Opinion ID: 1342969
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Christina

Text: We first address Bonita L.'s assertion that only a scintilla of evidence supports the circuit court's finding that she was aware James R. was sexually abusing Christina. This assignment of error is without merit. Karol Payne testified that Christina told her Bonita L. was aware of the abuse because she was there and participated in at least some of the acts by holding Christina's arms. Furthermore, Christina testified that her mother told her not to squirm and to be quiet when James R. sexually abused her. There was also evidence that Bonita L. took Polaroid pictures of the incidents or was at least aware of the existence of the pictures. Using the standard reiterated in Syllabus Point 1 of In re Jonathan Michael D., 194 W.Va. 20, 459 S.E.2d 131, Bonita L.'s actions constitute child abuse: `W.Va.Code, 49-1-3(a) (1984), in part, defines an abused child to include one whose parent knowingly allows another person to commit the abuse. Under this standard, termination of parental rights is usually upheld only where the parent takes no action in the face of knowledge of the abuse or actually aids or protects the abusing parent. Syl. pt. 3, In re Betty J.W., 179 W.Va. 605, 371 S.E.2d 326 (1988).' Syllabus Point 2, In re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W.Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162 (1993). Furthermore, the circuit court found Bonita L. was aware the abuse was occurring and did nothing to prevent it. This Court accords deference to the findings of the circuit court and will not set aside its findings unless clearly erroneous[.] W.Va.R.Civ.P. 52(a). [A] reviewing court may not overturn a finding simply because it would have decided the case differently, and it must affirm `[i]f the [circuit] court's account of the evidence is plausible in light of the record viewed in its entirety[.]'  In re Jonathan Michael D., 194 W.Va. at 25, 459 S.E.2d at 136, quoting Anderson v. City of Bessemer City, N.C., 470 U.S. 564, 573, 105 S.Ct. 1504, 1511, 84 L.Ed.2d 518, 528 (1985). The circuit court's decision to terminate Bonita L.'s parental rights to Christina is substantially supported by the record. Accordingly, we affirm that portion of the circuit court's order.