Court Opinion

ID: 4227033
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-12-08 16:21:36.164643+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:42:50.122667
License: Public Domain

[Cite as In re C. B-W, 2017-Ohio-8901.]

                                       COURT OF APPEALS
                                   MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
                                   FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                 JUDGES:
IN THE MATTER OF:                                Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P. J.
                                                 Hon. John W. Wise, J.
        C. B-W.                                  Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.

        (D.O.B. 3-24-15)                         Case No. CT2017-0025

                                                 OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                      Civil Appeal from the Courtof Common
                                              Pleas, Juvenile Division, Case No.
                                              21530041

JUDGMENT:                                     Affirmed

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                        December 7, 2017

APPEARANCES:

For Appellees Dodge                           For Appellant Mother

SCOTT RANKIN                                  VALERIE WIGGINS
45 North 4th Street                           WIGGINS LAW OFFICE
Zanesville, Ohio 43701                        107 South Main Street
                                              New Lexington, Ohio 43764
For MCCS
                                              Guardian Ad Litem
TRAFFORD DICK
27 North 5th Street, P. O. Box 189            BARBARA CAFFARATTI
Zanesville, Ohio 43701                        45 North 4th Street, P.O. Box 124
                                              Zanesville, Ohio 43701
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                  2

Wise, J.

      {¶1}   Appellant-Mother J.M. appeals the judgment of the Muskingum County

Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, awarding legal custody of her minor daughter

C.B-W. to Appellees.

                          STATEMENT OF THE FACTS AND CASE

      {¶2}   On March 26, 2015, Muskingum County Children Services (MCCS) filed a

Complaint in Muskingum County Juvenile Court alleging the minor child, C.B-W. (dob

3/24/15), was a Neglected (R.C. §2151.03(A)(2)) and a Dependent child (R.C.

§2151.04(C)). MCCS became involved immediately after the child was born due to

Appellant-Mother, J.M., being extremely disengaged with the child and failing to attend to

her. Appellant-Mother left the hospital for approximately four (4) hours and then returned

and demanded to be discharged or she would leave against medical advice. Although the

Mother's drug test was negative, the child was having tremors. The hospital staff thought

the Mother's behaviors at the hospital were inappropriate, and the hospital staff was

concerned about the child's welfare if Mother took her home. The Mother had a history of

extensive involvement with Muskingum County Children Services and delinquencies as

a juvenile. The Mother also has a history of mental health issues, including bipolar

disorder, depression and ADHD.

      {¶3}   Ex-parte Orders were issued by the trial Court on March 26, 2015, and a

hearing was held on March 27, 2015, where the child was placed in the temporary custody

of MCCS.

      {¶4}   On or about March 27, 2015, upon the child's release from the hospital, she

was immediately placed with Appellee foster parents.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                    3

        {¶5}   On April 24, 2015, MCCS filed with the trial Court a comprehensive

Assessment and Case Plan. Therein, the Mother and Father of the child were identified

to have significant income concerns, which significantly and adversely affected their

ability to properly parent the child and provide the child with a safe and sober home. No

party objected to any component of the case plan, and the same was approved and

adopted by the Court.

        {¶6}   Muskingum County Children Services explored possible placement with

other family members and kinship placements. A home study was conducted on the

Mother's former step-mother. That home study was denied and filed with the Muskingum

County Juvenile Court on 5/28/2015.

        {¶7}   Another home study was conducted on the Mother's friend, C.L. That home

study was denied and filed with the Muskingum County Juvenile Court on 12/2/2015.

        {¶8}   A home study was requested on the paternal grandfather on 12/9/2015, but

he withdrew himself from the home study process and consideration at the end of January

2016.

        {¶9}   On June 10, 2015, the child was adjudicated, neglected and dependent at

the Adjudicatory hearing and temporary custody was continued with Muskingum County

Children Services. MCCS continued the placement of the minor child with Appellee foster

parents.

        {¶10} On or about June 19, 2015, MCCS contacted the paternal grandmother who

lived in North Carolina to see if she was interested in pursuing custody of the minor child.

(12/6/16 T. at 33-34). She indicated she was interested but needed to speak with her
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                   4

husband first. (T. at 34). On June 24, 2015, MCCS requested a home study on the

paternal grandmother. (T. at 34).

       {¶11} On July 1, 2015, the grandmother contacted the agency indicating she was

not ready to start the home study and wanted to wait until mid-August. (T. at 34).

Eventually the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) home study on

the grandmother was approved and filed with the Court on February 24, 2016.

       {¶12} On February 24, 2016, Appellee foster parents, who had been raising the

minor child for eleven months, filed a motion for an ex-parte order to prohibit MCCS from

removing or placing the child out of state without a prior court hearing. The trial court

granted that request preventing the removal of the minor child out of state without a prior

court order.

       {¶13} On April 13, 2016, the assistant prosecuting attorney filed a motion on

behalf of Muskingum County Children Services, requesting that legal custody be granted

to the paternal grandmother.

       {¶14} The Mother's attorney filed a motion requesting that the Mother be

transported from prison to the final hearing in this matter. This motion was denied by the

trial court. The Court found no particular grounds set forth in the motion wherein the

Mother's testimony and/or participation in the hearing would be of significance as opposed

to the reasons set forth in the memorandum in opposition. Further, the Court noted that

Mother would remain incarcerated on her felony convictions until February 1, 2017, and

that the Mother had failed to make any substantial progress on her case plan towards

reunification.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                  5

       {¶15} On September 1, 2016, a hearing commenced on the Motion for Legal

Custody to the grandmother and on the oral request by MCCS to lift restriction of removing

the child from the State of Ohio. After some testimony, the trial court issued an interim

order in which the grandmother was granted weekend visitation at the discretion of

MCCS. It was further ordered that MCCS was prohibited from placing the child outside

of the State of Ohio, and the MCCS motion for legal custody to the grandmother was

continued.

       {¶16} On September 7, 2016, after the hearing, the foster parents were permitted

to join as parties to this case.

       {¶17} On October 12, 2016, the foster parents filed a motion requesting legal

custody of the minor child.

       {¶18} On December 6, 2016, a hearing was held on all pending motions, and the

minor child was placed in the Legal Custody of the foster parents.

       {¶19} Appellant-Mother now appeals, assigning the following errors for review:

                                   ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

       {¶20} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW WHEN IT

GRANTED A NON-PARTIES [SIC] MOTION TO PREVENT REMOVAL THEREBY

THWARTING THE AGENCY'S EFFORTS TO REUNIFY THE CHILD WITH RELATIVES.

       {¶21} “II. THE TRIAL COURT'S DECISION TO GRANT LEGAL CUSTODY TO

THE FOSTER PARENTS WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE

EVIDENCE.

       {¶22} “III. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PLAIN ERROR IN ALLOWING AND

THEN RELYING ON EXPERT TESTIMONY GIVEN BY A LAY WITNESS.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                    6

       {¶23} “IV. COUNSEL FOR THE MOTHER WAS INAFFECTIVE [SIC].”

                                                 I.

       {¶24} Appellant-Mother argues that the trial court erred in granting the foster

parents’ motion to prevent removal of the minor child. We disagree.

       {¶25} More specifically, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in considering

the motion of the foster parents because they were not a party at the time of the filing of

the motion in February, 2016.

       {¶26} We initially note that Juv.R. 2(X) provides:

              ‘Party’ means a child who is the subject of a juvenile court

       proceeding, the child's spouse, if any, the child's parent or parents, or if the

       parent of a child is a child, the parent of that parent, in appropriate cases,

       the child's custodian, guardian, or guardian ad litem, the state, and any

       other person specifically designated by the court.

       {¶27} Although a foster parent is not automatically entitled to party status, Juv.R.

2(Y) gives the trial court “wide discretion to name parties to a juvenile court action, and

this discretion includes naming foster parents as parties.” In the Matter of: Rhonda Zhang,

135 Ohio App.3d 350, 357, 734 N.E.2d 379 (8th Dist.1999). See also In re: McDaniel,

11th Dist. Lake Nos. 2002–L–158 and 2002–L–159, 2004-Ohio-2595. The rule “affords a

procedural device permitting a trial court to include individuals not specifically otherwise

designated a party but whose presence is necessary to fully litigate an issue presented

in the action.” In re Franklin, 88 Ohio App.3d 277, 280, 623 N.E.2d 720 (3d Dist.1993).

Thus, “the court may protect and adjudicate all legitimate claims, protect all interests
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                      7

appearing, avoid multiple litigation and conserve judicial time in the orderly administration

of justice.” Id.

        {¶28} In deciding a motion to intervene in a juvenile case, the court must look to

whether intervention is in the best interest of the children. In re: B.O., 11th Dist. Lake No.

2011–L–055, 2011-Ohio-6210. The best interest of the child is the primary consideration

when the disposition of a child is to be determined. In re Cunningham (1979), 59 Ohio

St.2d 100.

        {¶29} A trial court's decision to grant or deny a motion to intervene in a juvenile

case will not be overturned on appeal absent an abuse of discretion. In re Ashley T, Lucas

App.No. L–02–1007, 2002–Ohio–2799, ¶ 22, citing In the Matter of: Kei‘Andre P.,

Qua'Von P., Keionn G., & Juanya G. (Feb. 16, 2001), Lucas App. No. L–00–1203. An

abuse of discretion connotes more than an error of law or judgment. It implies the court's

attitude was unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.

        {¶30} We recognize that “[the rights of foster parents respective to a child in their

care are quite limited. Such persons care for a dependent or neglected child only as

agents for the state, who is the child's permanent or temporary legal custodian, in most

cases.” In re Palmer (Apr. 12, 1983), Stark App. No. CA–6026; In re: J.B., 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 96652, 2011-Ohio-4830.Consequently, foster parents have no automatic

right to participate as parties in the adjudication of rights of natural parents and their

children. Id. Nevertheless, as is apparent from both Juv.R. 2(Y) and Civ.R. 24(B), the trial

court may order a child's foster parents to be joined as a party in appropriate cases.

Additionally, foster parents are afforded the right to notice.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                         8

       {¶31} In this case, although the trial court did not make the foster parents parties

to this action until September, 2016, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion

in considering the foster parents’ motion to prevent removal of the child without first

holding a hearing or in later granting the foster parents’ motion to intervene.

       {¶32} Upon review, we find that the record demonstrates that the trial court

considered whether removal of the child and/or placement of the child outside of the State

of Ohio without first holding a hearing would be in the best interest of the child and decided

that it would not. The child in this case had been placed in the care of the foster parents

for the entire 11 months of her life. Further, the child’s parents and siblings all live in Ohio.

       {¶33} Based on the foregoing, we do not find the trial court abused its discretion

in granting the motion to prevent the removal of the child from the state of Ohio without a

prior court hearing.

       {¶34} The First Assignment of Error is overruled.

                                                   II.

       {¶35} In her Second Assignment of Error, Appellant-Mother argues that the trial

court’s decision to grant legal custody of the minor child to the foster parent was against

the manifest weight of the evidence. We disagree.

       {¶36} Initially, we note “Legal custody” is “a legal status that vests in the custodian

the right to have physical care and control of the child and to determine where and with

whom the child shall live, and the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the child

and to provide the child with food, shelter, education, and medical care, all subject to any

residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities.” (Emphasis added.) R.C.

§2151.011(B)(21). In turn, “residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities” is
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                       9

defined to mean “those rights, privileges, and responsibilities remaining with the natural

parent after the transfer of legal custody of the child, including, but not necessarily limited

to, the privilege of reasonable visitation, consent to adoption, the privilege to determine

the child's religious affiliation, and the responsibility for support.” R.C. §2151.011(B)(49).

       {¶37} As recognized in In re C.R., 108 Ohio St.3d 369, 2006-Ohio-1191, 843

N.E.2d 1188, “[t]he important distinction is that an award of legal custody of a child does

not divest parents of their residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities.” Id. at

¶17. Legal custody is “subject to” residual parental rights, R.C. §2151.011(B)(21), which

include the parents' right to consent to an adoption, and the phrase “subject to” denotes

“a contingent relation” that may be “conditioned, affected, or modified in some indicated

way,” Webster's Third New International Dictionary 2275 (1986). Thus, a third-party takes

legal custody of a child subject to a parent's residual right to consent to an adoption, and

the exercise of the right to consent to adoption necessarily affects a temporary legal

custodian's right to determine the child's placement.

       {¶38} Because custody issues are some of the most difficult and agonizing

decisions a trial judge must make, he or she must have wide latitude in considering all

the evidence and such a decision must not be reversed absent an abuse of discretion.

Davis v. Flickinger (1997), 77 Ohio St.3d 415, 418, 674 N.E.2d 1159, citing Miller v. Miller

(1988), 37 Ohio St.3d 71, 74, 523 N.E.2d 846. The Ohio Supreme Court has also

explained: “A reviewing court should not reverse a decision simply because it holds a

different opinion concerning the credibility of the witnesses and evidence submitted

before the trial court. A finding of an error in law is a legitimate ground for reversal, but a

difference of opinion on credibility of witnesses and evidence is not.” Seasons Coal Co.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                   10

v. Cleveland (1984), 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 81, 461 N.E.2d 1273. Furthermore, “[e]very

reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the findings [of the

juvenile court]. * * * If the evidence is susceptible to more than one construction, we must

give it that interpretation which is consistent with the verdict and judgment, and most

favorable to sustaining the [juvenile] court's verdict and judgment.” In re: MB, Summit

App. No. 21812, 2004–Ohio–2666, citing Karches v. Cincinnati (1988), 38 Ohio St.3d 12,

526 N.E.2d 1350.

       {¶39} In the case sub judice, the trial court provided findings of fact and

conclusions of law in support of its decision to grant the foster parents’ legal custody

motion. At the custody hearings, the trial court heard testimony from both of the foster

parents; Ashley Labaki, the caseworker for the minor child and her family; the paternal

grandmother who was also seeking legal custody; Barbara Caffaratti, the guardian ad

litem; Kelsey Coe, the intervention supervisor at Muskingum County Adult and Child

Protective Services; Candy Barr, a licensed social worker; and Carrie Metzger, a friend

of the foster parents and fellow foster parent.

       {¶40} Although Appellant-Mother is not arguing that the child should have been

returned to her, the trial court did find that the Mother had a history with MCCS and with

mental health issues including bi-polar disorder, depression and ADHD, along with

substance abuse issues. (3/8/17 JE at 3). The trial court also found that the Mother did

not complete any of her case plan objectives. (3/8/17 JE at 3) Further, the Court found

that on May 20, 2016, the Mother was incarcerated at Dayton Correction Institution after

being convicted of Assault and Harassment by an Inmate (both felony of the fifth degree),

expected release date February 1, 2017. (3/8/17 JE at 3).
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                    11

       {¶41} The trial court also found that the child should not be placed in the Father's

care and custody, because: (1) he never showed up for his first recommended substance

abuse treatment appointment and was unsuccessfully discharged from treatment; (2) he

failed to submit to any random drug screens; (3) he admitted to being drunk when there

was a domestic violence incident between he and the child's mother; ( 4) he failed to

attend mental health treatment; and (5) he failed to work or complete any of his case plan

objectives with MCCS.

       {¶42} Rather, Appellant-Mother argues that legal custody should have been

granted to the paternal grandmother and not the foster parents.

       {¶43} With regard to the paternal grandmother, the trial court heard testimony

from the grandmother admitting that she knew of the birth of the baby on March 24, 2015,

when her son called her when MCCS removed the child from the hospital in March, 2015.

(T. I. at 42 -44). She admitted that she never visited with the child until April, 2016, when

the child was approximately thirteen months old. (T. II at 143; JE at 4). The trial court

found that the Grandmother could have visited with the child in Ohio, but never requested

to do so until after the home study was completed and MCCS paid for her to fly to Ohio.

(JE at 4). Further, the trial court found that after visitation was ordered, the grandmother

had the opportunity to visit with the child twice per month, but elected to do so only once

per month. (JE at 4-5). The court also found that she was 60 years old at the time of the

hearing and would be in her mid-seventies when the child will be in her teenage years.

Further, the court heard the grandmother’s testimony as to her three grown sons who all

have multiple felony convictions and substance abuse issues with drugs and/or alcohol,

one of whom has been to prison more than once. (JE at 5; T. II. at 168).
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                    12

       {¶44} In addition to the above, the trial court also took into consideration that the

minor child has five half-siblings who live in Ohio, whereas the grandmother lived in North

Carolina. (JE at 5). The trial court also found that the "Grandmother testified that she does

not drink alcohol, however, her home study cited that she admitted to drinking wine for

low iron issues which her doctor recommended." (JE at 5). Further, "Grandmother denied

being in Ohio on Mother's Day 2016; however Grandmother did send a text message to

the foster mother stating that she (Grandmother) was in Ohio (visiting her mother), but

did not visit with or ask to visit with the child. (JE at 5).

       {¶45} In making its decision, the trial court considered the length of time that the

child had lived with the foster parents as well as the grandmother’s delay in coming

forward to seek custody and visitation in the case, as well as the lack of contact that she

had had with the child during the pendency of the case. (JE at 5). The trial court stated:

"[d]espite Grandmother visiting with the child approximately ten (10) times between April

2016, and the date of the final hearing (December 6, 2016), Grandmother could have

visited with the Child on several other occasions and did not take advantage of those

opportunities." (T. II. at 103). "[Foster mother] further testified that the Grandmother came

to Ohio another time to attend a funeral and made no attempt to visit with the child." (JE

at 5; T. II. at 106). "[Foster mother] further testified that the Grandmother ended a couple

visits early, and specifically on one occasion grandmother left the visit early so she and

her husband could eat and watch a basketball game prior to their scheduled flight back

home." (T. II. at 106). Further, the court cited testimony of the foster mother that the

Grandmother had never contacted her and attempted to visit with the child prior to MCCS
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                    13

setting up visits. See (JE at 6; T. II at 103). The trial court included these items in its

findings of fact.

       {¶46} The trial court also made several findings regarding the length of time the

minor child had lived with the foster parents and the degree of bonding that had developed

over that time. The court found that the child was placed in the foster parent's home on

March 27, 2015, three days after birth, where the child has remained since. (JE at 5). The

court found that "[foster mother] testified that as of the December 6, 2016 hearing date,

the child is twenty and a half (20 ½) months old, and that the child has bonded with her

as a parent and they are extremely close." (JE at 5; T. II. at 102). The court also found

that the child was also bonded with his foster father and the rest of the family. (JE at 5).

Additionally, two Muskingum County Children Services' workers testified that they had

visited the foster parents’ home and they were bonded with the child as parents. "The

[foster parents] have done wonderful providing for the child, and that [the foster parents]

have always presented appropriate, loving and caring, and have provided for the child's

basic and special needs since being placed in their care." (JE at 6).

       {¶47} Based on all of the testimony, the trial court ultimately decided that it was in

the best interests of the child to continue in care and custody of the foster parents and

therefore, placed the child in the legal custody of the foster parents. Both of the child’s

biological parents were residents of the State of Ohio, and the placement with the foster

parents made visitation with the parents and half siblings more feasible than placement

in North Carolina. Both parents were awarded supervised visitation at the discretion of

the Appellees.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                       14

       {¶48} It is well established that the trial court, as the fact finder, is free to believe

all, part, or none of the testimony of each witness. State v. Caldwell (1992), 79 Ohio

App.3d 667, 679, 607 N.E.2d 1096. In contrast, as an appellate court, we neither weigh

the evidence nor judge the credibility of the witnesses. Our role is to determine whether

there is relevant, competent and credible evidence upon which the fact finder could base

its judgment. Cross Truck v. Jeffries (February 10, 1982), Stark App.No. CA–5758.

       {¶49} The discretion granted to the trial court in custody matters "should be

accorded the utmost respect given the nature of the proceedings and the impact the

court's determination will have on the lives of the parties concerned." In re Smith, 1998

Ohio App. LEXIS 517 (Feb. 17, 1998), Brown App. No. CA97-04-011, unreported, citing

Miller v. Miller (1998), 37 Ohio St. 3d 71, 74, 523 N.E.2d 846.

       {¶50} Based on the foregoing, we find that the trial court’s finding that granting

legal custody to the foster parents was in the best interest of C.B-W. was supported by

the evidence.

       {¶51} The Second Assignment of Error is overruled.

                                                  III.

       {¶52} In her Third Assignment of Error, Appellant-Mother argues that the trial court

committed plain error in allowing the testimony of Candy Barr, a licensed social worker.

We disagree.

       {¶53} The admission or exclusion of evidence rests in the sound discretion of the

trial court. State v. Sage (1987), 31 Ohio St.3d 173, 510 N.E.2d 343, paragraph two of

the syllabus. The term “abuse of discretion” connotes more than an error of law or

judgment; it implies that the court's attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                     15

Wilmington Steel Products, Inc. v. Cleveland Elec. Illum. Co. (1991), 60 Ohio St.3d 120,

122, 573 N.E.2d 622, 624.

         {¶54} Evid.R. 701 permits lay witnesses to express opinions that are 1) rationally

based on the witness's perception and 2) helpful to the determination of facts that are at

issue.

         {¶55} However, the Rules of Evidence have limited applicability in most

dispositional proceedings, see Evid.R. 101(C)(6) and Juv.R. 34(B)(2).1 Pursuant to

Juvenile Rule 34(B), the court has discretion to admit opinion evidence that it finds

material and relevant.

         {¶56} Upon review of the record, we find that Ms. Barr testified that she was a

licensed social worker, who has worked in that capacity in the state of Ohio for 28 years.

(T. II. at 59). She further testified that she coordinated a counseling program for foster

parents and adoptive parents, for training, crisis intervention, placement, educational

difficulties, and provide counseling directly to some children in the program. (T. II. at 60).

She testified that she had 450 ongoing training hours, with 85% of that involving foster

1 Evid.R. 101(C)(6):
(C) Exceptions.
These rules (other than with respect to privileges) do not apply in the following
situations:
***
(6) Other rules.
Proceedings in which other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court govern matters
relating to evidence.

Juv.R. 34(B)(2):
(B) Hearing procedure. The hearing shall be conducted in the following manner:
(1) ***
(2) Except as provided in division (I) of this rule, the court may admit evidence that is
material and relevant, including, but not limited to, hearsay, opinion, and documentary
evidence.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                      16

care trauma, attachment, things like that." (T. II. at 60). Ms. Barr also testified that she

had been an independent consultant and trainer with Ohio Child Welfare Training

Program out of the Institute for Human Services in Columbus, Ohio, for approximately 12

years. (T. II. at 60). She stated that she had a bachelor's degree in social work, and a

master's degree in education, and that as part of licensing as a social worker she has

ongoing training in trauma and attachment in the foster care system. (T. II. at 61). Further,

she testified that she drafted curriculum for the Ohio Child Welfare program for the State

of Ohio, which dealt with separation loss and placement of children in Children Services

agencies. (T. II. at 62).

       {¶57} Ms. Barr went on to testify that she had met with the minor child in this case

in the home of the foster parents, and that she observed that the child made eye-contact

with them, they mirrored her expressions, that the child sought out the foster parents and

siblings in the house for affection, requested things, and that they were very responsive

to her. (T. II. at 63). She further testified that in her opinion the child was bonded with the

foster parents (T. II. at 64).

       {¶58} When asked about the effects of moving a child out of a placement after 18

months, Ms. Barr testified that would be a difficult time to move children. (T. II. at 64). She

went on to explain the difficulties of placing children at that age because of their limited

language skills, and their dependence of their sensory world, and changing caregivers at

that age can cause anxiety and frustration and emotional development can start over,

because the new care giver hasn't established trust and attachment. (T. II. at 65-66).

Upon objections regarding speculation by the witness, the trial court asked Ms. Barr if she

had experience as a clinician and based upon that experience did she feel she could
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                      17

answer the question - which pertained to the risks of moving a child after an extended

placement. (T. II. at 67). The witness responded in the affirmative. The trial court then

found that the hearing was a dispositional hearing and that the rules of evidence did not

apply. The court also found that the witness had not been qualified as an expert but that

he would permit her to give a lay opinion based upon her experience. The objection was

overruled. (T. II. at 67).

       {¶59} Upon review, we find that the trial court did not accept the witness as an

expert. Further, in its decision, the trial court made the following sole finding of fact as to

Ms. Barr’s testimony:

               Candy Barr, a social worker and independent consultant and trainer

       for Ohio Child Welfare Training Program for the Institute for Human

       Services in Columbus, Ohio, testified that based upon her observation she

       believed the child was bonded with the foster parents and that disrupting

       that bond at this point in time may place the child at a higher risk of future

       negative consequences and behaviors.

       {¶60} We find that such testimony was a lay opinion based on Ms. Barr’s

experience. We further find that based on her qualifications and experience, the trial court

had the discretion to admit her testimony as material and relevant.

       {¶61} As to Appellant's argument that the witness should not have been permitted

to read from Adverse Childhood Experience Study, we again find that Juvenile Rule 34

(B) provides the trial court with discretion to admit evidence that is material and relevant,

including but not limited to hearsay, opinion and documentary evidence.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                   18

      {¶62} Based on the foregoing, we do not find the trial court erred in allowing Ms.

Barr’s testimony at said hearing.

      {¶63} The Third Assignment of Error is overruled.

                                                IV.

      {¶64} In her Fourth Assignment of Error, Appellant-Mother argues that she was

denied the effective assistance of counsel.

      {¶65} A parent has a fundamental liberty interest in the care, custody, and

management of his or her child. See In re Gower/Evans Children, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas

No. 06AP060034, 2006–Ohio–5676, 2006 WL 3071339, ¶ 28, citing Santosky v. Kramer

(1982), 455 U.S. 745, 753, 102 S.Ct. 1388, 71 L.Ed.2d 599. In Ohio, the statutorily

permissible dispositional alternatives in a dependency, neglect, or abuse case are

enumerated in R.C. 2151.353(A). See, e.g., In re S.Y., 5th Dist. Tuscarawas No.

2011AP040018, 2011–Ohio–4621, ¶ 31. In particular, R.C. 2151.353(A)(3) provides: “

             If a child is adjudicated an abused, neglected, or dependent child,

      the court may make any of the following orders of disposition: * * * Award

      legal custody of the child to either parent or to any other person who, prior

      to the dispositional hearing, files a motion requesting legal custody of the

      child or is identified as a proposed legal custodian in a complaint or motion

      filed prior to the dispositional hearing by any party to the proceedings. * * *.

      {¶66} In comparison, the disposition of committing an abused, neglected, or

dependent child to the permanent custody of a public children services agency or private

child placing agency is addressed in R.C. 2151.353(A)(4). Thus, legal custody and
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2017-0025                                                   19

permanent custody in this context are alternative dispositional choices. See In re Fell, 5th

Dist. Guernsey No. 2004–CA–39, 2005–Ohio–2415, ¶ 17.

       {¶67} This Court has recognized “ineffective assistance” claims in permanent

custody appeals. See, e.g., In re Utt Children, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2003CA00196, 2003–

Ohio–4576. However, we have not expanded the doctrine of ineffective assistance of

counsel beyond criminal cases and those involving permanent custody. See In re

Logwood, 5th Dist. Guernsey No. 2004–CA–38, 2005–Ohio–3639, ¶ 26. The matter

before us did not result in an order of permanent custody to ACDJFS. See, also, R.C.

2151.011(B)(32). We therefore will not further address Appellant's fourth Assignment of

Error. Accord In re W.A., 5th Dist. Muskingum No. CT2013–0002, 2013–Ohio–3444, ¶¶

31–33; In the matter of L.J.W., 5th Dist. Ashland No. 16 COA 13, 2016-Ohio-7054.

       {¶68} For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas,

Juvenile Division, Muskingum County, Ohio, is affirmed.

By: Wise, J.

Gwin, P. J., and

Baldwin, J., concur.

JWW/d 1113