Opinion ID: 883751
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: issue iii payment of counseling

Text: Daniel argues that there was no substantial credible evidence that he should have only supervised visitation until he received appropriate counseling and an assessment of his parenting skills. According to Daniel, the court did not consider the costs associated with counseling and supervised visitation. Section 40-4-212, MCA, states that [t]he court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interest of the child. The court shall consider all relevant factors, including ... the mental and physical health of all individuals involved [and] physical abuse or threat of physical abuse... . The Special Master made the following findings regarding Daniel's physical and mental health as well as his issues of physical abuse: First, Daniel was involved in a wrestling accident when he was 15 years old. The accident resulted in brain trauma, leaving his left arm permanently paralyzed and his left side impaired. His physical condition is expected to deteriorate as he gets older. Second, he also has a learning disability which causes problems in processing and communicating orally and in writing. Third, Daniel has cared for Danny without assistance for only a few brief time periods. Fourth, Karen Emerson, the social worker who conducted the custody assessment, concluded that Daniel should be granted reasonable supervised visitation. Fifth, Emerson recommended that visitation be supervised until he completed a Child Abuse Potential Inventory, an Adult Parent Inventory, counseling, education and training in child development and parenting skills, and counseling with a primary therapist trained in treating clients with head injuries. Emerson was particularly concerned with Daniel's violent outbursts and periods of depression. These findings are supported by the Special Master Report which Karen Emerson provided to the Special Master. When Daniel was interviewed during the custody assessment process, he stated that he had hit Michelle and destroyed property in anger on several occasions. He also reported that law enforcement authorities had been called to the home at least six times due to his violent behavior, and he admitted he has problems managing his anger. He also spoke about being hospitalized two times for suicidal ideation. Given that § 40-4-212, MCA, requires consideration of the mental and physical health of the individuals involved, and because of the reported incidents of abuse and possibility of future physical abuse here, the District Court appropriately granted supervised visitation. Daniel admitted to having problems with anger and aggression, including incidents of hitting Michelle and destroying property. There were also reports of six incidents where the police were called to the home because of violent behavior on Daniel's part. Clearly, there is cause for concern for Danny's safety. Moreover, although this Court may be sympathetic to Daniel's concern regarding the cost of the counseling, under § 40-4-212, MCA, the best interest of the child is the paramount consideration in granting visitation. This case can be distinguished from In re Marriage of Gebhardt (1989), 240 Mont. 165, 783 P.2d 400, cited by Daniel. In Gebhardt, the wife reported eight instances of abuse by the husband/father. However, there was conflicting testimony as to who instigated some of those confrontations between the husband and the wife and between the husband and one of the children. Both parents agreed that corporal punishment was appropriate for children. The Court also found that the wife's affidavit regarding visitation was self-serving and contained no evidence to reflect a potential for serious endangerment. Gebhardt, 783 P.2d at 405. In the instant case, there was evidence presented by both parties to the effect that Daniel has had problems with anger and physical aggression including several incidents where the police were called. These problems, where they are found to exist, must properly be considered by the court in its assessment of custody and visitation under § 40-4-212, MCA. Daniel also argued that Emerson lacked the expertise to make recommendations concerning Daniel's medical condition. However, during the custody evaluation, the social worker interviewed Daniel, Michelle, references, therapists, police reports, an employment counselor as well as interviewing a rehabilitation social worker, trained to work with individuals with head injuries to facilitate her report to the Special Master. She also reviewed appropriate literature to help her understand head-injured persons and their problems and concerns. Emerson has a master's degree in social work, and she located additional resources to ensure a valid and comprehensive custody evaluation, taking into consideration the special concerns and problems of head-injured persons. This argument is accordingly, without merit. In the instant case, Daniel has been given the opportunity for unsupervised visitation upon the approval of his therapist and upon proper training and education in child development and parenting skills. Albeit a financial strain, with Daniel's history and background, this is an appropriate visitation plan. Substantial evidence supports the District Court's conclusion on this issue. We hold that the District Court properly determined and correctly concluded that Daniel should undergo counseling as a condition of exercising visitation.