Court Opinion

ID: 9412800
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-01 17:09:16.457611+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:41:30.411635
License: Public Domain

J-S21018-23

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT OP 65.37

  IN THE INT. OF: L.S.D.R.-C., A               :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
  MINOR                                        :        PENNSYLVANIA
                                               :
                                               :
  APPEAL OF: R.S.R., FATHER                    :
                                               :
                                               :
                                               :
                                               :   No. 357 MDA 2023

             Appeal from the Decree Entered January 26, 2023
     In the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County Orphans’ Court at
                              No(s): A-9378

BEFORE:      BOWES, J., NICHOLS, J., and PELLEGRINI, J.*

MEMORANDUM BY NICHOLS, J.:                             FILED: AUGUST 1, 2023

       R.S.R. (Father) appeals from the order granting the petition filed by the

Luzerne County Children and Youth Services (CYS) to involuntarily terminate

Father’s parental rights to L.S.D.R.-C. (Child). We affirm.

       We adopt the orphans’ court’s summary of the facts in this case. See

Orphans’ Ct. Op., 3/28/23, at 1-11, 14-16. Briefly, Child was born in August

of 2021. At the hospital on August 13, 2021, Father dropped Child during an

argument with N.M.C. (Mother). That same day, a shelter care hearing was

held and the Child was placed with CYS. Following a dependency hearing,

Child was adjudicated dependent on August 25, 2021.            At that time, the

dependency court ordered Father to participate in parenting education and to

____________________________________________

* Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court.
J-S21018-23

obtain and maintain safe and stable housing. Father subsequently relocated

to New Jersey and did not participate in any parenting classes.

       Father returned to Luzerne County around May of 2022. After a May

10, 2022 permanency review hearing, the dependency court ordered Father

to participate in mental health services and drug and alcohol services. Father

made appointments with organizations in Luzerne County that provide mental

health and drug and alcohol services, but Father did not begin any treatment.

Father again relocated to New Jersey and did not obtain any court-ordered

treatment in New Jersey. Father had approximately five supervised visits with

Child, and he has not seen Child since June 6, 2022. Child has been placed

with the same foster parents for almost her entire life and the foster parents

intend to adopt Child.

       CYS filed a petition to terminate Father’s parental rights on September

6, 2022. The orphans’ court held a termination hearing on January 23, 2023.

Father appeared at the hearing with counsel.1      Child was represented by

Joseph Mashinski, Esq. who served both as Child’s guardian ad litem (GAL)

and as Child’s legal counsel.2 On January 26, 2023, the orphans’ court issued
____________________________________________

1The orphans’ court also terminated Mother’s parental rights in a separate
decree also entered on January 26, 2023. Mother did not file a separate
appeal and is not a party to the instant appeal.

2 At the termination hearing, Attorney Mashinski stated that he had
determined that there was no conflict between Child’s best and legal interests,
and the orphans’ court accepted Attorney Mashinski’s representation that
there was no conflict. N.T. Hr’g, 1/23/23, at 3-4; see also In re Adoption
(Footnote Continued Next Page)

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a decree concluding that CYS had presented clear and convincing evidence to

support the termination of Father’s parental rights under Sections 2511(a)(2),

(5), (8), and (b) of the Adoption Act, 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2101-2938.         Decree,

1/26/23.

       Father subsequently filed a timely notice of appeal. Both Father and the

orphans’ court complied with Pa.R.A.P. 1925.

       On appeal, Father raises the following issue:

       Whether the [orphans’] court abused its discretion, committed an
       error of law and/or there was insufficient, evidentiary support for
       its finding that [Father’s] parental rights should be terminated
       pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. Section 2511(a)(2), (5) and (8)?

Father’s Brief at 4 (unpaginated) (formatting altered).3

       Father challenges the orphans’ court’s decree involuntarily terminating

his parental rights. Id. at 9 (unpaginated). Father argues that the orphans’

court erred in concluding that the conditions that led to the removal or

placement of Child continued to exist because CYS did not present evidence

____________________________________________

of K.M.G., 240 A.3d 1218, 1236 (Pa. 2020) (stating that where a GAL was
appointed to represent both a child’s legal and best interests, appellate courts
may review sua sponte “whether the orphans’ court determined that the
child’s best interests and legal interests did not conflict”).

3 We note that in his Rule 1925(b) statement, Father also claimed that the

evidence was insufficient for the orphans’ court to conclude that termination
of his parental rights was in Child’s best interests under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(b).
See Rule 1925(b) Statement, 2/27/23. Father has not argued this claim in
his appellate brief. Therefore, Father has abandoned this issue for purposes
of appeal. See Interest of D.N.G., 230 A.3d 361, 363 n.2 (Pa. Super. 2020)
(stating that “[a]n issue identified on appeal but not developed in the
appellant’s brief is abandoned and, therefore, waived” (citation omitted)).

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establishing that “any specific concerns which would support continued

placement or necessity of services.” Id. Father contends that “the record

does not contain sufficient evidence to determine what the concerns and/or

reasons for placement were other than an isolated argument that occurred at

the hospital . . . .” Id. Father asserts that multiple witnesses testified to

“receiving referrals [for Father to be evaluated for services] but not one

testified to what the concerns were that necessitated the referrals[,]” and that

Jaime Stuart, the CYS caseworker, testified to “[Father’s] failure to complete

services but not to any current concerns that would necessitate continued

placement [of Child].” Id.

      Initially, before addressing the merits of this issue, we must determine

whether Father has adequately developed his claim for review. This Court

may raise this issue of waiver sua sponte. See Tucker v. R.M. Tours, 939

A.2d 343, 346 (Pa. Super. 2007). “The issue of waiver presents a question of

law, and, as such, our standard of review is de novo and our scope of review

is plenary.” Trigg v. Children’s Hosp. of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 229 A.3d

260, 269 (Pa. 2020) (citation omitted).

      “It is well-settled that this Court will not review a claim unless it is

developed in the argument section of an appellant’s brief, and supported by

citations to relevant authority.” In re M.Z.T.M.W., 163 A.3d 462, 465 (Pa.

Super. 2017) (citations omitted); see also Pa.R.A.P. 2119(a) (providing that

the argument section of an appellate brief shall contain discussion of issues

raised therein and citation to pertinent legal authorities). “Where an appellate

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brief fails to provide any discussion of a claim with citation to relevant

authority or fails to develop the issue in any other meaningful fashion capable

of review, that claim is waived.” M.Z.T.M.W., 163 A.3d at 465-66 (citation

omitted and formatting altered).

      Here, Father baldly asserts that CYS did not present any evidence

establishing why Father was referred to services for mental health, drug and

alcohol, or parenting education.   Additionally, Father cites generally to 23

Pa.C.S. § 2511(a) and case law discussing the standard for termination of

parental rights. See Father’s Brief at 5-6 (unpaginated). However, Father

does not discuss the requirements for termination of parental rights under

subsections 2511(a)(2), (5), and (8); Father also has not cited any case law

interpreting those subsections.    Because Father has failed to provide any

support or relevant authority supporting his sole claim of error, we conclude

that he has waived that claim. See M.Z.T.M.W., 163 A.3d at 465-66.

      Further, to the extent that Father challenges the adjudication of

dependency and the orders directing Father to obtain services for parenting

education, mental health, and drug and alcohol to remedy the conditions that

led to Child’s placement, we note that Father did not raise those claims before

the orphans’ court. Therefore, those claims are waived. See Pa.R.A.P. 302(a)

(stating that “[i]ssues not raised in the trial court are waived and cannot be

raised for the first time on appeal”); see also Interest of N.N., 1631 EDA

2022, 2023 WL 2379250, at *2 (Pa. Super. filed Mar. 7, 2023) (unpublished

mem.) (concluding that the father waived his claims that his plan objectives

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were irrelevant to his ability to parent the child where he did not raise that

argument before the orphans’ court).4 Additionally because Father has only

appealed from the decree terminating his parental rights, he cannot challenge

any of the prior dependency orders. See Interest of H.B., Nos. 1726 MDA

2019, 1727 MDA 2019, 1728 MDA 2019, 1729 MDA 2019, 2020 WL 2554613,

at *9 (Pa. Super. filed May 20, 2020) (unpublished mem.) (concluding that in

an appeal from a decree terminating the father’s parental rights, the father

waived any arguments related to the adjudication of dependency because the

father did not appeal adjudication of dependency).

       However, even if we did not find waiver, Father would not be entitled to

relief on the merits.

       The standard of review in termination of parental rights cases
       requires appellate courts to accept the findings of fact and
       credibility determinations of the trial court if they are supported
       by the record. If the factual findings are supported, appellate
       courts review to determine if the trial court made an error of law
       or abused its discretion. A decision may be reversed for an abuse
       of   discretion    only   upon     demonstration      of    manifest
       unreasonableness, partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill-will. The trial
       court’s decision, however, should not be reversed merely because
       the record would support a different result. We have previously
       emphasized our deference to trial courts that often have first-hand
       observations of the parties spanning multiple hearings.

In re T.S.M., 71 A.3d 251, 267 (Pa. 2013) (citations omitted and formatting

altered). “[T]he trial court is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence

presented, and is likewise free to make all credibility determinations and
____________________________________________

4 See Pa.R.A.P. 126(b) (providing that this Court may cite to non-precedential

decisions of this Court filed after May 1, 2019, for their persuasive value).

                                           -6-
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resolve conflicts in the evidence.”    In re Q.R.D., 214 A.3d 233, 239 (Pa.

Super. 2019) (citation omitted).

      The burden is on the petitioner, instantly, CYS, “to prove by clear and

convincing evidence that [the] asserted grounds for seeking the termination

of parental rights are valid.” In re R.N.J., 985 A.2d 273, 276 (Pa. Super.

2009). This Court has explained that “[t]he standard of clear and convincing

evidence is defined as testimony that is so clear, direct, weighty and

convincing as to enable the trier of fact to come to a clear conviction, without

hesitance, of the truth of the precise facts in issue.”        Id. (citation and

quotation marks omitted).

      Termination of parental rights is governed by Section 2511, which

requires a bifurcated analysis.

      Initially, the focus is on the conduct of the parent. The party
      seeking termination must prove by clear and convincing evidence
      that the parent’s conduct satisfies the statutory grounds for
      termination delineated in Section 2511(a). Only if the court
      determines that the parent’s conduct warrants termination of his
      or her parental rights does the court engage in the second part of
      the analysis pursuant to Section 2511(b): determination of the
      needs and welfare of the child under the standard of best interests
      of the child. One major aspect of the needs and welfare analysis
      concerns the nature and status of the emotional bond between
      parent and child, with close attention paid to the effect on the child
      of permanently severing any such bond.

In re L.M., 923 A.2d 505, 511 (Pa. Super. 2007) (citations omitted). We note

that we need only agree with the orphans’ court as to any one subsection of

Section 2511(a), as well as Section 2511(b), to affirm an order terminating

parental rights. In re B.L.W., 843 A.2d 380, 384 (Pa. Super. 2004).

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                           Section 2511(a)(2)

     Section 2511(a)(2) provides, in relevant part, as follows:

     § 2511. Grounds for involuntary termination

     (a) General rule.—The rights of a parent in regard to a child may
     be terminated after a petition filed on any of the following
     grounds:

        (2) The repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect or
        refusal of the parent has caused the child to be without
        essential parental care, control or subsistence necessary for his
        physical or mental well-being and the conditions and causes of
        the incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or will not be
        remedied by the parent.

23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(2).

     To satisfy the requirements of [Section] 2511(a)(2), the moving
     party must prove (1) repeated and continued incapacity, abuse,
     neglect or refusal; (2) that such incapacity, abuse, neglect or
     refusal caused the child to be without essential parental care,
     control or subsistence; and (3) that the causes of the incapacity,
     abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or will not be remedied. The
     grounds for termination are not limited to affirmative misconduct,
     but concern parental incapacity that cannot be remedied.

In re C.M.K., 203 A.3d 258, 262 (Pa. Super. 2019) (citations and quotation

marks omitted).

     Further, this Court has explained:

     The grounds for termination of parental rights under Section
     2511(a)(2), due to parental incapacity that cannot be remedied,
     are not limited to affirmative misconduct.

     [S]ubsection (a)(2) does not emphasize a parent’s refusal or
     failure to perform parental duties, but instead emphasizes the
     child’s present and future need for essential parental care, control
     or subsistence necessary for his physical or mental well-being.
     Therefore, the language in subsection (a)(2) should not be read
     to compel courts to ignore a child’s need for a stable home and

                                    -8-
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       strong, continuous parental ties, which the policy of restraint in
       state intervention is intended to protect. This is particularly so
       where disruption of the family has already occurred and there is
       no reasonable prospect for reuniting it.

       Thus, while sincere efforts to perform parental duties, can
       preserve parental rights under subsection (a)(1), those same
       efforts may be insufficient to remedy parental incapacity under
       subsection (a)(2). Parents are required to make diligent efforts
       toward the reasonably prompt assumption of full parental
       responsibilities. A parent’s vow to cooperate, after a long period
       of uncooperativeness regarding the necessity or availability of
       services, may properly be rejected as untimely or disingenuous.

In re Z.P., 994 A.2d 1108, 1117-18 (Pa. Super. 2010) (citations omitted and

formatting altered).

       Additionally, this Court has stressed that “a child’s life cannot be held in

abeyance while a parent attempts to attain the maturity necessary to assume

parenting responsibilities.”      Interest of D.R.-W., 227 A.3d 905, 914 (Pa.

Super. 2020) (citation omitted and formatting altered).

       As stated above, Father has waived his challenge to the orphans’ court’s

termination of his parental rights under Section 2511(a)(2), (5), and (8). But

even if we did not find waiver, we would affirm based on the orphans’ court’s

opinion.5    See Orphans’ Ct. Op. at 3-12.       Specifically, we agree with the

orphans’ court’s analysis of the evidence presented at the termination hearing,

including that Father failed to remedy the conditions that gave rise to Child’s

placement because Father did not complete his court-ordered mental health

treatment, substance abuse treatment, or parenting services. See id. at 11-
____________________________________________

5 The orphans’ court’s citations on pages 4 and 12 of its opinion should read

“In the Interest of Lilley, 719 A.2d 327 (Pa. Super. 1998).”

                                           -9-
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12; see also N.T. Hr’g, 1/23/23, at 9-15, 18-20, 24-26, 31-33, 36-41.

Because the orphans’ court’s findings are supported by competent, clear, and

convincing evidence in the record and we discern no error in the orphans’

court’s legal conclusions, we conclude that the orphans’ court did not abuse

its discretion by terminating Father’s parental rights to Child pursuant to

Section 2511(a)(2). See T.S.M., 71 A.3d at 267; C.M.K., 203 A.3d at 262.

Accordingly, Father is not entitled to relief on this issue.

                               Section 2511(b)

      As noted previously, Father has abandoned any challenge to the

orphans’ court’s termination of his parental rights under Section 2511(b). In

any event, even if Father had not waived his Section 2511(b) claims, we would

agree with the orphans’ court’s conclusions which properly gave primary

consideration to the developmental, physical and emotional needs and welfare

of Child. See In re C.L.G., 956 A.2d 999, 1008-09 (Pa. Super. 2008) (en

banc).

      Section 2511(b) states in relevant part:

      (b) Other considerations.—The court in terminating the rights
      of a parent shall give primary consideration to the developmental,
      physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child. The rights
      of a parent shall not be terminated solely on the basis of
      environmental factors such as inadequate housing, furnishings,
      income, clothing and medical care if found to be beyond the
      control of the parent. . . .

23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(b).

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      “[T]he focus in terminating parental rights is on the parent, under

Section 2511(a), whereas the focus in Section 2511(b) is on the child.”

C.L.G., 956 A.2d at 1008 (citation omitted). This Court has explained:

      While a parent’s emotional bond with his or her child is a major
      aspect of the subsection 2511(b) best-interest analysis, it is
      nonetheless only one of many factors to be considered by the
      court when determining what is in the best interest of the child.

      In addition to a bond examination, the trial court can equally
      emphasize the safety needs of the child, and should also consider
      the intangibles, such as the love, comfort, security, and stability
      the child might have with the foster parent. Additionally, . . . the
      trial court should consider the importance of continuity of
      relationships and whether any existing parent-child bond can be
      severed without detrimental effects on the child.

In re Adoption of C.D.R., 111 A.3d 1212, 1219 (Pa. Super. 2015) (citations

omitted and formatting altered).       “Common sense dictates that courts

considering termination must also consider whether the children are in a pre-

adoptive home and whether they have a bond with their foster parents.”

T.S.M., 71 A.3d at 268 (citation omitted); see also Interest of K.T., --- A.3d

---, Nos. 37 WAP 2022, 38 WAP 2022, 2023 WL 4092986, at *18 (Pa. filed

June 21, 2023) (explaining that a Section 2511(b) analysis must also consider

factors such as “the child’s need for permanency and length of time in foster

care . . . whether the child is in a preadoptive home and bonded with foster

parents; and whether the foster home meets the child’s developmental,

physical, and emotional needs, including intangible needs of love, comfort,

security, safety, and stability” (footnote omitted)).

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      “In cases where there is no evidence of any bond between the parent

and child, it is reasonable to infer that no bond exists. The extent of any bond

analysis, therefore, necessarily depends on the circumstances of the particular

case.”   In re K.Z.S., 946 A.2d 753, 762-63 (Pa. Super. 2008) (citation

omitted). The question is whether the bond between the parent and the child

“is the one worth saving or whether it could be sacrificed without irreparable

harm to” the child. Id. at 764. “Section 2511(b) does not require a formal

bonding evaluation” and caseworkers may offer their opinions and evaluations

of the bond. Z.P., 994 A.2d at 1121 (citation omitted).

      Accordingly, we would affirm based on the orphans’ court’s opinion if

Father’s Section 2511(b) claims were not waived, in that we agree with the

orphans’ court analysis of the evidence presented at the termination hearing,

which were supported by the record, including that Child has a parental bond

with foster parents, whom she calls “Momma and Dada,” foster parents

provide for Child’s physical, developmental, and emotional needs, and Child

does not have a parental bond with Father. See Orphans’ Ct. Op. at 13-16,

18-19; see also N.T. Hr’g, 1/23/23, at 68-74. Therefore, even if Father had

not abandoned his Section 2511(b) claim, Father is not entitled to relief on

this issue. For these reasons, we conclude that the orphans’ court’s findings

are supported by competent, clear, and convincing evidence in the record and

we discern no error in the orphans’ court’s legal conclusions, nor abuse of

discretion in its decision to terminate Father’s parental rights to Child pursuant

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to Section 2511(a)(2) and (b). See T.S.M., 71 A.3d at 267. Accordingly, we

affirm.

      Decree affirmed. Jurisdiction relinquished.

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 8/01/2023

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                                                                      Circulated 07/06/2023 10:31 AM

IN THE INTEREST OF                               IN THE COURT OF COMMON
                                                 PLEAS OF LUZERNE COUNTY
L.S.D.R.-C., aMinor                              ORPHAN'S COURT DIVISION

Appeal of R.S.R.                                 NO. A-937 8
                                                 357 MDA 2023                          RECORDED
                                                                               03/28/202 1 1W -2 :05 AN
                                                                             JUDICIAL SERVICES 4 RECORD'
                                                                                   LUZERNE COUNTY
                                                                                    PENNSYLVANIA
                OPINION PURSUANT TO PA.R.A.P. 1925(a)                        Inst Nut:        202315043

I.     PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       On September 6, 2022, Petitioner, Luzerne County Children and Youth

Services (Children and Youth), filed Petitions for the Involuntary Termination of

Parental Rights (Petitions) of the natural parents as to the minor child, L.S.D.R.-

C., in addition to conducting agoal change hearing before the Court. A hearing

was held on January 23, 2023.

       This Court issued decrees terminating the parental rights of Mother and

Father on January 25, 2023. Particularly, Mother's parental rights were

terminated pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(1)(2)(5) & (8), and Father's

parental rights were terminated pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(2)(5) & (8). In

entering the termination decrees, the Court gave primary consideration to the

developmental, physical, and emotional needs and welfare of the child pursuant

to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(b).

       On February 27, 2023, Father, by and through his Court-Appointed

Counsel, filed aNotice of Appeal to the Superior Court and the requisite

Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal. Father's Statement of Matters

Complained of on Appeal is as follows:
       1.   The Trial Court abused its discretion, committed an error of law,

            and/or there was insufficient evidentiary support for its finding that

            Appellant's parental rights should be terminated pursuant to 23 Pa.

            C.S.A.§2511 (a)(2)(5) and (8).

       2.   The Trial Court abused its discretion, committed an error of law,

            and/or there was insufficient evidentiary support for its finding

            pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S.A.§2511(b) that it is in the best interest of the

            minor child to grant the termination of Appellant's parental rights.

       3. Appellant reserves the right to amend this document within a

            reasonable time after review of the transcripts.

 II.   FINDINGS OF FACT

       There is one minor child in this case, L.S.D.R.-C., born on August 10, 2021.

 This case involves the proposed termination of Father's parental rights. It is

 unrebutted that the minor child, L.S.D.R.-C., has been in placement since

 August 13, 2021. Mother and Father were arguing in the hospital at the time of

 L.S.D.R.-C.'s birth and Father dropped L.S.D.R.-C. during the argument.

 Children and Youth received areferral as aresult of the incident. N.T.

 1/23/2023 at 31.

       In meeting its requisite burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence

regarding the termination of parental rights of Father, Petitioner offered the

testimony of Scott Carey, assistant chief executive officer (CEO) and clinical

treatment supervisor at Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services; Alicia

Singer, atherapist at the Robinson Counseling Center and records custodian for

Children and Youth matters; Bernie Castle, acaseworker for the Intensive Family

                                             2
Reunification Services (IFRS) program offered through Family Services

Association (FSA); and Jamie Stuart, an ongoing caseworker at Children and

Youth. Father testified on his own behalf.

III.   CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

       After consideration of the credible evidence as summarized above and

more detailed below, the Court concludes:

              (1) Children and Youth has shown by clear and convincing evidence

       that the parental rights of the Father to the minor child, L.S.D.R.-C.,

       should be terminated pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2511(a)(2), 23

       Pa.C.S.A. Section 2511(a)(5) and 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2511(a)(8).

              (2) Children and Youth has shown by clear and convincing

       evidence that the termination of the parental rights of Father as to the

       minor child, L.S.D.R.-C., best serves the needs and welfare of the children

       pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2511(b).

IV.    DISCUSSION: GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF FATHER'S

PARENTAL RIGHTS

       The statute permitting involuntary termination of parental rights in

Pennsylvania, 23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2511, sets forth the certain irreducible

minimum requirements of care that parents must provide to their children. A

parent who cannot or will not meet the requirements within areasonable time

following the intervention by the State may properly be considered unfit and may

properly have his or her rights terminated. In Re: J. T. and R. T., 817 A. 2d 505

(Pa. Super. 2002).

                                          3
       Termination of parental rights is an issue of constitutional dimensions

because of the fundamental right of an individual to raise his or her own child.

Therefore, in proceedings terminating parental rights, the Petitioner must prove

by clear and convincing evidence that the statutory criteria have been met.

Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745 (1982), In Re: T.R., 502 Pa. 165,465 A.2d

642 ( 1983). However, as the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has stated "aparent's

basic constitutional right to custody and rearing of his or her child is converted

upon the failure to fulfill his or her parental duties to the child's right to have

proper parenting in fulfillment of his or her potential in apermanent, healthy,

safe environment." In Re: J.A.S., Jr., 82o A.2d 774 (Pa. Super. 2003), citing

In the Interest ofLillie, 719 A.2d 327 (Pa. Super 1998)•

       A.    23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2511(a)(2)

       A Court may terminate parental rights under Section 2511(a)(2) when:

       The repeated and continued incapacity, abuse, neglect, or refusal of the
       parent has caused the child to be without essential parental care, control
       or subsistence necessary for his physical or mental well-being and the
       conditions of the incapacity, abuse, neglect or refusal cannot or will not be
       remedied by the parent.

       Accordingly, Father's parental rights to the child, L.S.D.R.-C., can be

terminated under Section 2511(a)(2) of the statute. Credible testimony was

presented to show, by clear and convincing evidence. that Father did not

complete services addressing his mental health, did not complete services

addressing substance abuse and did not complete parenting education services.

       Ms. Jamie Stuart testified that she is an ongoing caseworker for Children

and Youth. Ms. Stuart stated that there was ahistory of mental health issues and

drug and alcohol issues concerning Mother. According to Ms. Stuart, Mother had

                                           4
four other children in the state of New Jersey. Three of these children were

adopted and the fourth child was the subject of aparental rights termination

proceeding at the time of trial. Id. at 31.

       Subsequent to Father physically dropping L.S.D.R.-C. at the hospital

during an argument with Mother, the child was placed with Children and Youth

on August 13, 2021 via ashelter care order. The minor child, L.S.D.R.-C., was

adjudicated dependent by the Court on August 25, 2021. Father was first ordered

to participate in parenting education and to obtain and maintain safe and stable

housing. Id. at 31-33. Thereafter, at apermanency hearing on May 10, 2022,

Father was ordered to participate in additional services, including mental health

services and drug and alcohol services. Id. at 33•

       Ms. Stuart testified that Father was referred to Family Services Association

for parenting education. According to Ms. Stuart, Father did not complete his

course in parenting education. Father was also referred to the Robinson

Counseling Center for mental health services. However, Father did not engage in

mental health services. Father was additionally referred to Wyoming Valley

Alcohol and Drug Services. Ms. Stuart stated that she also made areferral for

drug and alcohol services at the Robinson Counseling Center. Ms. Stuart

indicated that Father did not complete any substance abuse services. Also, Father

had not maintained consistent contact with Ms. Stuart or Children and Youth

throughout the case. According to Ms. Stuart, Father's contact with her was

sporadic. Id. at 37 -38•

       Ms. Stuart further emphasized that Father's visits with the minor child

were scheduled on Mondays and Father only exercised his visits with his child

                                              5
approximately five times throughout the child's placement from August 2021

until the present. Ms. Stuart also stated that Father relocated to the state of New

Jersey within two to three months after his child was adjudicated dependent in

Pennsylvania. Id. at 42. When Father moved out of state, he was offered

reimbursement for the cost of his bus tickets in order to travel for visits with his

daughter, in addition to being offered avoucher for the cost of the fuel needed to

travel to Pennsylvania. Id. at 39-40. Ms. Stuart indicated that despite Father

being offered these services, he did not utilize these opportunities in order to see

his daughter. Ms. Stuart stated that Father was completely aware of the services

that he was expected to complete and he did not provide her with any

documentation confirming his participation and completion in the services. Id.

at 40, 44 -45.

       Ms. Stuart testified that subsequent to Father moving to New Jersey, he

returned to Pennsylvania. Father then began working and living with awoman

whom he referred to as the child's mother. Ms. Stuart then stated that in July

2022, Father relocated back to New Jersey due to Father claiming that while he

was residing in Pennsylvania, he was attacked by someone in the household. Id.

at 44. Ms. Stuart testified that while Father was living in Pennsylvania, Father

visited atotal of five times with his child during the period of August 2021 until

June 6, 2022. Ms. Stuart stated that all of Father's visits occurred while he was

living in Pennsylvania. Id. at 46.

       Mr. Scott Carey testified that he is an assistant chief executive officer and

clinical treatment supervisor at Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services,

which is an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility. Id. at 9. Mr. Carey

                                          6
testified that Father was referred to his agency on June 15, 2022. Id. at lo. An

evaluation was scheduled for Father on June 24, 2022. The appointment was

then rescheduled to July 1, 2022 due to amisunderstanding with scheduling. Mr.

Carey indicated that the treatment record reflected that on June 30, 2020, the

counselor contacted Father via telephone and reminded him of his appointment

for the next day at 3:00 p.m. Father confirmed that he would be present. Id. at

14.   However, the next day, Father did not appear for his appointment. Mr. Carey

indicated that there were no additional records indicating that the appointment

was rescheduled. Id. at 11-12. Mr. Carey stated that aformal "closeout letter"

was not sent to Father since the case was never opened and Father was never

given any treatment. Id. at 15.

        Ms. Alicia Singer testified that she is employed at the Robinson Counseling

Center, an adult mental health facility. Ms. Singer stated that she is atherapist at

the center and also custodian of the records for Children and Youth matters. Ms.

Singer explained that she maintains records pertaining to individuals that are

referred by Children and Youth. Ms. Singer testified that Father was referred to

the Robinson Counseling Center by Children and Youth for amental health

evaluation. Ms. Singer stated that Father was scheduled for amental health

evaluation on July 25, 2022, which he completed over the telephone. Id. at 18.

According to Ms. Singer, Father was diagnosed with unspecified depressive

disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder. Therefore, Father was recommended

for therapy every three weeks. However, according to Ms. Singer, the therapy

appointments never took place because Father decided to move to New Jersey.

Thereafter, Ms. Singer referred Father for substance abuse services. However,
Father was not able to receive treatment for substance abuse since the agency did

not have alicense to practice in New Jersey. Id. 19-20. Therefore, Ms. Singer

stated that she advised Father to seek treatment for mental health and substance

abuse in the county in which he was residing in New Jersey. Id. at 20.

       Mr. Bernie Castle testified that he is employed at the Family Services

Association of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania as acaseworker for the Intensive

Family Reunification Services (IFRS) parenting education program. Mr. Castle

described Family Service Association as anonprofit agency bringing services to

families who are involved with social services such as Luzerne County Children

and Youth and Luzerne County Juvenile Delinquency Court. Mr. Castle stated

that his agency received areferral from Children and Youth on June 17, 2022.

Mr. Castle made arrangements with Father to meet him at the Children and

Youth office on July 11, 2022. However, father failed to appear at the meeting.

Mr. Castle indicated that he attempted to contact Father several times

afterwards; however, his attempts were unsuccessful. Mr. Castle stated that on

August 15, 2022, he was advised by the caseworker at Children and Youth that

records reflect that Father only had four visits with his child for the preceding

year. Mr. Castle stated that he was not able to schedule an appointment with

Father since Father did not provide an address at which to contact him in New

Jersey. Id. 25-26. Mr. Castle indicated that during his prior conversation with

Father over the telephone, Father was in agreement to meet with him regarding

the parenting program. Id. at 26. Mr. Castle testified that he did not have any

records or knowledge that Father engaged in or completed the parenting

education program at Family Service Association. Mr. Castle testified that he no

                                          8
longer had any contact with Father after his attempt to schedule ameeting with

him. Mr. Castle stated that on September 13, 2022, he emailed the caseworker,

informing him that the case was closed due to the inability to make contact with

Father. Id.

        Father testified that the reason that he did not complete the drug and

alcohol treatment and his parenting classes was due to lack of transportation. He

believed that the reimbursement of costs only applied to Pennsylvania and not

New Jersey. Father testified that he thought that he had insurance coverage

through New Jersey, but he did not have coverage. Id. at 49, 52. Father also

stated that he was not able to complete his parenting classes and the drug and

alcohol classes due to him working and dealing with "ahouse that was totally

corrupted." Id. at 51. Father stated that he was confused and did not know how to

treat others. Id.

       When Father was cross examined as to the reason that he did not attempt

to complete his services in New Jersey, Father stated that he was beginning to

pursue the classes and was working with acommunity center in New Jersey. Id.

at 53. According to Father, Children and Youth did not refer him to any service

providers in New Jersey and he had to find the services on his own. Id. at 53•

Father also indicated that even though he only had five in person visits with his

daughter, he was also permitted to do video chats on aweekly basis with his

daughter because he was not able to use the transportation. Id. at 54. Father

testified that when he exercised his five visits with the child, he used his mother's

truck in order to exercise his visits. Id. at 55•

                                            9
    Father testified that the community center where the services are offered,

such as parenting classes, mental health services and drug and alcohol services, is

only a "four minute walk" from his residence. He further expressed that he was

aware of the community center for approximately two years, but did not start

participating in those services until shortly before the time of trial. Father did

not offer aplausible explanation as to the reason he waited so long to begin

participating in the services at the community center. Id. at 57. The Court finds

that eventhough the child has been in the custody of Children and Youth for

approximately sixteen (16) months, Father did not make an effort to commence

his services at the time the child was placed. Id. at 57.

       Father admitted on cross examination that he did not complete or engage

in services in Luzerne County. Father also admitted on cross examination that

since he moved to New Jersey, he did not make any effort to engage in any of the

services in New Jersey until immediately prior to the commencement of the new

year of January 2023. Id. at 6o -
                                61. Father also admitted that he did not request

any help in engaging in services in New Jersey. Id. at 61. Father alleged that he

used to have video chats with his daughter. However, once the video chats

stopped, he had adifficult time seeing his daughter in person due to lack of

transportation. Id. at 63.

       Ms. Stuart testified on rebuttal that she specifically informed Father that

if he were to purchase abus ticket in order to see the minor child at the Children

and Youth office, he would be reimbursed for the entire trip, including the travel

from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, and not just for the cost of the trip only in

Pennsylvania. Ms. Stuart also stated that the agency offered Father agas gift card

                                          10
for Father's transportation. Id. at 66. According to Ms. Stuart, Father was aware

of all the reimbursement costs offered to him for transportation. Id. at 66. Ms.

Stuart testified that she explained the transportation costs to Father two or three

times and she did not know the reason Father believed that his reimbursement

costs for the buses only pertained to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania and did not

include New Jersey. Id. at 67.

       Based on the testimony of the various witnesses, summarized above, and

based upon the evidence presented to the Court, the Court finds that subsequent

to the placement of the child on August 13, 2021, Father did not complete the

required services for mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and

parenting services. Therefore, the Court finds that Father has not been able to

remedy the conditions that gave rise to the placement of the child.

        Unlike 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 2511(a)(1), subsection (a)(2) does not emphasize a

parent's failure to perform parental duties, but instead emphasizes the child's

present and future need for essential parental care, control or subsistence

necessary for his physical or mental well-being. Therefore, the language in

subsection (a)(2) should not be read to compel courts to ignore achild's need for

astable home and ... this is particularly so where disruption of the family has

already occurred and there is no reasonable prospect for reuniting it." (our

emphasis added) In re E.A.P, 944 A.2d 79 (Pa. Super 20o8).

       Given the overwhelming evidence and testimony, it is clear that Father has

received and/or has been offered extensive services over the years and he failed

to benefit from the services. Father was offered services in Pennsylvania;

however, he chose to relocate to New Jersey. Father also had available services

                                         11
for him one block away from his residence in New Jersey, yet he chose to wait one

year and ahalf from the date of the child's placement prior to choose to

participate in the services.

         At this juncture, the child's right to have proper parenting in fulfillment of

their potential in apermanent, healthy, safe environment outweighs Father's

interest. In Re: J.A.S., Jr., 82o A.2d 774 (Pa. Super. 2003), citing In the

Interest of Lillie, 719 A.2d 327 (Pa. Super 1998)•

         V.     DISCUSSION: GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION FOR

FATHER

A.       23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 251i (a)(5)

         A Court may terminate the parental rights under Section 2511(a)(5) when:

         The child has been removed from the care of the parent by the Court or
         under voluntary agreement with an agency for aperiod of at least six
         months, the conditions of which led to the removal or placement of the
         child continue to exist, the parent cannot or will not remedy those
         conditions within areasonable period of time, the services or assistance
         reasonably available to the parent are not likely to remedy the conditions
         which led to the removal or placement of the child within areasonable
         period of time and termination of the parental rights would best serve the
         needs and welfare of the child.

         Father's parental rights may also be terminated under this provision of the

Statute. Under 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2511(a)(5), the agency must show: (1) the

child have been removed from the care of the parent by the Court for aperiod of

at least six months; (2) The conditions giving rise to placement continue to exist,

(3) Those conditions will not be remedied in areasonable period of time, and (4)

Termination of parental rights would best serve the needs and welfare of the

child.

                                            12
W& (2) CHILD REMOVED BY THE COURT FOR A PERIOD OF ATLEAST SIX

MONTHS AND CONDITIONS CONTINUING TO EXIST

       The minor child, L.S.D.R.-C., was originally placed on August 13, 2021.

Therefore, the child has been removed from her father for at least six (6) months.

It is also clear through the testimony outlined above, that the natural Father has

been unable to resolve the issues that gave rise to the placement of the minor

child, L.S.D.R.-C.., i.e., lack of participation in parenting courses, not completing

mental health services, nor the drug and alcohol services. The overwhelming

evidence shows that all of these issues have yet to be remedied by Father.

    The Court has recognized this issue above in its analysis of Section 2511(a)(2)

and finds the same considerations apply for 2511(a)(5) that have already been

discussed extensively in this opinion. Furthermore, the Court applies this same

reasoning in concluding that the natural Father failed to remedy the conditions

that originally gave rise to placement of their minor child, L.S.D.R.-C..

   (3) REMEDY OF CONDITIONS IN REASONABLE TIME

       Father has had approximately seventeen ( 17) months to remedy the

conditions which gave rise to placement, yet the evidence shows that as of the

time of the hearing on January 23, 2023, Father still had not completed any of

the required services. This Court finds that Father has been unable to remedy the

conditions that gave rise to placement of the minor child within areasonable time

period.

(4) NEEDS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD

    The term "needs and welfare" of achild refers to both tangible and intangible

needs. The intangible needs of achild include love, comfort, security and

                                          13
closeness. In re Matsock, 416 Pa. Super. 520, 611 A.2d 737, 747 (199 2). There

is nothing in the record that shows that the natural Father is presently capable of

providing asafe and secure environment for the minor child.

       Parental duty is best understood in relation to the needs of achild. These

needs, both physical and emotional, cannot be met by amere passive interest in

the development of the child. Meeting achild's needs is apositive duty that

requires affirmative performance. In re Shives, 363 Pa. Super. 225, 525 A.2d

801, 802 ( 1987).

      A parent is not relieved of his or her responsibility relating to the needs of

achild when achild has been placed in foster care. A non-custodial parent has a

duty to exert himself to take and maintain aplace of importance in the child's life.

In re Adoption ofM.J.H., 348 Pa. Super. 65, 501 A.2d 648 (1985). A parent

must demonstrate acontinuing interest in the child and make agenuine effort to

maintain communication and association with the child. In re Adoption of

McCray, 331 A.2d 652 (Pa. 1975). Moreover, aparent with achild in foster care

has an affirmative duty to work toward the return of the child. In Re: William

L•, 477 Pa. 322, 383 A.2d 1228 (1978).

       When considering the needs and welfare of the child, it is also important

for the court to consider the bond between the parent and the child because

severance of astrong parental bond can have adetrimental impact on the child.

Matsock, supra.

       Ms. Stuart testified that the child has been in placement with the foster

parents since October of 2021. Ms. Stuart indicated that she observed the minor

child with the foster parents at their home on amonthly basis. Ms. Stuart

                                         14
believes that the minor child has been assimilated into the home with the foster

parents. Ms. Stuart further stated that the foster parents also have indicated that

they wish to adopt the minor child. The foster parents are aware that in the event

they are permitted to adopt the minor child, that the minor child would have all

the rights to them as abiological child would have from her biological parents

such as inheriting from their estate. Ms. Stuart stated that she did not have any

concerns or reservations over the foster parents adopting the minor child. Id. at

68-69.

         Ms. Stuart testified that throughout the life of the case and the time that

the child spent with the foster parents, the child's physical needs were met. The

foster parents provide the child with food, clothing and shelter. Ms. Stuart also

stated that the foster parents have met the child's developmental needs. They

have age appropriate games and toys for the child. The child also attends daycare.

In addition to meeting the child's physical needs and developmental needs, the

foster parents also meet the child's emotional needs. According to Ms. Stuart, the

foster parents provide the child with comfort and praise. Ms. Stuart described

the family as very loving and engaging with the child- such as giving hugs and

kisses to the child. Id. at 69 -70.

         According to Ms. Stuart, she found that the minor child and the foster

parents have aparent/child relationship. Ms. Stuart stated that the child views

the foster parents as her parents. Ms. Stuart indicated that the minor child calls

the foster parents, "Momma and Dada". Ms. Stuart also found that the minor

child and the foster parents have aclose bond with one another. Ms. Stuart

stated that that she observed Father with the minor child on two occasions. Ms.

                                           15
Stuart stated that she did not find any parent/child relationship between the

minor child and Father. Ms. Stuart indicated that the child had not seen her

father since June 6, 2022. Ms. Stuart stated that when she did see her father on

those four occasions, the child appeared uneasy. Ms. Stuart stated that should

the Court grant the agency's petition to terminate Father's parental rights, that

the child would not suffer any harmful or detrimental effect. Ms. Stuart stated

that she believes that the adoption of the child by the foster parents serves the

child's best interest. Id. at 72.

       Based upon the testimony of Ms. Stuart, the court finds that the

termination of Father's parental rights would best serve the needs and welfare of

the child.

VI.    DISCUSSION: GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF FATHER'S

PARENTAL RIGHTS

       A.    23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2511 (
                                        a)(8)

       A Court may terminate parental rights under Section 2511(a)(8) when:

       The child has been removed from the care of the parent by the Court or
under Voluntary agreement with an agency, twelve (12) months or more have
elapsed from the date of removal or placement, the conditions which led to the
removal or placement of the child continue to exist and termination would best
serve the needs and welfare of the child.

       Parental rights may be terminated under this provision of the Statute.

Under 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2511(a)(8), the agency must show: (1) The child has

been removed for at least twelve (12) months, (2) The conditions that gave rise to

placement continue to exist, and (3) Termination of parental rights would best

serve the needs and welfare of the child.

                                            16
       (1)   TIME PERIOD OF REMOVAL OF CHILD

       It is undisputed that minor child, L.S.D.R.-C. has been removed from the

custody Father since August 13, 2021. Accordingly, this removal has persisted

well in excess of the statutorily required twelve (12) months since the date of the

child's placement. Thus, the requisite minimum of at least 12 months from

removal of the minor child from her Father has elapsed so as to comply with this

section of 2511(8).

        (2) CONDITIONS CONTINUING TO EXIST

       The conditions that led to the child's removal from Father's care and into

placement were: Father dropping physically L.S.D.R.-C. upon her birth at the

hospital during an argument with Mother and failing to complete the court

ordered services of parenting education, mental health treatment and drug and

alcohol services.

       The Court has performed the above extensive analysis in taking testimony

and finding credible evidence in concluding that Father did not complete the

required services even though the services were accessible to him in Pennsylvania

and New Jersey. Therefore, the conditions that gave rise to placement continue

to exist.

        In discussing and finding that the conditions continue to exist, the Court

incorporates its reasoning and the testimony of all witnesses already discussed in

this opinion found in the section addressing 23 Pa. C.S. Section 2511(a)(2).

                                         17
(3) NEEDS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD

     Once the Court has found that involuntary termination of parental rights is

warranted under the Act, the court must then "give primary consideration to the

developmental, physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child."

       The Court has done this and finds the same considerations apply that have

already been discussed extensively in this opinion. Furthermore, the Court

applies the same reasoning for concluding that these needs will be served by the

termination of Father's parental rights.

VII. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS UNDER 23 PA.C.S.A.
SECTION 2511(b) FOR FATHER

       A.     ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

    Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2511(b) specifies that acourt may not terminate

parental rights "solely on the basis of environmental factors such as inadequate

housing, furnishings, income, clothing, and medical care if found to be beyond

the control of the parent."

    As "environmental factors beyond the control of Father" was not the linchpin

in the placement of the minor child and because of the presence of other,

independent factors utilized in the placement of L.S.D.R.-C., this consideration

does not apply and will not be addressed.

     S.       NEEDS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD

     Once the Court has found that involuntary termination of parental rights is

warranted under the Act, the court must then "give primary consideration to the

developmental, physical and emotional needs and welfare of the child." This is to

                                           18
be aseparate inquiry and even where the court has already considered the needs

and the welfare of the child under one of the grounds of termination, the court

must do so again. In re Matsock, 611 A.2d 738 (Pa. Super. 1992).

      The Court has done this and finds the same considerations apply that have

already been discussed extensively in this opinion. Furthermore, the Court

applies the same reasoning for concluding that these needs will be served by the

termination of Father's parental rights.

VIII. CONCLUSION

       This court finds that Father was given ample time to complete the required

services of mental health treatment, drug and alcohol services and parenting

education, but has failed to successfully do so. The Court finds that Father is not

able to meet the child's needs. Father cannot meet the child's basic physical,

developmental and emotional needs. Father has been given ample time to

address and remedy his issue but was unable to do so. The Court finds that

Father is not able to meet his child's needs. In stark contrast, the foster parents

have amply demonstrated that they meet the physical, developmental, emotional

needs of the minor child, L.S.D.R.-C., and she has thrived under their care. The

child needs consistency, safety and stability and deserves apermanent home with

capable parents. The only way to provide this is to terminate the rights of the

                                           19
Father. Clearly, it is in the child's best interest to do so.

                                     Respectfully submitted,

                                     BY THE COURT,

                                     JENNI ER L. R 1GERS        0   J.

DATE:     -
          3 )- 23

COPIES TO:

Christopher Harrison, Esquire
Children & Youth Services
of Luzerne County
111 North Pennsylvania Boulevard
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Thomas W. Sharkey, Esquire
Counsel for Father
982 North Sherman Court
Hazleton, PA 18201

Joseph J. Mashinski, Esquire
Guardian Ad Litem
117o Highway 315, Suite 1
Plains, PA 18702

                                            20