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

supported by competent evidence. Furthermore, we note that 

the trial court, as the finder of fact, is the sole determiner of the 

credibility of witnesses and all conflicts in testimony are to be 

resolved by [the] finder of fact. The burden of proof is on the 

party seeking termination to establish by clear and convincing 

evidence the existence of grounds for doing so. 

The standard of clear and convincing evidence means testimony 

that is so clear, direct, weighty, and convincing as to enable the 

trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without hesitation, of 

the truth of the precise facts in issue. We may uphold a 

termination decision if any proper basis exists for the result 

reached. If the trial court’s findings are supported by competent 

evidence, we must affirm the court’s decision, even though the 

record could support an opposite result.

In re Adoption of K.J., 936 A.2d 1128, 1131-32 (Pa. Super. 2007) 

(internal citations omitted). Additionally, when considering whether 

termination would promote a child’s needs and welfare, the court considers 
J-S87033-16

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both tangible needs, such as food and shelter, and the intangible, such as 

love, comfort, security, as well as the status of the natural parental bond. 

The court evaluates these and all other factors involved in the child’s best 

interests. In re T.M.T., 64 A.3d 1119 (Pa. Super. 2013). 

After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties,8the 

applicable law, and the well-reasoned opinions9of the Honorable Pamela A. 

Ruest, we conclude that Father’s issues merit no relief. CYS presented clear 

and convincing evidence that Child was removed from Father’s care for six 

months, the conditions which led to removal or placement continue to exist, 

and that Father cannot or will not remedy those conditions within a 

reasonable period of time. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2551(a)(2). Father did not 

comply with the reunification plan, met none of the family service plan goals, 

and demonstrated an incapacity to perform parental duties. Despite seven 

months of reunification services, Father did not meet any of his goals or 

progress in his parenting ability, never getting to the point of unsupervised 

visits. See In re A.L.D., 797 A.2d 326, 337 (Pa. Super. 2002); Amended 

Opinion and Order, 2/23/16, at 6-7. 

____________________________________________

8 The Guardian ad litem for Child has filed a brief supporting the trial court’s 

order terminating Father’s parental rights. 

9 See Amended Opinion and Order, 2/23/16; Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) Opinion, 

6/8/16. 
J-S87033-16

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For the foregoing reasons, we find that the trial court’s decision is 

supported by competent evidence.10 Adoption of K.J., supra. We discern 

no abuse of discretion. In re Adoption of S.P., 47 A.3d at 826-27 (Pa. 

2012). Therefore, we rely on Judge Ruest’s opinions to affirm the order 

terminating Father’s parental rights, and we direct the parties to attach 

those opinions in the event of further proceedings. 

Order affirmed. 

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.

Prothonotary

Date: 1/6/2017

____________________________________________

10 We note that the trial court did not err in allowing caseworker Stoud to 

opine on whether Father and Mother would be able to remedy the conditions 

that led to placement. “[A] witness, whether lay or expert, will be permitted 

to testify concerning the ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact, 

provided that admission of the opinion testimony would not cause confusion 

or prejudice.” In Interest of Paul S., 552 A.2d 288, 291 (Pa. Super. 

1988). Here, the judge was sitting as trier of fact; thus, there was no 

danger that Stoud’s lay opinion based on her observations of and 

interactions with the family would cause confusion or prejudice. We also 

note that caseworker McKinley-Walsh’s testimony with respect to CYS’ 

history with the family and the history of dependency was not hearsay. 

McKinley-Walsh testified with respect to her personal observations of Child 

and parents the day after Child was born. See In re Child M., 681 A.2d 

793 (Pa. Super. 1996) (evidence focused on observed behavior not 

hearsay). 
00 ORD ~S 

asserted." In re Child M, 452 Pa. Super. 230, 681 A.2d 793, 799-800 (1996) (citation ~;ed). 

. st-v 

ill ...,. ,,.., ,.., fl W JE m\ Certified !ro'l;:ords !his 

& ~ .!Qi l!i ~ day of,.~----:- .., -. , 20 I . 

JUI~ 1 5 2016 ~iiY?J.~~ . Appendix B ChrlsUne M. Millii1o~r.·C-.O.O:C. 

Division of Common Pleas Ceurt of 

r.Arttm Cnunlv. PA 

evidence which contains 'an out of court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter 

instability, evictions, and referrals to fCYSJ.'" "The well established definition of "hearsay" is 

of Common Pleas erred by receiving hearsay evidence about 'domestic violence, ,Jrug use, 

Appellant's second matter states: ~During the parental rights termination trial, the Court 

It. Hearsay 

addressed in this Court's Opinion and Order entered on February 23, 2016. 

The Court believes the first matter Appellant complains of on appeal has been adequately 

Appellant's first matter status: 

Centre County Children and Youth Services failed to prove by clear and 

convincing evidence that the paternal rights of o....,S.-Jtrll , Sr., In the 

above-named child should be terminated under 23 Pa.C.S. §§2511(a)(2) and 

(a)(5). Thus, the Court of Common Pleas erred in terminating the parental rights 

of O C J .. h. Sr., in [D B.J., Jrj. 

m I. Clear and Convincing E:vidtH1,:e 

••• l 

Court terminated Appellant's parental rights to the minor child, Q.B.J., Jr. Appellant raises thrM 

matters on appeal. 

was granted on May 19, 2016. In the Opinion and Order entered on February 23, 20·16; the 

''.""> this Court's final Opinion and Order entered on February 23, 2016, contemporaneously with a 

Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal. Permission to appeal nunc pt» tune 

.- ..... Sr. ("Appellant") filed an appeal tnuno pro tune) on May 271 2016 _ 

C:> 

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OPINION IN RESPONSE TO MAITERS COMPLAINED OF ON ltRRiAL -e 

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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CENTRE COUNTY, PENNF-YLVANIA.?:: 

ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION ri1 rn :,.: ~ 

"'J '•1 "";"J ~:-~ ~:-~ : ... :: & 

IN RE: INVOLUNTARY Ti:RMINATION ° r_-: >! z 

OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO 0.8.J., Jr., Docket No. 4080 ""·' - , ., 

a male minor, DOB: Septemberf, 2014 : '. . , cp 

: ~ ~ i i 

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Circulated 12/22/2016 03:13 P

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2 

AppendixB 

.I 

J 

When rendering a decision with regard to a pending Petition for Involuntary 

termination of parental rights, It is essential that the statutory requirements of 

each section be met. It is also helpful to the court to set forth a history of the 

placement of the child. This should include a factual summary in addition to the 

grounds on which Involuntary Termination has been based. Including the date of 

Initial referral to the agency, date of adjudication of dependency, history of 

I 

In Re RJ, T., 608 Pa. 9, 9 A.3d 1179, 1190 n. 14 (201 O}. Specifically, the Benchbook provides, 

[T]he Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Court's Office of Children and 

Families in the Courts recently published a comprehensive bench book for use by 

the bench and bar .addressing issues of dependency. Administrative Office of 

Pennsylvania Court's Office of Children and Families in the Courts, Pennsylvania 

DependencyBenchbook (2010) .... Additionally, the Benchbook urges courts 

and agencies .to combine heari,ngs for permanency plan goal change and 

termination of parental rights petitions because the evidence presented at both 

hearings overlaps substantially such that a single hearing Is more efficient. Id. § 

11.3 at 120. Moreover, a combined hearing provides for a single appeal, allowing 

for faster permanency for the child. I 

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has observed 

evidence from the dependency proceedings is admissible. See In re Child M,, 681 A.2d 793. 

.. 

Father, Rebecca McKinley-Walsh, a CYS caseworker, testified subject to cross-examination as 

to her personal observations and conversations with the parents for each condition that led to 

the inftlal removal and placement of the child. 

At the termination hearing, Father's counsel also objected to the admission of previous 

orders arid findings of fact from the dependency hearings because those findings of fact were 

made under a different standard of proof and relaxed evldentlary standards. While the formal 

rules of evidence app.,ly to hearings on the involuntary termination of parental rights, some 

1 

witness, such evidence may not be admitted." Id. at 678 {finding that the mother was deprived 

the due process right of confrontation'ln a dispositional hearing where the Identity of an adverse 

witness was not disclosed to her). Here, however, Appellant was present in the courtroom for 

the testimony of all of the witnesses. While the CYS referral source was not disclosed to 

.. 

In support of this position, Appellant cites to In re Jones, 286 Pa. Super. 574, 429 A.2d 

671 (1981). In that case, the Superior. Court of Pennsylvania held "that where the reception of 

hearsay evidence would deprive the parent of an opportunity to confront and cross-examine a 

, 

' . 
.! 

.,,.· 

3 

Appendix B 

personal observations. ("Baby Ja••I•• had tremors. He cried a lot. He had trouble feeding. He 

As to drug use, Ms. McKinley-Walsh testified that the child was placed on a regimen of 

morphine for withdrawal symptoms after birth, and supplemented that information with her 

Tr. 65:14-20. 

[Ms. M-J shared a little bit about her past with us, about being in domestically 

violent relationships before. We processed with her and Mr. J di the level of 

his verbal aggression, While he never became physical, to our knowledge, could 

still have a negative Impact on her because of the nature of her history. 

counselor with FIGS: 

and goals established for Appellant and Mother. As to domestic violence, the information was 

relevant and was provided to the Court through the non-hearsay of Tansey Ochs, a reunification 

context as to the initial referral to CYS and the parents' goals and progress with FIGS. For 

example, the Court permitted limited testimony regarding Mother and O .. M_.. Such 

information was known to CYS and FIGS at the time, and provided context as to the services 

Court with a history of placement and dependency. The Court permitted background testimony 

regarding ~ M_..s ("Mother') history with CYS and FIGS. Such information provided 

• 

and FIGS caseworkers .testified about their involvement In this matter, and they provided the 

See Id. at 800 (citation omitted). 

As explained In this Court's Opinion and Order entered on February 23, 2016, the CYS 

799. Further, testimony from caseworkers concerning their direct observations is not hearsay. 

Here, the Court submits that it properly admitted the information from the dependency 

hearings, and excluded from consideration hearsay statements. See In re Child M., 681 A.2d at 

Change Hearings). 

admissible in the termination hearing." fd. § 11.6 at 123 {regarding Evidentiary Issues in Goal 

placernentts), and copies of all court orders can assist in building the· record for 

the judge's decision. 

Pennsylvania Dependency Benchbook § 12.9.3 a~.132. The Benchbook does caution to "keep . 

In mind that hearsay evidence that may be admissible in the permanency hearing may not be 

I· 

' ' 

!!!!!!!!=::2,;:::c Z::.__:  _    
4 

Appendix B 

S., 380 Pa. Super. 476, 552 A.2d 288, 291 (1988) (superseded by statute on other grounds as 

Court did not specifically rely upon that portion of Ms. Stoud's testimony in terminating 

Appellant's parental rights to the child. Further, "a witness, whether lay or expert, will be 

permitted to testify concerning the ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact, provided that 

admission of the opinion testimony would not cause confusion or prejudice." In Interest of Paul 

Preliminarily, while such testimony was received by the Court during the hearing, the 

Tr. 113: 11-15. 

A That is correct, 

Q: Is it the agency's position that the conditions which originally gave rlse to the 

placement cannot or were not remedied by Mr. J I or Ms. M_. in a 

reasonable period of time? 

orig!nally requiring placement." Ms. Stoud's testimony was: 

Lauren Stoud about whether the child's parents would be able to remedy the circumstances 

termination trial, the Court of Common Pleas erred by receiving opinion testimony by lay witness 

,· 

Appellant's third matter complained of on appeal states: ~During the parental rights 

Ill. Testimony of Lauren Stoud (CYS Caseworker) 

from consideration in this matter. 

hearsay, and the Court respectfully submits that hearsay statements were properly excluded 

The witness's personal observations and conversations with the parents are not 

of August were unknown." Tr. 27:·l-5.). 

Mother and Appellant. ("It was understood that they were evicted at the end of July, beginning of 

August, from their apartment that they had a lease to. And their whereabouts during the month 

cooperation throughout the process. She also testified about conversations she had with 

As to instability and evictions, Ms. McKinley-Walsh testified about the parents' lack of 

had, like, breathing difficulties." Tr. 26:11-15.). She also testified that Mr. Jt11ia'• took a druq 

test at the hospital and "{she] asked him prior to the results if there was going to be anything 

positive on it, in which he Informed {her there] would be mariluana." Tr. 32:20-23. 

.» 

'• 
I 

i 

! 

. .-1 

. " 

/ 

5 

Appendix B 

to remedy the circumstances originally requiring placement. 

Ms. McKinley-Walsh, Ms. Ochs, and Ms. Rockey. Therefore, the Court did not err by receiving 

opinion testimony by lay witness Lauren Stoud about whether the child's parents would be able 

The Court was able to consider and evaluate Ms. Stoud's testimony along with the testimony of 

made aware of Ms. Stoud's role in this matter, and the coordinated efforts of CYS and Fl CS. 

Tr. 115:21-116:13. Such testJmony did not confuse or prejudice the Court. The Court was 

A: That Is correct. 

Q: And so, it would be thefr - - primarily their observations and thelr descriptions 

of those interactions With the parents that would be forming the basis of your 

opinion for the court today? 

A: It ls also based on the agency's interactions with the parents and. the history 

with the agency as well. 

Q: And those intefactions withthese parents in the present context are, your 

testimony was somewhat limited, that your involvement is primarily with the - - to 

create, generate a referral and then case management after that; is that correct? 

Q: In forming your position as an agency, you rely heavily on information from 

outside agencies, In this case specifically FIGS, to inform that decision; correct? 

A: That is correct. 

was subject to cross examination. 

Here, Ms. Stoud is a CYS caseworker familiar with this case, and Ms. Stoud's testimony 

Pennsylvania law allows the admission in these proceedings of a lay witness' 

testimony on a party's parental capability, when that testimony is based on 

personal observation. Evidence of the parent's family history of mental illness 

and involvement with the welfare system ls also relevant and admissible 

regarding issues of family stability pr lack of a social support system to assist the 

parent with the child. 

In re A.LO., 2002 Pa. Super. 104, 797 A.2d 326, 338 (citations omitted). 

•, 

stated in In re: D.P., 2009 PA Super. 86, 972 A.2d 1221)'; See Pa.R.E. 701. · 

' . 
, ' 

DO ORD IBJS 

custody of all four of the children 

Mother's rights to two of her otner children were voluntarily terminated, and her parents had 

abuse, domestic violence, homelessr-ess, ar.d :,,~t~hility. D_.Jr. is Mother's fifth child. 

'·Jlother's involvement witr ' · · . !1t ·ar 11, n~. She hr a , .istory of drug anfJ alcohol 

. ;, .iecessary paperwork. 

.: .. e. A kinship pt=cement was cc sidered hul tho . ospecnve foster parent failed to complete 

• 1a'· t4djudicated dependent on Slc"tPrnber 19, ?014, and has remained dependent sinc . ;,1.,t 

physical care and custody of CYS by ::'.tmJr,y',' .y u,~civ1.~ ')rd~· )n September 8, ?C14. 'le 

·. f' -uents of counton f-ebruary 2, 2016, and Father filed Proposed i--111d1ng::, of Fact and Conclusrons of Law on 

){i, .:tJ 15, Mother filed a Brief in Response to 1-'i:ii:iL)i• .) ·,v1.1111ni ,11,y Terminate Parental Riphts 

?1, ?015, CYS filed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of law and Proposed Order on December 

..,., 

rri 

CJ:) 

N 

(..,.) 

Ly Cent, : County C' ildren arid Y ·,11.1th ~Nvice~. ('\> '-, ) 011 .\L<~1.1st 26, 2015. A ht- -lring wa > 

to lJ& · It B..-Jtd 1, Sr., Biological Father. and ~A• M ..... Biological Mother, filed 

Ruest, J, 

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Presently before the Court is a Petition for lnvoluntary Termination of Parental Rights as 

AMENDE~_OPINION and ORDER 

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Docket No. 408Q,,, ~-~ ;. ~ 

C.l (/J • : 

IN RE: INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION 

OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO om : BJf. I, JR, a male minor, DOB: 

September4', 2014 

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 

ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION 
Father testified that he has eight other children ranging in age from 6 to 25, and none of 

these children were ever taken into protective custody. Father, however, does not have custody 

of any of his other children, and he refused to sign releases to enable reunification services to 

contact the other mothers about his parenting skills and involvement with the children. 

The CYS intake coordinator, Rebecca McKinley Walsh, testified that CYS attempted to 

contact and meet with the parents prior to the child's birth, but the parents did not cooperate. 

The parents did not have proper housing when the child was born, and had been homeless 

during the month prior to the child's birth. 

CYS was concerned with the drug use of both parents. The child suffered from tremors. 

;.,1 : f!h rate heartbeat, and was not breathing ; .nd feeding properly at birth. These symptoms arc 

consistent with withdrawal and the child was placed on a Morphine regimen. 

Mother admitted to receiving narcotic injections for her migraine headaches throughout 

her pregnancy, as she did not disclose her pregnancy during her emergency room visits for the 

injections. CYS was also concerned about how Mother could care tor the child after recelvinq. · 

the narcotic shots. Mother continued to manage her migraine pain through narcotic injections at 

the emergency room and did not properly follow-up with a neurologist. 

CYS was concerned with Father's deceptive behaviors and his reluctance to cooperate 

with CYS. Father became angry and verbally aggressive when informed that the child would 

not be discharged to the parents, and hospital security was called because of Father's 

aggressive behavior. Father was not cooperative in submitting to a drug test, and thereafter 

»drnitted to smoking marijuana, and tested positive for marijuana. Father was also not 

forthcoming about his criminal record, and would not sign releases so that CYS could 

investigate his parenting background. 

Reunification services were provided by Family Intervention Crisis Services ("FICS") 

beginning on October 7, 2014. Tansey Ochs, a FICS reunification worker, testified that three 

goals were set for Mother and Father: (1) the parents would meet their physical needs, (2) 

2 
3 

(2) The repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal of the 

parent has caused the child to be without essential parental control or 

subsistence necessary for his physical or mental well-being and the conditions 

based on two grounds: 

CYS filed a Petition for Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights of Mother and Father 

Discussion 

permitted at his residence. 

On June 2, 2015, Father stated he would not cooperate with FICS and they were no longer 

the child or could be a resource when Mother suffered from migraines and Father was at work. 

would provide the names of people they associated with to ascertain if they posed a threat to 

During sessions with FICS, Father was aggressive and would not cooperate. Neither parent 

struggled, and was unable to properly make a bottle, and was not engaged or slept during visits. 

. concerns about parenting the child during her migraines and after narcotic shots. Father 

was able to provide for the child's basic needs. As explained above, however, there wore 

born addicted. The parents never progressed beyond supervised visits. During visits, Mother 

As to the last goal, the parents did not accept responsibility for the fact that their son was 

checks at their home. 

cour ..• eltng for lack of attendance. The parents also did not always cooperate with lifestyle 

marijuana and some were positive for alcohol. Both parents were ultimately discharged from 

Father refused drug testing 50% of the time, and of the tests he took, all were positive for 

drug testing 57% of-the time, and tested positive for drugs or alcohol on the tests she took. 

As to the second goal, the parents continued to use drugs and alcohol. Mother refused 

paperwork so FICS was unable to properly evaluate the couple's financial circumstances. 

services were unwelcome. Father is employed, but refused to provide necessary financial 

goal, the parents were able to obtain housing but in June of 2015 Father stated reunification 

Mother and Father would promote healthy growth and development of the child. As to the first 

Mother and Father would maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves and the child, and (3) 
4 

to allow the reunification team to contact the mothers of his other eight children. 

sessions to end early, and otherwise did not listen to their guidance and advice. Father refused 

Father demonstrated aggression and anger towards service providers, causing some parenting 

released from counseling for lack of attendance, and slept through some visits with the child. 

in visits with the child. Instead, Father continued to test positive for marijuana and alcohol, was 

alcohol counseling, provide necessary personal and financial information, or actively participate 

minimal and inconsistent. Despite reunification efforts, Father refused to cooperate in drug and 

services for seven months in order to reunite the child with the parents. The parents' effort was 

necessary for his physical or mental well-being. The parents were provided reunification 

or ref us al that has caused the child to be without essential parental control or subsistence 

A.2d 326, 337. Father has demonstrated a repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect 

refusal, as well as incapacity to perform parental duties. Jn Re A.L.D., 2002 PA Super.104, 797 

Under this section, grounds for termination may include affirmative misconduct, acts of 

I. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511 (a)(2) 

A.2d 68; 73-4 (citation omitted}. 

determinanous and resolve conflicts in the evidence." Jn re M.G., 2004 PA Super. 251, 855 

all, part, or none of the evidence presented, and is likewise free to make all credibility 

Adoption of G. T.M., 506 Pa. 44, 483 A.2d 1355, 1356 (1984). The trial court is free to believe 

establish by 'clear and convincing' evidence the existence of grounds for doing so." Matter of 

23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a). "[T]he burden of proof is upon the party seeking termination to 

(5) The child has been removed from the care of the parent by the court or under 

a voluntary agreement with an agency for a period of at least six months, the 

conditions which led to the removal or placement of the child continue to exist, 

the parent cannot or will not remedy those conditions within a reasonable period 

of time, the services or assistance reasonably available to the parent are not 

likely to remedy the conditions which led to the removal or placement of the child 

within a reasonable period of time and termination of the parental rights would 

best serve the needs and welfare of the child. 

and causes of the incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or will not be 

remedied by the parent; and 
Further, the conditions and causes of the incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or 

will not be remedied by the parent. Despite seven months of reunification services, the parents 

did not progress in their goals or parenting ability, and never advanced to unsupervised visits 

with the child. Father continued to show anger and aggression, and to test positive for drugs. 

Most telling, at the June 2, 2015, status conference, Father stated he would no longer cooperate 

with reunification services, and FICS was no longer permitted in the home for lifestyle checks, 

drug screens, or assessments. Father was unwilling and ultimately refused to remedy the 

conditions and causes of the child's placement. 

Mother has also demonstrated a repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect or 

refusal that has caused the child to be without essential parental control or subsistence 

necessary for his physical or mental well-being. Mother marginally cooperated with reunification 

services. Mother continued to test positive for marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine, and was 

released from drug and alcohol counseling for lack of attendance. Mother continued to handle 

her migraine pain through narcotic injections at the emergency room and did not properly followup with a neurologist to seek other methods of handling her migraine headaches. Mother did 

not create a plan for alternative childcare for periods of migraine headaches and narcotic 

injections. 

Further, the conditions and causes of the incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or 

will not be remedied by the parent. Despite seven months of reunification services, the parents 

did not progress in their goals or parenting ability, and never advanced to unsupervised visits 

with the child. Mother did not remedy any of her behaviors. Father jeopardized any efforts for 

Mother to be successful at reunification when he ended reunification services, and FICS' ability 

to perform lifestyle checks, drug screens, or assessments. Mother argues she is capable of 

meeting the child's developmental, physical, and emotional needs, and continue reunification 

services without Father. Mother, however, missed the meeting to sign a new Service 

Agreement with FICS. See Commonwealth v. Arnold, 445 Pa. Super. 384, 665 A.2d 836, 840 

5 
(citations omitted) ("A parent cannot protect parental rights by merely stating that she does not 

wish to have her parental rights terminated. Rather, a parent has an affirmative obligation to act 

in the child's best interest."). Previous to Father ending services, Mother did not progress 

independently or complete drug and alcohol counseling. For these reasons, Mother was 

unwilling and ultimately unable to remedy the conditions and causes of the child's placement. 

As such, grounds were established under subsection (2) to terminate Father and 

Mother's parental rights. 

II. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(5) 

CYS also petitioned the Court to terminate parental rights under section 2511 (a)(5). 

Here, Dtllllll.Jr. (D.0.B. September f, 2014) was removed from Mother and Father at the 

hospital, and has been in the custody of the agency and the foster parents his entire life. As 

such. the placement has been for a period over six months. 

The conditions which led to the removal or placement of the child continue to exist. As 

explained above, both parents continue to test positive for drugs and alcohol, and failed to 

complete counseling. Mother continues to manage her migraines solely through emergency 

room narcotic shots. Father was uncooperative and stonewalled every opportunity by failing to 

sign releases and provide necessary documentation. 

The parents cannot or will not remedy those conditions within a reasonable period of 

time. The parents failed to take advantage of the services provided to them. Despite seven 

months of reunification services, the parents did not progress in their goals or parenting ability, 

and they never advanced to unsupervised visits with the child. The parents failed to provide 

reunification services with necessary information to evaluate their housing and financial stability, 

and their childcare options. 

The services or assistance reasonably available to the parents are not likely to remedy 

the conditions which led to the removal or placement of the child within a reasonable period of 

time. As stated above, the parents failed to progress with the assistance of reunification 

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love, comfort, security, and stability are involved in the inquiry into needs and welfare of the 

120, 92~ A.2d 505, 511 (citations omitted). Other considerations include "[i]lntangibles such as 

the effect on the child of permanently severing any such bond." Jn re L.M., 2007 PA Super. 

nature and status of the emotional bond between parent and child, with close attention paid to 

23 Pa.C,S,A. § 2511(b). "One major aspect of the needs and welfare analysis concerns the 

The court in terminating the rights of a parent shall give primary consideration to 

the developmental, physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child. The 

rights of a parent shall not be terminated solely on the basis of environmental 

factors such as inadequate housing, furnishings, income, clothing and medical 

care if found to be beyond the control of the parent. With respect to any petition 

filed pursuant to subsection (a)(1 ), (6) or (8), the court shall not consider any 

efforts by the parent to remedy the conditions described therein which are first 

initiated subsequent to the giving of notice of the filing of the petition. 

pursuant to section 2511(b). 

2511 (a), the Court must then make a determination of the needs and welfare of the child 

When the Court determines the parent's conduct warrants termination under section 

Ill. 23 Pa.C,S.A. § 2511(b) 

rights would best serve the child's needs and welfare. 

Early Intervention Services are no longer needed. Terminating Father and Mother's parental 

and foster sister. The foster family provides for his needs. The child is developing on track and 

child. The child has been in foster care his entire life, and has bonded with his foster parents 

Lastly, termination of the parental rights would best serve the needs and welfare of the 

parents were living together, such refusal effectively ended services for both parents. 

satisfaction of the reasonable good faith effort, the termination petition may be granted.") As the 

efforts supplied over a realistic period of time, [CYS) has fulfilled its mandate and upon proof of 

omitted) ("[l]f a parent fails to cooperate or appears incapable of benefiting from the reasonable 

screens, or assessments. See In re A.R., 2003 PA Super. 456, 837 A.2d 560, 564 (citation 

reunification services, and FIGS was no longer permitted in the home for lifestyle checks, drug 

services, and then, in June of 2015, Fat her angrily stated he would no longer cooperate with 
child." Jn re N.A.M., 2011 PA Super. 242, 33 A.3d 95, 103 (citing Jn Re C.M.S., 2005 PA Super. 

340, 884 A.2d 1284, 1287). 

Here, both CYS and the guardian ad /item believe that terminating the rights of the 

parents to D ..... Jr. best address the child's developmental, physical, and emotional needs 

and his welfare. The child has been in foster care with the same family for his entire life. 

Mother and Father never progressed beyond supervised visits with the child. His 

developmental, physical, and emotional needs have been provided by the foster family since his 

birth. Lauren Stoud, a CYS caseworker, testified that the child bonded to the foster family and 

they provide for his needs. The child has formed a sibling relationship and bond with the foster 

family's other child. D .... Jr. was born drug dependent, but with the assistance of Early 

Intervention Services, the child is progressing and developing on track. 

Termination in this case is not based on environmental conditions beyond the control of 

Father and Mother. Both parents were provided services and the opportunity to demonstrate 

their desire to parent this child, yet both parents failed to comply with the service goals. Ms. 

Ochs testified that the safety of the child could not be ensured with the biological family. For 

these reasons, it is in the child's best interest to remain with the foster family, and terminate the 

parental rights of the biological parents. 

IV. Hearsay 

Father argues that some of the evidence presented at the involuntary termination 

hearing was hearsay. Specifically, Father objects to evidence about "domestic violence, drug 

use, instability, evictions, and referrals to [CYS)" and that the child was "placed on a regimen of 

morphine ... due to withdrawal symptoms" as well as other hearsay reports regarding the 

circumstances of the foster home. Here, CYS caseworkers Rebecca McKinley Walsh, Lauren 

Stoud, and Casey Rockey, and FICS caseworker Tansey Ochs, testified about their direct 

involvement and observations in this matter, and they provided the Court with the parents' 

history of placement and dependency. Accordingly, the following Order is entered: 

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Pamela A Ruest, Judge 

/l a - 

.·/')_.7 I/ al r ·· -~ \, r lu: __ j~---cc , L L(JL--f 

BY THE COURT: 

Notice and consent from the biological parents are not needed for an adoption. 

Biological Mother, is GRANTED. CYS is awarded sole custody of D · tl?tlilll,JMIF , Jr. 

AND NOW, this 22nd day of February, 2016, the Petition for Involuntary Termination of 

ORDER