Opinion ID: 2042112
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: R.F. contends that there was inadequate evidence to permit a change in the court's original CINA order. Our review is de novo. In re B.B., 440 N.W.2d 594, 596 (Iowa 1989). We give weight to the juvenile court's fact findings, especially when considering the credibility of witnesses, but we are not bound by them. Iowa R.App.P. 14(f)(7). When resolving this issue, our concern is the best interests of the child, Iowa R.App.P. 14(f)(15), and a rebuttable presumption exists that his best interests are served by parental custody. In re B.B., 440 N.W.2d at 596. A modification of custody or placement requires a material and substantial change in circumstances. In re J.F., 386 N.W.2d 149, 152 (Iowa App. 1986). We conclude, as did the juvenile court, that the facts justify a modification of the CINA order. R.F. was gone almost all of the time, and when he was with Robbie they had no home of their own. They lived with friends. These friends had children of their own, and frequent conflicts arose between Robbie and these children. Physical altercations and severe corporal punishment of Robbie followed. These custodians failed to cooperate with DHS in providing Robbie appropriate services, and they failed to cooperate in the abuse investigation. We agree with the juvenile court that a material change of circumstances existed which warranted the modification. It must be borne in mind that this is not a case in which the child's relationship with the father is being terminated. Under the court's order, if R.F. is able to show that a reasonably safe environment is available to Robbie, he may petition for modification to return Robbie's custody to him. In the meantime, the restrictions placed on R.F.'s contact with the child in the modification order appear to be appropriate, and we agree that they should be implemented. We find no error in the juvenile court's order and therefore affirm. AFFIRMED.