Opinion ID: 1145383
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Findings of Neglect

Text: Finally, the father asserts that the juvenile court's order failed to make a necessary finding that abuse or neglect had occurred. We hold that the juvenile court's order is sufficient. In Wyoming, a court is not required to state its findings, except in general terms, unless one of the parties requests special findings before the presentation of evidence. W.R.C.P. 52. See Hopper v. All Pet Animal Clinic, Inc., ___ P.2d ___ (Wyo.1993) (Nos. 92-254 & 92-255, decided 10/1/93). No request for specific findings is of record in this proceeding. Without a request for findings under W.R.C.P. 52, this court considers that the general finding by the juvenile court carries with it every finding of fact which is supported by the record. In Interest of N.M., 794 P.2d at 565; Deroche v. R.L. Manning Co., 737 P.2d 332, 335 (Wyo.1987); Brug v. Case, 600 P.2d 710, 715 (Wyo. 1979). See Matter of Welfare of C. Children, 348 N.W.2d 94, 97 (Minn.App.1984) (holding that in neglect proceedings, although findings were not specific, they were sufficient for review when supplemented by the record). The failure to make a specific finding of parental neglect was considered when this court decided State In Interest of C, 638 P.2d at 172. The parent contesting the finding of neglect in that case said the language of the predecessor to Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-226(c) required a specific finding of neglect. In determining that the statutory command had been fulfilled, this court referred to comments made from the bench and language from the juvenile court's order which was tantamount to a finding of neglect. State In Interest of C, 638 P.2d at 172. We are satisfied that the juvenile court's order and determinations made from the bench during the adjudicatory hearing reflect a sufficient finding of neglect as defined by Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-201(a)(xvi). The order states a general finding: FURTHER, THE COURT SPECIFICALLY FINDS the allegations of the petition after hearing and takes jurisdiction over this mat[t]er[.] In comments from the bench during the ruling against the father's motion to dismiss, the juvenile court determined that physical abuse and neglect had occurred when the father slapped MFB in the presence of the paternal grandparents. At the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing and disposition proceeding, the juvenile court found that MFB suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which had been untreated until State intervention occurred. Furthermore, the juvenile court found that the father suffered from clinical disorders which required successful counseling prior to any attempt at reunification of the family. These findings meet the requisite standard of State In Interest of C, 638 P.2d at 172 to adjudge MFB to be neglected by a preponderance of the evidence. Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-225(a). Once it is determined that a child is neglected, the juvenile court makes a disposition as provided in Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-229. We are satisfied that clear and convincing evidence, including MFB's cognizable fear of harm from the father, supports the finding that a return of MFB to the father's custody would not be in the best interests of the child. Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-229(a). Among the permissible alternatives for placement of a neglected child is a transfer of temporary legal custody to a state agency. Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-229(b)(v). The order in this proceeding transferred custody without a clear declaration that it is temporary. Using our power to modify a judgment, In Interest of MKM, 792 P.2d at 1376, we remand to the juvenile court to issue an order conforming with Wyo.Stat. § 14-6-229(b)(v), stating that the Department of Family Services is granted temporary legal custody of MFB.