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

Heading: Kenneth

Text: Although Bonita L. does not appeal the circuit court's decision regarding Christina, the circuit court's finding of Kenneth's abuse stems from her actions in abusing Christina. No evidence was presented that Kenneth was sexually abused by James R. However, the Department alleged he was an abused child under W.Va.Code, 49-1-3(a) (1994), which states, in part: `Abused child' means a child whose health or welfare is harmed or threatened by: (1) A parent, guardian or custodian who knowingly or intentionally inflicts, attempts to inflict or knowingly allows another person to inflict, physical injury or mental or emotional injury, upon the child or another child in the home; or (2) Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation[.] (Emphasis added). We find that the language of the statute is clear on its face. [5] The West Virginia Legislature plainly articulated its intention that an `abused child' means a child whose health or welfare is harmed or threatened by the abuse inflicted upon another child in the home. Under the statute, there need not be a showing by the Department that each child in the home is directly abused, either sexually or physically, before termination of parental rights is sought. Accordingly, we hold that where there is clear and convincing evidence that a child has suffered physical and/or sexual abuse while in the custody of his or her parent(s), guardian, or custodian, another child residing in the home when the abuse took place who is not a direct victim of the physical and/or sexual abuse but is at risk of being abused is an abused child under W.Va.Code, 49-1-3(a) (1994). We decline, however, to adopt a blanket rule that parental rights must be terminated to all the children residing in the home based merely on the finding that one child is abused. We do not believe this result was intended under the statute. Under W.Va. Code, 49-1-3(a), the Department must present clear and convincing evidence that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened. Syllabus Point 1 of In re Beth, 192 W.Va. 656, 453 S.E.2d 639 (1994), states: `W.Va.Code, 49-6-2(c) [1980], requires the State Department of Welfare [now the Department of Human Services], in a child abuse or neglect case, to prove `conditions existing at the time of the filing of the petition ... by clear and convincing proof.' The statute, however, does not specify any particular manner or mode of testimony or evidence by which the State Department of Welfare is obligated to meet this burden. Syllabus Point 1, In Interest of S.C., 168 W.Va. 366, 284 S.E.2d 867 (1981).' Syllabus Point 1, West Virginia Department of Human Services v. Peggy F., 184 W.Va. 60, 399 S.E.2d 460 (1990). Our review of the record reveals that very little reference is made by Ms. Beck and Ms. George to any potential risk that Kenneth may be harmed or threatened by James R. or Bonita L. Ms. Beck made a vague reference to some unidentified studies that she relied upon indicating that if one child in the home is sexually abused then other children in the home suffer a higher risk of being sexually abused. Ms. George was concerned that Bonita L.'s denial of the abuse charges relating to Christina would somehow affect her ability to protect Kenneth. Apart from this testimony, the Department failed to put on additional evidence directly dealing with Kenneth's well being. [6] Moreover, the circuit court did not make a specific and independent finding of fact or conclusion of law that Kenneth either was abused or would be at risk of being abused if returned to his mother's custody. More specific findings are required in cases of this nature. Under W.Va.Code, 49-6-2(c) (1992), the circuit court is required to make findings of fact and conclusions of law as to whether such child is abused or neglected, which shall be incorporated into the order of the court. See State v. T.C., 172 W.Va. 47, 303 S.E.2d 685 (1983). The evidence of Christina's abuse is certainly relevant and probative to the issue of Bonita L.'s capacity to protect Kenneth from any abuse should James R. begin abusing Kenneth, as the circuit court apparently feared would happen. Of particular concern to this Court is the possibility that should Kenneth be returned to the home, he may now be all the more reluctant to notify anyone should he be abused. He has experienced the ordeals of this case in which Bonita L. chose not to defend her daughter, but instead chose to defend her boyfriend even in the face of the evidence of sexual abuse. Kenneth may conclude that Bonita L. would likewise not support him should she be confronted with this issue again. In making its ultimate determination as to the disposition of Kenneth, the circuit court should take into consideration these concerns. Because this issue was not specifically resolved below, we remand this case and direct the Department to conduct a further investigation as to any harm Kenneth may have suffered while residing with Bonita L. and James R. and the risk of being abused or further harmed if he is returned to their home. After hearing this evidence, the circuit court should make specific findings of fact and conclusions of law directly addressing the charges against Bonita L. as they relate to Kenneth. See Kincaid v. Morgan, 188 W.Va. 452, 425 S.E.2d 128 (1992) (this Court will remand case for further development if record has not been adequately developed).