Title: In The Matter Of B.B., K.B., T.B., P.B., J.B., B.B., and T.F.
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: 34599
State: west-virginia
Issuer: west-virginia Supreme Court
Date: October 9, 2009

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF WEST VIRGINIA September 2009 Term FILED October 9, 2009 No. 34599 released at 10:00 a.m. RORY L. PERRY II, CLERK SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF WEST VIRGINIA THE MATTER OF B.B., K.B., T.B., P.B., J.B., B.B., AND T.F. Appeal from the Circuit Court of Mineral County Honorable Phil Jordan, Judge Juvenile Action Nos. 07-JA-20 through 26 AFFIRMED Submitted: September 9, 2009 Filed: October 9, 2009 Brian J. Vance Darrell V. McGraw, Jr. Romney, West Virginia Attorney General Attorney for the Petitioner, Charleston, West Virginia Rosemary C. C. Carter Williams Assistant Attorney General Moorefield, West Virginia Marla Zelene Harman Attorneys for the Respondent, Franklin, West Virginia West Virginia Department of Joyce E. Stewart Health and Human Resources Moorefield, West Virginia Guardians ad litem on behalf of the minor children The Opinion of the Court was delivered PER CURIAM. CHIEF JUSTICE BENJAMIN and JUSTICE WORKMAN concur and reserve the right to file concurring opinions. SYLLABUS BY THE COURT 1. “Although conclusions of law reached by a circuit court are subject to de novo review, when an action, such as an abuse and neglect case, is tried upon the facts without a jury, the circuit court shall make a determination based upon the evidence and shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether such child is abused or neglected. These findings shall not be set aside by a reviewing court unless clearly erroneous. A finding is clearly erroneous when, although there is evidence to support the finding, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. However, a reviewing court may not overturn a finding simply because it would have decided the case differently, and it must affirm a finding if the circuit court’s account of the evidence is plausible in light of the record viewed in its entirety.” Syllabus point 1, In the Interest of: Tiffany Marie S., 196 W. Va. 223, 470 S.E.2d 177 (1996). 2. “Although parents have substantial rights that must be protected, the primary goal in cases involving abuse and neglect, as in all family law matters, must be the health and welfare of the children.” Syllabus point 3, In re Katie S., 198 W. Va. 79, 479 S.E.2d 589 (1996). 3. “‘“Termination of parental rights, the most drastic remedy under the statutory provision covering the disposition of neglected children, W. Va. Code, 49-6-5 i [1977] may be employed without the use of intervening less restrictive alternatives when it is found that there is no reasonable likelihood under W. Va. Code, 49-6-5(b) [1977] that conditions of neglect or abuse can be substantially corrected.” Syllabus Point 2, In re R.J.M., 164 W. Va. 496, 266 S.E.2d 114 (1980). Syllabus point 4, In re Jonathan P.,182 W. Va. 302, 387 S.E.2d 537 (1989).’ Syllabus Point 1, In re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W. Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162 (1993).” Syllabus point 7, In re Katie S., 198 W. Va. 79, 479 S.E.2d 589 (1996). 4. “‘[C]ourts are not required to exhaust every speculative possibility of parental improvement before terminating parental rights where it appears that the welfare of the child will be seriously threatened . . . .’ Syl. Pt. 1, in part, In re R.J.M., 164 W. Va. 496, 266 S.E.2d 114 (1980).” Syllabus point 7, in part, In the Interest of Carlita B., 185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991). 5. “At the conclusion of the improvement period, the court shall review the performance of the parents in attempting to attain the goals of the improvement period and shall, in the court’s discretion, determine whether the conditions of the improvement period have been satisfied and whether sufficient improvement has been made in the context of all the circumstances of the case to justify the return of the child.” Syllabus point 6, In the Interest of Carlita B., 185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991). ii Per Curiam: The respondent below and appellant herein, Rosemary C. (hereinafter “Rosemary”), appeals from an order entered July 3, 2008, by the Circuit Court of Mineral County. By that order, the circuit court denied Rosemary’s motion for a post-dispositional improvement period and terminated any parental rights to Tiffany B.1 (hereinafter “Tiffany”), Patricia B. (hereinafter “Patricia”), Joshua B. (hereinafter “Joshua”), Brandon B. (hereinafter “Brandon”), and Tessa F. (hereinafter “Tessa”), all children to whom Rosemary had no biological relation.2 The lower court’s order further denied post-termination visitation. On appeal to this Court, Rosemary argues that the circuit court erred in denying her post- dispositional improvement period and in terminating her parental rights. Rosemary also alleges some procedural improprieties that will be discussed in this opinion.3 Based on the 1“We follow our past practice in juvenile and domestic relations cases which involve sensitive facts and do not utilize the last names of the parties.” State ex rel. West Virginia Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Cheryl M., 177 W. Va. 688, 689 n.1, 356 S.E.2d 181, 182 n.1 (1987) (citations omitted). 2On appeal to this Court, only three children are at issue: Patricia, Joshua, and Brandon. Two siblings, Kenneth and Brittany, born 1989 and 1990, respectively, reached the age of majority during the earlier proceedings and are no longer part of these proceedings. This Court recognizes that Tiffany also reached the age of majority in September 2009, and thus, is no longer under this Court’s jurisdiction in this matter. Further, Rosemary did not appeal the denial of her parental rights and/or visitation with regard to Tessa. Thus, this Court will decide the issues only as they relate to the remaining three children. 3Specifically, Rosemary argues that the lower court erred by improperly obtaining testimony from the children involved; considering the relative wealth or poverty of her situation in deciding whether to terminate parental rights; issuing its dispositional order in violation of the applicable time periods; and failing to appoint counsel for her son, Hiram C. (hereinafter “Hiram”), even after it was apparent that his actions or inactions could (continued...) 1 parties’ arguments, the record designated for our consideration, and the pertinent authorities, we affirm the rulings made by the circuit court. I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY The petitioner, Rosemary, is currently in her mid-seventies and her son, Hiram, is in his mid-forties. Previously, the two lived together in Baltimore, Maryland. While living in Maryland, Rosemary and Hiram came to care for seven children, none of whom were related by blood or marriage to either Rosemary or Hiram.4 The biological parents5 of the children were drug addicts and were acquaintances with one of Rosemary’s 3(...continued) directly affect Rosemary’s improvement period. 4While Rosemary is the only petitioner whose rights are before this Court, the record reveals that the children referred to Rosemary as “mom” and to Hiram as “dad.” It is undisputed that Hiram was a caretaker of the children during the time that they were in Rosemary’s home. Moreover, some of the allegations in the abuse and neglect petition were directed to Hiram’s conduct. Hiram’s actions were an issue in the case plan, and he was subjected to court-mandated counseling and services. Further, the circuit court’s dispositional order found that “[Hiram] has been treated as a party in this case . . . and signed the treatment plan.” Significantly, the lower court ordered as follows: “That any parental rights, including visitation of Rosemary . . . and Hiram . . . to Tiffany . . . Patricia . . . Joshua . . . Brandon . . . and Tessa . . . are hereby TERMINATED.” During an April 16, 2008, status hearing in the underlying case, Rosemary’s counsel made a motion for Hiram to receive court-appointed counsel. Hiram indicated to the lower court that he was willing to proceed in the matter without representation of counsel; however, it does not appear that he was ever designated as a party in this action. 5All of the children in Rosemary’s care had the same biological parents with the exception of Tessa. 2 biological children. When the biological parents could not care for their children, Rosemary would take informal temporary custody. This process continued as each of the six sibling children were born and with the one child who was unrelated to the other six children. Rosemary was granted legal custody and guardianship of the children in the Circuit Court of Baltimore City Division for Juvenile Cases in April 1999; however, the biological parents’ rights were never terminated by the Maryland courts. The Maryland court terminated its jurisdiction over the matter in 2006. In 2001, Rosemary and Hiram moved to West Virginia with these seven children. Soon thereafter, in March 2001, the children were brought to the attention of Child Protective Services (hereinafter “CPS”). Over the next several years, eleven different referrals were sought for various reasons. The referrals were investigated and some of the allegations contained therein were unsubstantiated. However, the referrals that were substantiated included instances of emotional abuse, physical abuse, improper threats of sending the children away for bad behavior, improper punishment by withholding food, illegal drug abuse in the home by adults, an unhealthy home with cockroaches falling from the ceiling, farm animals in the home, flea infestation resulting in bites to the children, and failure on Rosemary’s part to complete the paperwork necessary for medical coverage for the children. Moreover, one of the children, Patricia, is ill with Hepatitis C.6 It was found that 6It is believed that Patricia contracted this disease as an infant when her (continued...) 3 this child was forced to use a bucket outside of the home as separate toilet facilities. She was also forced to use different eating and drinking utensils from the rest of the family. The Department of Health and Human Resources (hereinafter “DHHR”) also noted its concerns about the children living in the same home as adults with extensive criminal backgrounds.7 Based upon these referrals and concerns, a general abuse and neglect petition was filed by the DHHR against Rosemary on June 12, 2007.8 In addition to Rosemary, other 6(...continued) biological mother stabbed her with a dirty needle used for drug abuse. This incident occurred prior to t he time when Patricia came to be in Rosemary’s care. 7Hiram has a felony record with convictions for drug possession and transportation of firearms. At one time, at least two other adults, Rosemary’s daughter and grandson, lived in the home. The daughter was awaiting trial on charges related to driving under the influence. Her criminal background also included larceny, stalking, obstruction, and telephone misuse. The grandson’s criminal background included charges of arson, theft, destruction of property, obstruction, harm and injury, assault, verbal threats, and conspiracy. Since the institution of the underlying proceedings, the daughter and grandson have left the home and have not returned. The children have reported various instances of Hiram and other adults acting strangely and in ways that the children believed illustrated drug use. 8The CPS referrals began in 2001. While we recognize that not every referral was substantiated and that there was also the issue of continuing jurisdiction in the Maryland courts, it seems that the delay in bringing the abuse and neglect petition was extensive and only served to prolong the children’s exposure to an unstable home. See Syl. pt. 1, in part, and Syl. pt. 5, In the Interest of Carlita B., 185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991) (“Child abuse and neglect cases must be recognized as being among the highest priority for the courts’ attention. Unjustified procedural delays wreak havoc on a child’s development, stability and security.”) (“The clear import of the statute [West Virginia Code § 49-6-2(d)] is that matters involving the abuse and neglect of children shall take precedence over almost every other matter with which a court deals on a daily basis, and it clearly reflects the goal that such proceedings must be resolved as expeditiously as possible.”). The delays do not appear to be a result of the circuit court or its docket, but rather, a delay in filing the petition (continued...) 4 parties included in the underlying proceedings were the biological parents of the six sibling children, as well as the biological mother of the other child who was unrelated to the other six children.9 During the court proceedings in West Virginia, the biological parents’ rights to the six sibling children were terminated on December 12, 2007.10 The biological mother’s rights to Tessa are still pending in the circuit court. Of the seven children in Rosemary’s care, only three of them are at issue before this Court, all of whom are related to each other by blood but are not related to either Rosemary or Hiram by blood. The three children at issue in this appeal are Brandon, born 1993; Patricia, born 1995; and Joshua, born 1999.11 As early as September 2004, the family was referred for various services including Family Preservation, Juvenile Probation, and Youth Services. Parenting plans 8(...continued) at the outset. However, the record is unclear as to any discernible reason for the delay. 9All of the children in Rosemary’s care had the same biological parents with the exception of Tessa. Rosemary’s rights with regard to Tessa are not at issue before this Court as neither person desires interaction with the other person, and Rosemary did not appeal the termination of her parental rights and denial of visitation with Tessa. 10Termination of the biological parents’ rights is not at issue in this appeal. 11As of the time of oral argument, Tiffany, Patricia, and Joshua were placed in foster care. Patricia and Joshua are together in the same placement. Tiffany reached the age of majority in September 2009. Brandon was removed from the home in January 2007 as a result of a juvenile and/or status offense petition. He was ultimately placed in a residential treatment facility and remains in that placement at this time. His eventual placement is undetermined. 5 were designed and counseling was ordered. It was found that Rosemary and Hiram initially were not compliant in taking advantage of these ordered programs. It was also found that Rosemary and Hiram were not compliant with the court-ordered sibling visitation with siblings who had been removed from the home on juvenile petitions. During the lower court proceedings, it was found that Rosemary had a habit of filing juvenile petitions on the children as they got older. The lower court specifically found that [a]s soon as a child gets old enough to report abuse, Rosemary would file a juvenile petition to get rid of and punish the child. That child is then shunned by Rosemary and Hiram. Once a child is on the “shunned list”, there is an effort to exclude that child from her [or his] siblings. As a result of the June 2007 abuse and neglect petition, the DHHR was granted legal custody of the children, but physical custody remained with Rosemary. A status hearing was held August 31, 2007, regarding a Motion for Contempt filed against Rosemary, wherein the lower court ruled that Rosemary was in contempt for intentionally interfering with sibling visitation that had been previously ordered to occur between the children remaining in her care and their sibling sister who had been removed from the home on a juvenile petition. Because Hiram’s actions also contributed to the lack of compliance with visitation, he was also subjected to the same continuing terms and conditions as Rosemary. In September 2007, an amended abuse and neglect petition was filed by the DHHR. This petition alleged that Rosemary had allowed the children’s medical cards to 6 lapse. The DHHR was granted physical custody of the children due to this failure by Rosemary, which resulted in the children being denied continued services from Family Preservation Services and Mountain State Psychological. The children were removed from the home and placed in various foster homes, with only Joshua and Patricia remaining together in the same placement. On October 3, 2007, an adjudicatory hearing was held and the parties informed the lower court that they had reached an agreed adjudication for the trial court to approve. The stipulations of the parties included Rosemary’s concessions that the children had been exposed to inappropriate discipline in her home, resulting in both physical and emotional abuse. She further agreed that she had failed to participate with in-home services and social services recommended by the DHHR; and that the living conditions in her home had been less than adequate for the health, benefit, and welfare of the children. The lower court made a finding that the minor children were abused and/or neglected children and that continued physical custody by Rosemary was not in the children’s best interests. The lower court granted a six-month post-adjudicatory improvement period to Rosemary. In that time, Rosemary was directed to participate in counseling recommended by her psychological evaluation and to attend all counseling, medical, psychological, psychiatric, and parenting appointments or sessions determined necessary by the MultiDisciplinary Team (hereinafter “MDT”). The goals were to address the necessary parenting issues needed to protect the children, to improve the living conditions in the home, and to maintain current medical cards 7 on the children. The DHHR filed its Family Treatment Plan on February 14, 2008. The plan included the following eight items that must be remedied during the improvement period: 1. Rosemary and Hiram have a history of not following through with services which resulted in the removal of the children from the family home. 2. Rosemary and Hiram file incorrigibility petitions on the children when they reach a certain age, indicating that the child is out of control. The child is then shunned by the other children because Rosemary and Hiram tell them not to speak to the child. 3. The family home is in disarray and through reports of service providers there are cockroaches everywhere crawling on the floors, walls and falling from the ceiling this creates an unhealthy environment for the children to live in due to cockroaches carrying disease. 4. The children report physical and emotional abuse as evidenced by reports of being pushed down the stairs, pushed against the walls, beat up by the other children while being held down by Hiram. Patricia has indicated that she had to toilet in a bucket in the home and was not allowed to use the family bathroom. The bucket was moved to a trailer outside and she was forced to use that. Patricia was also told regularly that she would die by the time she is sixteen. The other children report that Hiram would get angry with them and hang a sign on his door that he is not their father and they have to call him by his given name. Hiram and Rosemary do not permit the children to associate with black children because they do not like them. If caught the children are shunned. 5. The children have reported that [various other adults] would stay at the home and use drugs with Hiram. When this would happen the children were exposed to people being passed 8 out and possibly overdosing on the drugs.[12] 6. Hiram and Rosemary have not recognized the problems in the home. They have not realized the impact that their actions and words have had on the children. They do not feel the children have been abused emotionally or physically. They view themselves as the victims in the case. They feel the children are being allowed to run the court and MDT and that the MDT should not be listening to the children’s wishes although all of the children at one time or another have expressed that they do not want to return to the family home. 7. The children have many concerns about returning home. They are concerned about the treatment they would receive if they return to the family home. 8. Hiram does not have any means of support. (Footnote added). On April 16, 2008, a status hearing was held to review the improvement period and the case plan. Rosemary’s counsel’s motion to meet with the children, in the presence of their guardian ad litem, was granted for the purpose of ascertaining the children’s wishes on where they would like to reside. The same counsel also made a request for Hiram to receive independent court-appointed counsel, which was denied.13 DHHR was requested to file the Children’s Case Plan by June 1, 2008. In an order entered June 13, 2008, the circuit 12The children reported various instances of adults being passed out and Rosemary pouring “milk” down their throats to wake them. Additionally, there were two instances when some of the children thought someone had “died” after he or she passed out and emergency services were called. 13See note 4, supra. 9 court acknowledged receipt of the DHHR’s Children’s Case Plan. In that plan, the DHHR stated that [w]hile participating in services the MDT has seen a significant amount of improvement from both Hiram and Rosemary. They have become more open to the children and dealing with them at their present ages. They have acknowledged a lack of information regarding Patricia’s illness and apologized for their treatment of her during a family session. Both Hiram and Rosemary have listened to what the children have to say and how the children are feeling and then address the issues at hand. Both have learned to recognize the need to work together on the disciplining of the children so that the children can not triangulate the situation to achieve whatever goal they may have at the time. The children have become increasingly comfortable with Hiram and Rosemary. They have been able to express their fears without concerns of being shunned by Hiram. The children have had moments of wanting to return to the home and other moments of wanting to remain in foster care. Due to the family’s successful completion of the treatment plan, the Department has no alternative but to recommend reunification of the children with Hiram and Rosemary[.] Therein, the DHHR recommended a reunification plan with the goal to transition Tiffany, Patricia, Joshua, and Brandon, upon completion of his residential treatment program, back to Rosemary’s home. In its June 13, 2008, order, the circuit court advised that it did not agree with the DHHR’s assessment of the case and that it had reservations about the permanency plan for the children. Therefore, the lower court directed that the dispositional hearing scheduled for June 19, 2008, be held pursuant to W. Va. Code § 49-5D-3a (2004) (Repl. Vol. 2004)14 and that the MDT should present evidence as to its rationale for the 14W. Va. Code § 49-5D-3a (2004) (Repl. Vol. 2004), in relevant part, provides: (continued...) 10 proposed service plan. A dispositional hearing was held June 19, 2008. Testimony was heard from the child protective services worker, a clinical therapist who provided individual and family therapy, a case manager and counselor who provided parenting training, and two psychologists who provided therapy to the children. All of the witnesses indicated their recommendation that reunification be attempted between the children and Rosemary. At the conclusion of the testimony, all counsel, including the children’s guardian ad litem, recommended that the children be returned to Rosemary’s home with continued services and oversight by the DHHR. The matter was taken under advisement by the lower court, which set forth its findings of fact and conclusions of law in its Dispositional Hearing Order entered 14(...continued) (a) In any case in which a multidisciplinary treatment team develops an individualized service plan for a child pursuant to the provisions of section three [§ 49-5D-3] of this article, the court shall review the proposed service plan to determine if implementation of the plan is in the child’s best interests. If the multidisciplinary team cannot agree on a plan or if the court determines not to adopt the team’s recommendations, it shall, upon motion or sua sponte, schedule and hold within ten days of such determination, and prior to the entry of an order placing the child in the custody of the department or in an out-of-home setting, a hearing to consider evidence from the team as to its rationale for the proposed service plan. If, after a hearing held pursuant to the provisions of this section, the court does not adopt the team’s recommended service plan, it shall make specific written findings as to why the team’s recommended service plan was not adopted. 11 July 3, 2008. In its order, the lower court stated that in this case there is ample evidence already in the record to show that the treatment goals have not been met, that the Department [DHHR] chose to ignore significant facts, that both respondents testified falsely, and that the best interest of these children will not be served by returning them to this strange home. (Emphasis in original). The lower court’s order emphasized its conclusions that Rosemary and Hiram failed to follow through with services, that they filed incorrigibility petitions on children when they reach a certain age and then shun that child, that the house is in disarray with little or no food and a flea infestation problem, that Hiram and Rosemary have failed to appreciate the extent of the physical and emotional abuse suffered by the children as a result of their actions and inactions, that the children were exposed to illegal drug abuse by adults in the home, and that Hiram and Rosemary view themselves as victims and fail to understand the impact of their behavior on the children. Moreover, the children, during an interview with the court on June 12, 2008, indicated their fear and concern about treatment they would receive if they were returned to the home, as well as the treatment they would receive if they did not want to return home, including Rosemary and Hiram’s anticipated refusal to let them visit any of their siblings who might have returned to the home. The lower court’s order further identified as a major concern that Hiram has no means of support, and identifying that there is a question as to whether Hiram and Rosemary can afford to feed and 12 clothe the four children at issue.15 Significantly, in regards to the current placements of the children outside of the home, the lower court order found that “[a]ll of these children continued to improve until contact with Hiram and Rosemary was increased. Their behavior then deteriorated.” (Empahsis in original). The disposition in the lower court’s order was stated as follows: The Court has seriously considered whether to grant a dispositional period of improvement. However, the Court denies the request for the following reasons: 1. There is no reason to believe that [Rosemary and Hiram] will change as has been set forth previously. 2. Any trial placement back in the home that didn’t work out would disrupt and possibly make return to current placements for the children impossible. 3. The children have regressed when they are around Rosemary and Hiram. 4. Given what has happened in this case, this Court simply cannot trust the members of this MDT to recognize and report to the Court if something were to go wrong. The order directed “[t]hat any parental rights, including visitation of Rosemary . . . and Hiram . . . to Tiffany . . . Patricia . . . Joshua . . . Brandon . . . and Tessa . . . are hereby 15Rosemary reports her income from social security as $793.00 per month. Hiram reports that he has applied for social security disability for depression, nervousness, and a heart valve problem. He occasionally performs odd jobs, which can total $400.00 to $500.00 per month in income, but there is no record evidence demonstrating the continuity of this income. 13 TERMINATED.” The lower court further denied requests for post-termination visitation stating that “further visitation is not in the children’s best interests. It is clear from the reports . . . that the children regress when they have contact with Hiram and Rosemary. . . . The children need a clean break.” DHHR was ordered to provide for significant visitation among the children. It is from this order that Rosemary appeals to this Court. Subsequent to the lower court’s dispositional order, the DHHR has now filed a response with this Court wherein it alters the earlier recommendation made to the lower court. Because the children have improved so dramatically in their current placements, and because they seem to regress when they have any contact with Rosemary, DHHR is now advocating that the children remain in their current placements and that visitation with Rosemary occur only at the discretion of the individual children. Additionally, two new guardians ad litem subsequently were appointed because the original guardian ad litem took a public office and could no longer be involved in the case.16 The two new guardians performed their own independent assessment, including home visits and interviews. Their opinions are that the children’s best interests are to sever all contact with Rosemary and 16The original guardian ad litem in the case submitted a letter for this Court’s use in this appeal. In that letter, the guardian opined that reunification was the most reasonable recommendation at the time of the dispositional hearing. However, due to the passage of time and the children’s successful placements, he now recommends that the parental rights of Rosemary be terminated, but that visitation be allowed. 14 Hiram. The two guardians opine that there is ample concern for continuing emotional problems for the children and also conclude that the home is unsafe and uninhabitable for children. They do not recommend visitation. The guardians ask this Court to remand the case for the lower court to continue proceedings in accordance with its dispositional order so that permanency can be achieved for the children. II. STANDARD OF REVIEW This case is before this Court on appeal from the circuit court’s order denying Rosemary’s request for a post-dispositional improvement period and denying her request for post-termination visitation. This Court has previously explained that, in the realm of an abuse and neglect case, [a]lthough conclusions of law reached by a circuit court are subject to de novo review, when an action, such as an abuse and neglect case, is tried upon the facts without a jury, the circuit court shall make a determination based upon the evidence and shall make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether such child is abused or neglected. These findings shall not be set aside by a reviewing court unless clearly erroneous. A finding is clearly erroneous when, although there is evidence to support the finding, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. However, a reviewing court may not overturn a finding simply because it would have decided the case differently, and it must affirm a finding if the circuit court’s account of the evidence is plausible in light of the record viewed in its entirety. Syl. pt. 1, In the Interest of: Tiffany Marie S., 196 W. Va. 223, 470 S.E.2d 177 (1996). 15 Mindful of the applicable standards, we proceed to consider the parties’ arguments. III. DISCUSSION On appeal to this Court, Rosemary argues that the circuit court erred in denying her post-dispositional improvement period and in terminating her parental rights. Rosemary also alleges some procedural improprieties. Specifically, Rosemary asserts that the trial judge improperly obtained the testimony of the children and used these statements in violation of Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings.17 17The relevant portion of Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings provides as follows: (b) Procedure for taking testimony from children. – The presiding judicial officer may conduct in camera interviews of a minor child, outside the presence of the parent(s). The parties’ attorneys shall be allowed to attend such interviews, except when the presiding judicial officer determines that the presence of attorneys will be especially intimidating to the child witness. When attorneys are not allowed to be present for in camera interviews of a child, the presiding judicial officer shall, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, have the interview electronically or stenographically recorded and make the recording available to the attorneys before the evidentiary hearing resumes. Under exceptional circumstances, the presiding judicial officer may elect not to make the recording available to the attorneys but must place the basis for a finding of exceptional circumstances on the record. . . . This Court recognizes that the lower court met with the children individually on June 12, 2008, as stated in the trial court’s Dispositional Hearing Order. There is no indication that (continued...) 16 Further, she contends that the lower court improperly considered her modest income in deciding whether to terminate rights.18 She also contends that the dispositional order was improperly entered more then ten days from the hearing date in violation of Rule 36 of the 17(...continued) the guardian ad litem was present, that notice was presented to any parties, or that a record was made of the interviews. While we find the procedure utilized by the lower court was error, we are satisfied that such error was harmless. See Syl. pt. 3, in part, Original Glorious Church of God In Christ, Inc. of Apostolic Faith v. Myers, 179 W. Va. 255, 367 S.E.2d 30 (1988) (per curiam) (“‘[T]his Court will disregard and regard as harmless any error, defect or irregularity in the proceedings in the trial court which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties.’ Syl. pt. 2, Boggs v. Settle, 150 W. Va. 330, 145 S.E.2d 446 (1965).”). Notwithstanding any information learned by the circuit court during these interviews with the children, the record is replete with evidence properly relied on by the circuit court as a foundation for its underlying decisions. 18In this Court’s previous case of State ex rel. West Virginia Department of Human Services v. Cheryl M., 177 W. Va. 688, 695-96, 356 S.E.2d 181, 188-89 (1987), we recognized “the existence of a bias in favor of having the child with someone who is more economically secure[.]” In addressing this matter, we stated that [p]etitions for termination of parental rights are particularly vulnerable to the risk that judges or social workers will be tempted, consciously or unconsciously, to compare unfavorably the material advantages of the child’s natural parents with those of prospective adoptive parents and therefore to reach a result based on such comparisons rather than on the statutory criteria. Id. (internal citations omitted). We find that a fair reading of the lower court’s order reveals that Rosemary’s modest economic status was not the basis for any termination decisions. Rather, one of the concerns enumerated by the circuit court was the apparent lack of evidence that would illustrate that these two people could adequately feed and clothe these children. This fear was further bolstered by the reports in the record that the children, upon being placed in foster care outside of Rosemary’s home, were amazed to find food in the refrigerator. Moreover, the foster parents indicated that some of the children displayed hoarding tendencies with their food as if they were afraid that more food would not be available in the future. Thus, we find Rosemary’s argument wholly without merit. 17 Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings.19 Finally, because her son, Hiram, was also included in the improvement periods, Rosemary contends that he should have been appointed counsel.20 19The relevant portion of Rule 36 of the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings provides that “[t]he court shall enter a disposition order, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, within ten (10) days of the conclusion of the [dispositional] hearing.” In the present case, the dispositional hearing took place on June 19, 2008; and the order was entered July 3, 2008. In the absence of any time computation specified in the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings, this Court resorts to Rule 6 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure for time computation, which provides as follows: In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules, by the local rules of any court, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. . . . When the period of time prescribed or allowed is fewer than 11 days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation. Following the time computation rules, the order was properly entered on the tenth day following the dispositional hearing. 20We find this argument to be without merit. Rosemary is the only party who had received guardianship rights from the Maryland courts. See note 4, supra. See also Syl. pt. 1, Maples v. West Virginia Dep’t of Commerce, 197 W. Va. 318, 475 S.E.2d 410 (1996) (“A litigant may not silently acquiesce to an alleged error, or actively contribute to such error, and then raise that error as a reason for reversal on appeal.”). See also Hardy v. Hardy, 197 W. Va. 243, 250, 475 S.E.2d 335, 342 (1996) (per curiam) (“[t]he need for judicial economy within the family law master system precludes allowing everyone multiple opportunities for factual development, especially for the party who invited the error.” (internal citations omitted)). Thus, we deem this issue waived by Hiram and not properly raised by Rosemary. See Snyder v. Callaghan, 168 W. Va. 265, 279, 284 S.E.2d 241, 250 (1981) (“Traditionally, courts have been reluctant to allow persons to claim standing to vindicate the rights of a third party on the grounds that third parties are generally the most effective advocates of their own rights and that such litigation will result in an unnecessary (continued...) 18 Initially, the DHHR and the original guardian ad litem advocated for the return of the children to the care of Rosemary, and this was the position advanced during the underlying proceedings. However, because these children have been in the same placement since 2007 and are doing extremely well and only seem to regress with any contact with Rosemary, the DHHR is now advocating that the children remain in their current placements and that visitation with Rosemary occur only at the discretion of the individual children. The current guardians ad litem concur with the position of the DHHR expressed on appeal to this Court, with the exception that the guardians recommend that no visitation occur between the children and Rosemary. As previously explained by this Court, “[a]lthough parents have substantial rights that must be protected, the primary goal in cases involving abuse and neglect, as in all family law matters, must be the health and welfare of the children.” Syl. pt. 3, In re Katie S., 198 W. Va. 79, 479 S.E.2d 589 (1996). Further guidance is provided as follows: “‘Termination of parental rights, the most drastic remedy under the statutory provision covering the disposition of neglected children, W. Va. Code, 49-6-5 [1977] may be employed without the use of intervening less restrictive alternatives when it is found that there is no reasonable likelihood under W. Va. Code, 49-6-5(b) [1977] that conditions 20(...continued) adjudication of rights which the holder either does not wish to assert or will be able to enjoy regardless of the outcome of the case.” (internal citations omitted)). 19 of neglect or abuse can be substantially corrected.’ Syllabus Point 2, In re R.J.M., 164 W. Va. 496, 266 S.E.2d 114 (1980). Syllabus point 4, In re Jonathan P.,182 W. Va. 302, 387 S.E.2d 537 (1989).” Syllabus Point 1, In re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W. Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162 (1993). Syl. pt. 7, In re Katie S., 198 W. Va. 79, 479 S.E.2d 589. Further, “‘courts are not required to exhaust every speculative possibility of parental improvement before terminating parental rights where it appears that the welfare of the child will be seriously threatened . . . .’ Syl. Pt. 1, in part, In re R.J.M., 164 W. Va. 496, 266 S.E.2d 114 (1980).” Syl. pt. 7, in part, In the Interest of Carlita B., 185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991). Thus, this Court elevates the health and welfare of the children above any parental rights of Rosemary to these children. Significantly, in this case, the lower court found “by clear and convincing evidence that [Rosemary and Hiram] have failed to substantially comply with the treatment plan and the terms of the post-adjudicatory period of improvement.” Therefore, the trial court rejected the Children’s Case Plan. In this regard, this Court has held that, [a]t the conclusion of the improvement period, the court shall review the performance of the parents in attempting to attain the goals of the improvement period and shall, in the court’s discretion, determine whether the conditions of the improvement period have been satisfied and whether sufficient improvement has been made in the context of all the circumstances of the case to justify the return of the child. Syl. pt. 6, In the Interest of Carlita B., id. While all of the MDT personnel opined that Rosemary had made great strides in her improvement period, the lower court found that she had failed to comply with the period of improvement. The lower court acknowledged that 20 Rosemary had performed better toward the end of the treatment period; however, the court found that a view of the overall treatment period showed that little progress had actually been made. The lower court emphasized Rosemary and Hiram’s history of failing to follow through with services, the emotional abuse experienced by the children as a result of juvenile petitions filed by Rosemary against the children when they reach a certain age, and the family shunning that continued even in the midst of group therapy sessions. Further, while Rosemary appears to have attempted to eradicate the cockroach problem from her house, there was recent evidence of a problem with flea infestations, which resulted in multiple bites to one of the children during a visit. Significantly, as found by the lower court, Rosemary fails to appreciate the extent of the physical and emotional abuse suffered by the children as a result of the actions and inactions by both Rosemary and Hiram. The children have been in their current placements since 2007. By all accounts from the DHHR and the two current guardians ad litem, these children are doing better in their current placements than they ever have done, and they regress after any contact with Rosemary and/or Hiram. Thus, the circuit court’s determinations should be affirmed. IV. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, the July 3, 2008, Dispositional Hearing Order by the Circuit Court of Mineral County is hereby affirmed. The termination of Rosemary’s parental 21 rights to the children is affirmed, and the denial of post-dispositional visitation also is affirmed.21 Affirmed. 21Further, the lower court’s determination ordering “significant visitation among the children” is recognized and affirmed. See Syl. pt. 9, In the Interest of Carlita B., 185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991) (“‘In cases where there is a termination of parental rights, the circuit court should consider whether continued association with siblings in other placements is in the child’s best interests, and if such continued association is in such child’s best interests, the court should enter an appropriate order to preserve the rights of siblings to continued contact.’ Syl. Pt. 4, In re James M., 185 W. Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d 400 (1991).”). 22