Court Opinion

ID: 9956493
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-04-02 14:09:23.066934+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:17:34.015007
License: Public Domain

RECORD IMPOUNDED

                                NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
                               APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
        This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court ." Although it is posted on the
     internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.

                                                        SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
                                                        APPELLATE DIVISION
                                                        DOCKET NO. A-2191-22

NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF
CHILD PROTECTION AND
PERMANANCY,

          Plaintiff-Respondent,
v.

B.C.,1

          Defendant-Appellant,

and

A.A.,

     Defendant.
_________________________

IN THE MATTER OF THE
GUARDIANSHIP OF A.A.
and J.A., minors.
__________________________

                   Submitted March 12, 2024 – Decided April 2, 2024

1
  We employ initials and pseudonyms to identify the parties, the children, and
others to protect the children's privacy and because the records relating to
Division proceedings held under Rule 5:12 are excluded from public access
under Rule 1:38-3(d)(12).
            Before Judges Smith and Perez Friscia.

            On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey,
            Chancery Division, Family Part, Cumberland County,
            Docket No. FG-06-0035-23.

            Jennifer Nicole Sellitti, Public Defender, attorney for
            appellant (John Andrew Albright, Assistant Deputy
            Public Defender, of counsel and on the briefs).

            Matthew J. Platkin, Attorney General, attorney for
            respondent (Janet Greenberg Cohen, Assistant Attorney
            General, of counsel; Julie Beth Colonna, Deputy
            Attorney General, on the brief).

            Jennifer Nicole Sellitti, Public Defender, Law
            Guardian, attorney for minors (Meredith Alexis
            Pollock, Deputy Public Defender, of counsel; Jennifer
            Marie Sullivan, Assistant Deputy Public Defender, of
            counsel and on the brief).

PER CURIAM

      Defendant B.C. (Bianca) appeals from the Family Part's March 6, 2023

judgment terminating her parental rights to her twin sons, A.A. (Adam) and J.A.

(John), and granting guardianship to the New Jersey Division of Child

Protection and Permanency (Division) with the permanency plan that the twins

be adopted by their resource parents. Bianca argues the trial court erroneously

issued her a time ultimatum rather than undertaking a best interests analysis.

She further argues the court erred in finding the Division had proven by clear

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                                      2
and convincing evidence the four prongs of the best interests test warranting

termination of her parental rights under N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a).         The law

guardian argues the Division has proven that each of the best interests prongs to

terminate Bianca's parental rights and that the court's judgment should be

affirmed.   Having reviewed the record, the parties' contentions, and the

applicable law, we affirm the judgment because the court correctly applied the

law, and substantial credible evidence supports its findings.

                                        I.

      We summarize the pertinent facts established during the guardianship

proceeding. Following a two-day trial, the court terminated Bianca's parental

rights due to her history of substance abuse.       Bianca is Adam and John's

biological mother. Bianca was married to the twins' biological father, A.A.

(Alex).2 Adam and John have a sister, A.A. (Ashley), two half-sisters, A.P. and

M.P., and other half-siblings. Bianca shares joint legal custody of Ashley with

her mother, D.W. (Diane), who has residential custody. Bianca, however, does

not have physical custody of any of her children.

2
  Although his name is not on the birth certificate, Alex's paternity has not been
disputed. The court also terminated Alex's parental rights. Alex is not a party
to this appeal.

                                                                            A-2191-22
                                        3
      Between 2009 and 2020, the Division received multiple referrals

involving Bianca related to substance abuse, domestic violence, and inadequate

supervision. On November 2, 2020, the Division received a referral from an

Inspira Hospital employee reporting that Bianca was homeless, had delivered

twin boys, and tested positive for opiates. She had admitted to recently using

four bags of heroin.

      While at the hospital, Bianca was accompanied by a man who claimed his

name was Joey. During the Division's investigation, Joey refused to provide his

last name, and would not cooperate with the caseworker. They denied Joey was

the twins' father, maintaining he was only a "best friend and support person."

After the Division interviewed Bianca at the hospital, she left against medical

advice. The twins remained in the neonatal intensive care unit for twenty-four

days and were observed for withdrawal symptoms. On November 25, 2020, the

hospital discharged the twins to the Division's care, and they were placed in a

resource home. Although Bianca provided the Division with possible family

members for placement, the Division placed the twins with a family friend

because, after investigation, no family placement provided was appropriate.

Diane had declined placement as she had joint legal custody of Ashley; Bianca's

maternal aunt was ruled out due to a history of substance abuse; Bianca's sister

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                                       4
had declined; and Alex's aunt was ruled out as Bianca provided her name too

late and her partner, who had a criminal record, would not complete a

background check.

        The Division offered Bianca immediate services, including a substance

abuse evaluation, random urine screens, a meeting with a domestic violence

liaison, and a referral for Keeping Families Together (KFT) housing assistance.

Parenting time initially occurred at Diane's house; however, due to ongoing

COVID-19 pandemic concerns, the Division moved visits to its local office.

Bianca acted appropriately with the twins but complained about the visitation

site.

        After missing several evaluations, Bianca attended a substance abuse

evaluation, which recommended intensive outpatient treatment. She began the

recommended treatment at a rehabilitation center in February 2021, but was

discharged before reentering and completing the substance abuse program in

October 2021.

        On May 17, 2021, the Division placed the twins in a new home with

resource parents, E.W. (Eric) and A.W., friends of Bianca's sister who were

willing to adopt. In June 2021, Bianca began having supervised parenting time

at Diane's home with the twins, which permitted her other children time with

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                                       5
their brothers. Thereafter, Bianca had unsupervised parenting time for two-hour

visits.

          In November 2021, KFT approved Bianca for housing assistance;

however, a housing unit was unavailable until April 2022.          The Division

additionally referred Bianca to parent support services for assistance in finding

employment despite her criminal record, though she did not utilize the services.

In December 2021, Bianca received increased parenting time with unsupervised

overnights at Diane's house after completing treatment and maintaining negative

drug tests. On December 20, 2021, the court entered a self-executing order

granting the Division "authority to allow for reunification."

          From January to May 2022, Bianca was employed and continued

unsupervised parenting time. However, in January, February, and March 2022,

Bianca tested positive for benzodiazepines, marijuana, and methadone. On May

26, 2022, Bianca tested positive for cocaine and in June admitted to using

cocaine for a few months to the caseworker. The Division reinstated supervised

visitation at the Division office, and KFT advised that Bianca was at risk of

losing her housing. Bianca failed to: maintain contact with the Division,

consistently attend visits with the twins, complete multiple drug screens, and

attend substance abuse evaluations. On August 25, 2022, Bianca re-entered

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                                        6
substance abuse treatment; however, she continually tested positive for cocaine

and fentanyl, resulting in her November 2022 discharge from the treatment

program.

      On October 23, 2022, the Division filed an order to show cause and a

complaint seeking termination of Bianca's parental rights. Upon attempting to

serve Bianca at her apartment, the caseworker observed a man with a neck tattoo

like Alex's "walking a dog." The caseworker inquired the man's name, and he

responded "Joey." A few days later, Alex contacted the caseworker to schedule

a meeting, which he failed to attend. After she left the meeting place, Alex

telephonically threatened the caseworker who thereafter filed a police

complaint. The next day, the Division placed a "red alert on the case" and

informed Multi Therapy Services (MTS)—who supervised parenting time—of

their safety concerns. MTS ceased supervision outside of the Division office,

specifically excluding visits at Bianca's residence.

      Bianca continued to decline referrals to substance abuse evaluations and

test positive for illicit substances, including heroin and fentanyl. She also failed

to attend multiple psychological and bonding evaluations scheduled by t he

Division. In January 2023, while facing eviction, Bianca re-entered a substance

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                                         7
abuse treatment program, but tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl

continually through the first day of trial on March 2, 2023.

      During the Division's guardianship trial, the law guardian, appearing for

the twins, supported termination of Bianca's parental rights. At trial, Bianca,

resource parent Eric, and the Division caseworker testified.

      Bianca admitted to being addicted to illegal substances since she was

eighteen years old, specifying heroin was her drug of choice. She acknowledged

receiving a recommendation for inpatient treatment but alleged "there wasn't a

bed available" until the Monday following the trial. Although Bianca claimed

compliance with the court-ordered Division services offered, she acknowledged

she failed to complete random drug screenings, some scheduled parenting times,

and the most recent substance abuse program. She further admitted she had

violated the probation she was on resulting from shoplifting and drug possession

convictions. Regarding housing, Bianca testified she "voluntarily withdrew"

from the KFT program but remained in the apartment with family financial

assistance.

      Eric testified he and his wife had a loving relationship with the twins, who

called the couple "dada" and "mama." They "tr[ied] to keep [a] consistent"

routine with the twins. The twins awakened each day between 5:00 and 6:30

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                                        8
a.m., ate breakfast, listened to music, and danced around. Eric did not believe

kinship legal guardianship (KLG) was in the twins' best interests "because . . .

they need[ed] a routine." He expressed KLG would "be confusing for the kids"

since it "end[ed] when [the twins turn eighteen] years old." He stated he was

committed to the twins "to [his] last breath." While acknowledging Bianca

would likely not retain guardianship of the children in a KLG arrangement, Eric

was concerned for the twins' stability. He stated, "say, somehow, she does get

. . . them back, how do we know they're going to be in a stable house? With us,

. . . we have stability, routine, structure, consistency."

      The caseworker observed the twins were "very happy" and "excited" with

the resource parents. She testified, "the children really connected to th[e] foster

father" and when everyone, including Bianca, was together, the twins "wanted

to go to [Eric]."

      The caseworker relayed the Division's main concern remained Bianca's

substance abuse. Of nine substance abuse evaluation referrals, the caseworker

confirmed Bianca only completed one. Bianca was "noncompli            ant"    with

her current substance abuse treatment program and was discharged from her

previous substance abuse treatment as "unsatisfactory." While the program had

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                                          9
recommended Bianca attend inpatient services, the caseworker testified Bianca

informed the Division "that she was going to go" to outpatient treatment.

      Bianca missed approximately fifteen court-ordered random urine

screenings. Further, she refused to attend the court-ordered domestic violence

services. Following a court-ordered urine screen during the trial, Bianca tested

positive for cocaine, methadone, and fentanyl.

      In an oral decision, the trial court granted the Division's request for

guardianship. The court found the Division had proven all four prongs of the

best interests standard under N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a), entered an order

terminating the parents' parental rights, and awarded guardianship of the twins

to the Division for permanent placement and adoption.

      On appeal, Bianca argues:

            POINT I

            THE FAMILY PART IMPROPERLY TERMINATED
            [BIANCA]'S RIGHTS TO HER SONS BY
            APPLICATION   OF   A   TIME   SENSITIVE
            ULTIMATUM ADMINISTERED AND FULFILLED
            BEFORE    TRIAL   RATHER    THAN    THE
            STATUTORY     BEST    INTERESTS    TEST
            WARRANTING REVERSAL.

            POINT II

            GIVEN   [BIANCA]'S COMPLETION OF
            TREATMENT AND SUSTAINED SOBRIETY

                                                                            A-2191-22
                                      10
LEADING TO UNSUPERVISED WEEKEND
VISITATION UNTIL JUNE 2022, HER UNFITNESS
FOR PURPOSES OF PRONGS ONE AND TWO WAS
NOT ESTABLISHED BY RELAPSE SHORTLY
BEFORE TRIAL, WHICH WAS AT MOST A
TEMPORARY PART OF THE RECOVERY
PROCESS

POINT III

THE    FAMILY     PART'S   PRONG    THREE
CONCLUSIONS ARE UNSUPPORTED BY THE
RECORD AND THE RESULT OF IMPROPER
BURDEN-SHIFTING, AS THE COURT IMPOSED
THE BURDEN ON [BIANCA] TO PROVE HER
CONDUCT MET WITH ITS DEMANDS WHILE
[THE DIVISION]'S EFFORTS DID NOT INCLUDE
THE REQUISITE LEVEL OF INPATIENT DRUG
TREATMENT,      AND     KLG   WAS     NOT
APPROPRIATELY      CONSIDERED    AS    AN
ALTERNATIVE      TO     TERMINATION    OF
PARENTAL RIGHTS.

     A. The Family Part's prong three holding that
     [Bianca]'s efforts "fell short," reveals it
     improperly imposed a burden of proof on her.

     B. Unreasonable efforts: [the Division] admitted
     that its "job in this case" was to provide [Bianca]
     with "whatever services she needs," established
     that inpatient level drug treatment was necessary,
     and then utterly failed to provide the necessary
     treatment for more than two years.

     C. KLG was not appropriately considered as an
     alternative to termination of parental rights when
     the foster caregiver rejected KLG due to his

                                                           A-2191-22
                         11
                  perception of his own "stability," as contrasted
                  with [Bianca]'s present instability and poverty.

            POINT IV

            THE   FAMILY    PART'S   FOURTH     PRONG
            CONCLUSIONS THAT "THE BEST PLACE FOR
            THESE CHILDREN IS WITH THE RESOURCE
            PARENTS AT THIS POINT" AND THE CHILDREN
            COULD POTENTIALLY BE HARMED BY
            [BIANCA]'S "ACCESS" TO THEM IN THE FUTURE
            ARE     LEGALLY       ERRONEOUS       AND
            TANTAMOUNT TO A PROHIBITED "BETTER
            INTERESTS" CONCLUSION.

                  A. The Family Part judge incorrectly relied on a
                  "bond" between the foster caregivers and the
                  children while utterly failing to consider
                  [Bianca]'s relationship to her sons, or the
                  catastrophic harm that will result from the
                  destruction of that relationship, at all.

                  B. KLG was improperly used as a basis to
                  terminate parental rights under the fourth prong.

                                      II.

      We review a trial court's decision to terminate parental rights with

deference when its factual findings are "grounded in substantial and credible

evidence in the record." N.J. Div. of Child. Prot. & Permanency v. D.C.A., 256

N.J. 4, 19 (2023). "Deference is especially appropriate 'when the evidence is

largely testimonial and involves questions of credibility.'" Cesare v. Cesare,

154 N.J. 394, 412 (1998) (quoting In re Return of Weapons to J.W.D., 149 N.J.

                                                                        A-2191-22
                                     12
108, 117 (1997)). "We accord deference to factfindings of the family court

because it has the superior ability to gauge the credibility of the witnesses who

testify before it and because it possesses special expertise in matters related to

the family." N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs. v. F.M., 211 N.J. 420, 448 (2012).

"[A] trial court's factual findings 'should not be disturbed unless they are so

wholly unsupportable as to result in a denial of justice.'" N.J. Div. of Youth &

Fam. Servs. v. P.P., 180 N.J. 494, 511 (2004) (quoting In re Guardianship of

J.N.H., 172 N.J. 440, 472 (2002)). We owe no deference to a judge's legal

conclusions which are reviewed de novo. N.J. Div. of Child Prot. & Permanency

v. A.B., 231 N.J. 354, 369 (2017).

      "Parents have a constitutionally protected right to maintain a relationship

with their children." N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs. v. M.M., 189 N.J. 261,

279 (2007). That right, however, "is not absolute" and is limited "by the State's

parens patriae responsibility to protect children whose vulnerable lives or

psychological well-being may have been harmed or may be seriously

endangered by a neglectful or abusive parent." F.M., 211 N.J. at 447. In

guardianship and adoption cases, such as here, it is well-established that

"[c]hildren have their own rights, including the right to a permanent, safe[,] and

stable placement." N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs. v. C.S., 367 N.J. Super.

                                                                            A-2191-22
                                       13
76, 111 (App. Div. 2004). We acknowledge "the need for permanency of

placements by placing limits on the time for a birth parent to correct conditions

in anticipation of reuniting with the child." Ibid. Thus, a parent's interest must,

at times, yield to the State's obligation to protect children from harm. See N.J.

Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs. v. G.M., 198 N.J. 382, 397 (2009).

      When terminating parental rights, the trial court applies the statutory best

interests test, which requires considering four prongs:

            (1) The child's safety, health, or development has been
            or will continue to be endangered by the parental
            relationship;

            (2) The parent is unwilling or unable to eliminate the
            harm facing the child or is unable or unwilling to
            provide a safe and stable home for the child and the
            delay of permanent placement will add to the harm;

            (3) The [D]ivision has made reasonable efforts to
            provide services to help the parent correct the
            circumstances which led to the child's placement
            outside the home and the court has considered
            alternatives to termination of parental rights; and

            (4) Termination of parental rights will not do more
            harm than good.

            [N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a).]

      The Division must prove each prong by "clear and convincing evidence."

N.J. Div. of Child Prot. & Permanency v. D.H., 469 N.J. Super. 107, 115 (App.

                                                                             A-2191-22
                                        14
Div. 2021). These prongs are not separate and overlap to inform a more general

inquiry that the termination of parental rights is in a child's best interests. N.J.

Div. of Child Prot. & Permanency v. R.L.M., 236 N.J. 123, 145 (2018). "The

question ultimately is not whether a biological mother or father is a worthy

parent, but whether a child's interest will best be served by completely

terminating the child's relationship with that parent." N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam.

Servs. v. T.S., 417 N.J. Super. 228, 249 (App. Div. 2010) (quoting N.J. Div. of

Youth & Fam. Servs. v. E.P., 196 N.J. 88, 107 (2008)). "[P]arental fitness is the

key to determining the best interests of the child." N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam.

Servs. v. I.S., 202 N.J. 145, 170 (2010) (quoting In re Guardianship of K.H.O.,

161 N.J. 337, 348 (1999)).

      In 2021, the Legislature amended Title 30, which governs guardianship

proceedings and contains the best interests standard, and Title 3B, which

concerns KLG proceedings. L. 2021, c. 154. The Legislature amended only

prong two of the best interests standard under N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a) by

deleting the sentence, "[s]uch harm may include evidence that separating the

child from his resource family parents would cause serious and enduring

emotional or psychological harm to the child." Compare L. 2021, c. 154, § 9

(current N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a)(2)), with L. 2015, c. 82, § 3 (prior version). The

                                                                              A-2191-22
                                        15
amendment did not preclude a court's consideration of a child's bond to a

resource parent under prong four.       The Supreme Court elucidated "[t]he

Legislature acted to preclude trial courts from considering harm resulting from

the termination of a child's relationship with resource parents when they assess

parental fitness under the second prong, but not to generally bar such evidence

from any aspect of the trial court's inquiry." D.C.A., 256 N.J. at 26 (citing L.

2021, c. 154). To foreclose a child's bond with their resource parents from

consideration "would deprive a court of crucial information as it determines a

child's future, and could imperil children whom New Jersey is charged to

protect." Id. at 27-28.

      As to Title 3B, the Legislature removed the requirement that courts find

"adoption of the child is neither feasible nor likely" before courts can appoint a

caregiver as a KLG. Compare L. 2021, c. 154, § 4 (current N.J.S.A. 3B:12A-

6(d)(3)), with L. 2006, c. 47, § 32 (prior version). As amended, the KLG Act

ensures that a resource parent's willingness to adopt no longer forecloses KLG.

See N.J.S.A. 3B:12A-6(d)(3). However, "awarding kinship legal guardianship"

must still be "in the child's best interests." N.J.S.A. 3B:12A-6(d)(4).

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                                       16
                                       A.

      The Division, under prong one of N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a), must prove by

clear and convincing evidence "the child's safety, health, or development has

been or will continue to be endangered by the parental relationship." "[T]he

Division must prove harm that 'threatens the child's health and will likely have

continuing deleterious effects on the child.'" N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs.

v. A.L., 213 N.J. 1, 25 (2013) (quoting K.H.O., 161 N.J. at 532). "Although a

particularly egregious single harm" can suffice, the "focus is on the effect of

harms arising from the parent-child relationship over time on the child's health

and development." K.H.O., 161 N.J. at 348.

      Bianca's contention that the court improperly terminated her parental

rights based on a prejudicial "time-sensitive ultimatum" of drug use abstinence

rather than a best interests analysis is unsupported. The record demonstrates the

court comprehensively recited the factual background before providing findings

under each of the four prongs. Describing the origination of the action, the court

described the undisputed harm caused to the twins "at birth because of [Bianca's]

drug use." The court further reasoned that the Division brought the guardianship

action because of Bianca's "ongoing drug use," "housing instability,"

"unwillingness to find employment," and "unwillingness to address those things

                                                                            A-2191-22
                                       17
that would allow her to parent her children." Describing Bianca's struggle "with

substance abuse, cocaine, heroin, [and] fentanyl" and inability to take the

necessary "steps to abate her drug use and addiction over the past two years ,"

the court referenced the "explicit" notice given to Bianca when it rejected the

Division's prior permanency and termination plan affording her further time to

become substance abuse free.

      The court explained it warned Bianca that her actions and "conduct over

the next [thirty] days" would determine the ultimate outcome. The court had

hoped "that [she] would have done" what was necessary to discontinue her

substance abuse and engage in the services offered before returning to court.

The argument that the court demonstrated bias in finding she was unable to "stay

clean" is unsupported by the record. We discern no error in the court's recitation

of factual findings, which included Bianca's history of relapse and instability.

      Further, while Bianca correctly posits that relapse is a potential step in

substance abuse recovery, that reality does not serve to indefinitely delay the

court's guardianship review of the twins' best interests. In addition to Bianca's

inability to be free of substance abuse, the court found her lack of "effort" to

find steady employment and housing detrimentally affected the twins' safety,

health, and development. "Courts need not wait to act until a child is actually

                                                                            A-2191-22
                                       18
irreparably impaired by parental inattention or neglect." In re Guardianship of

D.M.H., 161 N.J. 365, 383 (1999). Indeed, "A parent's withdrawal of . . .

solicitude, nurture, and care for an extended period of time is in itself a harm

that endangers the health and development of the child." Id. at 379. The court's

findings are supported by substantial credible evidence.

                                       B.

      Pursuant to prong two, the Division must demonstrate that the parent "is

unwilling or unable to eliminate the harm facing the child or is unable or

unwilling to provide a safe and stable home for the child and the delay of

permanent placement will add to the harm." N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a)(2). The

Division may seek termination when there are "indications of parental

dereliction and irresponsibility, such as the parent's continued or recurrent drug

abuse, [and] the inability to provide a stable and protective home." K.H.O., 161

N.J. at 353. Because the first two prongs are closely intertwined, "evidence that

supports one [prong] informs and may support the other as part of the

comprehensive basis for determining the best interests of the child." D.M.H.,

161 N.J. at 379.

      The record establishes that Bianca was: unwilling to eliminate the harm

her substance abuse caused to the twins; unable to provide a safe and stable

                                                                            A-2191-22
                                       19
home; and delaying permanent placement due to the long-term lack of stability.

The court correctly noted the twins were born dependent on substances in 2020

and required twenty-four days of hospitalization to ensure detoxification and

withdrawal from the narcotics. Bianca's failure to take the necessary "steps" to

cease "her drug use" and her failure to complete "referral after referral for drug

evaluation and treatment" demonstrated she was unwilling or unable to eliminate

the harm. Bianca had finished the treatment program in October 2021, after

being discharged as non-compliant in April 2021 and reentering the program,

but her continuous relapses required further treatment.          After limitedly

maintaining sobriety and having successful overnight unsupervised parenting

time, Bianca relapsed in January 2022 and tested positive for cocaine and

fentanyl consistently until trial.

      Bianca's argument that "treatment was never provided" and that with

treatment, "she would be fine in relatively short order" is belied by the record.

After Bianca had reentered treatment, she failed to complete the program and

was discharged in November 2022. The Division made a new referral on

November 23 for substance abuse treatment, but Bianca failed to attend the

necessary evaluation. For over two years, while the twins were in the resource

parents' care, Bianca failed to complete multiple programs.

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                                       20
      The court found Bianca credibly testified that she struggled with

substance abuse since she was eighteen but determined her testimony regarding

waiting for an inpatient treatment "bed" was incredible. We have recognized

the balance of children's rights, and determined "[p]arents do not have the right

to extend litigation indefinitely until they are able to safely care for their

children." N.J. Div. of Child Prot. & Permanency v. S.D., 453 N.J. Super. 511,

524 (App. Div. 2018). The court's finding under prong two that it was "clearly

convinced" Bianca "continued to abuse opiates and cocaine . . . [a]nd remained

in that situation," which prevented her from eliminating the harm to the twins,

was amply supported by substantial credible evidence.

                                       C.

      Prong three of the best interests test requires the Division to have "made

reasonable efforts to provide services to help the parent correct the

circumstances which led to the child's placement outside the home and the court

[must have] considered alternatives to termination of parental rights." N.J.S.A.

30:4C-15.1(a)(3). "Reasonable efforts" include, but are not limited to: (1)

"consultation and cooperation with the parent in developing a plan for

appropriate services"; (2) "providing services that have been agreed upon, to the

family, in order to further the goal of family reunification"; (3) "informing the

                                                                           A-2191-22
                                      21
parent at appropriate intervals of the child's progress, development, and health";

and (4) "facilitating appropriate visitation." N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(c). Courts do

not measure reasonableness by the "success" of the efforts. N.J. Div. of Youth

& Fam. Servs. v. J.S., 433 N.J. Super. 69, 90 (App. Div. 2013) (quoting D.M.H.,

161 N.J. at 393). What is reasonable "depend[s] on the facts and circumstances

of each case." N.J. Div. of Child Prot. & Permanency v. R.G., 217 N.J. 527, 557

(2014).

      We reject Bianca's argument the Division failed "to provide the necessary

level of treatment" and identify an "inpatient drug treatment" program until the

eve of trial. The record demonstrates the Division referred Bianca to multiple

scheduled evaluations to ascertain appropriate alternative treatment, including

nine referrals for substance abuse evaluations. Bianca failed to attend eight of

those nine evaluations. The record supports the court's finding under prong three

that the Division made "reasonable efforts to provide the services and reunify

Bianca with her children." As the court correctly reasoned, the Division's

reasonable efforts were demonstrated by the scheduled "evaluations for drug

use" and coordinated "visits" she attended.

      Bianca's contention that the court improperly shifted the burden upon her

to prove her "efforts" is also without merit, as the court's reference to her efforts

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was regarding her failure to utilize the Division services offered and to avail of

the appointments scheduled for her and the twins' benefit. The Division made

services available to help "correct the circumstances" but could not force Bianca

to attend. See N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a)(3). We discern no error in the court's

finding.

      Finally, the court's prong three findings regarding alternatives to

termination noted the resource parents have had the twins for almost two years

and sought adoption. The court stated it was convinced, "if the children were

placed . . . in a KLG situation, . . . where [Bianca] would have more access to

the children, those children would be put into a life of turmoil because of [her]

ongoing . . . drug use, instability, [and] lack of ability to support herself." We

note the court provided its findings regarding KLG as an alternative to

termination after addressing the prong four findings. The sequence of the court's

findings does not negate that it correctly made KLG determinations, which were

amply supported by the record. Therefore, Bianca's argument that alternatives

to termination were not considered is misplaced.

      The Division clearly investigated KLG alternative options, but the record

demonstrates no family members qualified. It is undisputed Bianca's three other

children were in the care and custody of different grandparents who were not

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willing to care for the twins, and other family members were not willing or

available. Thus, the court correctly concluded no KLG opportunities existed.

                                        D.

      Under prong four, termination of parental rights must "not do more harm

than good." N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.1(a)(4). The issue is "whether a child's interest

will best be served by completely terminating the child's relationship with that

parent." E.P., 196 N.J. at 108. Consideration of a child's bond with resource

parents is permitted to ensure "the State's parens patriae obligation to protect the

welfare of children." D.C.A., 256 N.J. at 27.

      The court determined "termination of parental rights will not do more

harm" under prong four, finding Eric's testimony that the twins were "thriving"

and "in a stable home" credible. Further, the court found the "best place for

these children [wa]s with the resource parents" who had "bonded with the

children." Again, the court had found credible Bianca's acknowledgement that

her drug dependency had an "injurious effect" and had determined "she ha[d]

been unwilling and unable to fix" her substance abuse dependency. Further, it

was established that the resource parents wanted adoption and were not in

agreement with KLG.

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      Bianca's argument that an expert was required for the court to conclude

the twins had bonded with the resource parents is also misplaced. Generally,

the Division's proofs should include testimony by an expert who has had an

opportunity to make a "comprehensive, objective, and informed evaluation of

the child's relationship with the foster parent," id. at 22 (quoting In re

Guardianship of J.C., 129 N.J. 1, 19 (1992)), and the court must also consider

"parallel proof relating to the child's relationship with his or her natural parents

in assessing the existence, nature, and extent of the harm facing the child," N.J.

Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs. v. A.R., 405 N.J. Super. 418, 440 (App. Div. 2009)

(quoting J.C., 129 N.J. at 19).       However, where the termination is "not

predicated upon bonding, but rather reflect[s] [the child's] need for permanency

and [the biological parent's] inability to care for [the child] in the foreseeable

future," a lack of a bonding evaluation is not fatal to the Division's case. See

N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. B.G.S., 291 N.J. Super. 582, 593-94 (App.

Div. 1996).

      We observe that while Bianca argues the necessity for expert testimony,

she failed to appear for multiple scheduled psychological and bonding

evaluations, thus thwarting the Division's ability to obtain an expert report with

her participation. After her failure to participate, Bianca cannot now credibly

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argue the Division failed to obtain a bonding expert. The court's finding that

credible evidence existed to conclude the twins had bonded with the resource

parents after being in their care for almost two years and that it was in their best

interests to be adopted into a stable home, noting no alternative option, is well

supported by the record.

      Finally, to the extent we have not otherwise addressed any of Bianca's

remaining arguments, we determine they lack sufficient merit to warrant

discussion in a written opinion. R. 2:11-3(e)(1)(E).

      Affirmed.

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