Opinion ID: 1847492
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: parents' testimony regarding best interests

Text: Ben and Joanna also presented the testimony of a psychologist, Dr. Audrey Wiener. Wiener was hired by Ben and Joanna to evaluate them in connection with the Douglas County criminal charges. In testifying and offering her opinion, Wiener reviewed some documentation regarding the family. She reviewed a summary of the medical records for the entire family. Wiener also interviewed Ben and Joanna but did not evaluate the children. Wiener testified she believed that with adequate support, Ben and Joanna could both parent. Wiener recommended that the family be provided with intensive family preservation services. Wiener indicated in her testimony that her opinion was formed before receiving the opinions of DeMare and Bothern, but that those opinions did not affect her recommendation. In addition, Wiener indicated that she was suspect of Cruce's opinion because she believed it to be formed in hindsight. Wiener did acknowledge, though, that she did not speak with Cruce, see her testify, know the content of Cruce's testimony, or review the actual medical records. Wiener also indicated that her review of the underlying medical records was not sufficient for her to conclude what impact Snow's opinion that Sam's fundoplication was unnecessary might have on her own opinion. Wiener did acknowledge that credible medical evidence that the children were not given proper medical treatment might change her opinion. Wiener also indicated that she did not consider the safety plan Ben and Joanna signed, in which the couple agreed to follow all medical advice, and that Ben and Joanna's failure to follow through with the plan did not change her opinion. In addition to Wiener's less than complete review of applicable medical records, as noted, Wiener was retained in connection with the criminal case, not the termination case. As such, Wiener did not interview Ben and Joanna as to Hope and Sam, but only as to Xavier.