Court Opinion

ID: 4534788
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-05-15 17:11:35.952358+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:37:46.279464
License: Public Domain

[Cite as In re D.T., 2020-Ohio-2968.]

                             IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                                 SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                      LUCAS COUNTY

In re D.T.                                       Court of Appeals No. L-20-1019

                                                 Trial Court No. JC 19273576

                                                 DECISION AND JUDGMENT

                                                 Decided: May 15, 2020

                                            *****

        Laurel A. Kendall, for appellant.

        Bradley W. King, for appellee.

                                            *****

        PIETRYKOWSKI, J.

        {¶ 1} Appellant-mother, M.T.1, appeals the December 31, 2019 judgment of the

Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, which terminated her parental

1
 Despite reasonable efforts, the biological father of D.T. was not identified during the
course of the proceedings.
rights and granted permanent custody of D.T. to Lucas County Children Services

(LCCS).

       {¶ 2} The pertinent facts are as follows. LCCS was granted temporary custody of

D.T. days after her birth in March 2019; D.T. was placed in foster care. The March 18,

2019 complaint in dependency and neglect alleged that in 2011, while living in Michigan,

appellant had a child removed from her custody at birth due to her threats to kill the baby.

The child was eventually returned but her parental rights were terminated in July 2013,

after the child was found to be physically abused. It was further alleged that appellant

had lost custody of two additional children. The complaint also alleged that appellant

had mental health concerns.

       {¶ 3} The original case plan was filed on April 3, 2019, and required that appellant

complete a diagnostic assessment and follow all recommendations including support

groups, counseling, and any prescribed medications and that she complete parenting

classes with an interactive component. The goal of the case plan was reunification.

       {¶ 4} On April 29, 2019, D.T. was found to be a dependent child and temporary

custody was awarded to LCCS. On October 29, 2019, LCCS filed a motion for

permanent custody. A hearing on LCCS’ motion for permanent custody was held on

December 10, 2019. Just prior to commencement, appellant left the courtroom. Counsel

indicated that appellant was uncomfortable and waived her appearance.

       {¶ 5} The family’s LCCS caseworker testified that she was assigned to the case in

March 2019, right after D.T. was born. The caseworker stated that the case was opened

2.
due to appellant leaving the hospital following D.T.’s birth against medical advice and a

report they received that appellant had a history of parenting concerns. The caseworker

stated that she investigated the allegation and discovered that appellant had lost custody

to three prior children: one in St. Louis, one in Michigan, and one in Toledo.

       {¶ 6} Following agency involvement, a case plan was opened offering appellant a

diagnostic assessment and requiring she maintain employment and stable housing. The

caseworker noted that she was concerned about the results of the assessment because she

had observed appellant shut down and walk away from stressful situations. The

caseworker testified that appellant, on at least three or four occasions and out of

frustration, told her she would just sign her rights over and be done with the process.

       {¶ 7} The caseworker stated that appellant completed the assessment, parenting

classes, and had employment and stable housing. Her remaining concerns centered on

appellant’s mental health; LCCS referred appellant for a psychological evaluation which

she completed over eight sessions from July-September 2019. The evaluation took more

time than usual because appellant would walk out during the session and then it would

need to be rescheduled. The evaluation report indicated that appellant did not have the

“adequate emotional resources or sufficient skills to parent her children independently.”

It further stated that with more “direction and intervention” appellant’s skills might

improve. The report was admitted into evidence.

       {¶ 8} The caseworker testified that appellant was not “forthcoming” during the

process and when the report was finished appellant stated that she would not follow any

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of the recommendations, that she was being punished, and that it was unfair. Appellant

called the caseworker the next day and stated that she reconsidered and wanted to

participate in the recommended services. Such recommendations included therapies and

possible medication to help appellant regulate her mood and emotions. The caseworker

stated that appellant did complete a diagnostic assessment on October 11, 2019, but that

she again was not “forthcoming.” Ultimately, it was recommended that appellant

attended therapy; appellant would not complete the psychiatric evaluation necessary to

prescribe medication.

       {¶ 9} The caseworker testified that appellant has failed to acknowledge or address

her mental health issues; she completely shuts down or gets very angry or defensive. The

caseworker stated that this causes concern because appellant cannot regulate her

emotions. The caseworker stated that during her psychological assessment, appellant

became frustrated and broke glass lights in the bathroom.

       {¶ 10} The caseworker stated that her major concern is that after all the services

offered to appellant, and in light of the similar concerns involving appellant’s three other

children, she has not been able to remedy the issues. The caseworker expressed that there

is a difference between technical compliance with the case plan versus actual change.

       {¶ 11} Regarding visitation, the caseworker testified that appellant was not

consistent. Initially, appellant was visiting D.T. two days per week for four hours.

Appellant requested that it be reduced to one day a week for one hour because she was

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going back to work as a home health aide. The caseworker stated that appellant would

frequently call and say she was going to be late, or cancel, or leave early.

       {¶ 12} The caseworker indicated that LCCS has found no relatives to care for D.T.

No father had been identified. The caseworker testified that she believed an award of

permanent custody to LCCS was in D.T.’s best interests because of appellant’s “past

history of losing three children to the same issues as [the caseworker was] working with

her on and not being able to correct those issues.” The caseworker stated that appellant

was closed off and not willing to work to correct the issues.

       {¶ 13} During cross-examination, the caseworker agreed that appellant completed

the case plan requirements. She stated that appellant was supposed to begin therapy

following her October 2019 assessment; she attended one session, canceled the next one

and failed to contact her counselor to reschedule. The caseworker acknowledged that

appellant did “decent” during her visits with D.T. The caseworker explained that

appellant feeds D.T. and changes her diaper but does not seem bonded, or have an

emotional connection with her. Further, if appellant was “corrected” or any parenting

suggestions were made she would get upset and leave.

       {¶ 14} The caseworker testified that appellant has maintained appropriate housing

during the course of the proceedings and completed the parenting program. The

caseworker clarified that appellant did not complete the interactive portion of the

parenting program because appellant felt that she did not need to be observed.

5.
       {¶ 15} The caseworker was questioned about appellant leaving the hospital against

medical advice following the birth of D.T. The caseworker testified that appellant had

explained that she needed to get home to her children who were being cared for by her

sister. This was not true as appellant did not have custody of any of her children and her

sister is deceased. The caseworker testified that D.T. is doing very well in her foster

home and there is a potential for permanency there.

       {¶ 16} The court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for D.T. testified next

regarding her reports and recommendations. The CASA stated that she observed

appellant on several occasions and she appeared very “distant” and uncomfortable talking

about the case. During appellant’s interactions with D.T., the CASA stated that she was

disconnected, not emotionally bonding, and looking at what was going on in the

visitation room. The CASA further testified that despite her urging, appellant refused to

look at the psychological evaluation. The CASA recommended that it was in D.T.’s best

interest to award permanent custody to LCCS. Her reports were admitted into evidence.

       {¶ 17} After the close of the testimony and following a court recess, the court

granted LCCS’s motion for permanent custody of D.T. finding that despite LCCS’

reasonable efforts, D.T. could not and should not be returned to her parents and that it

was in her best interests that permanent custody be awarded to LCCS. The court based

its decision as to the father under R.C. 2151.414(E)(10), and as to appellant,

2151.414(E)(1), (2), (4), (11) and (16). These finding were reflected in the trial court’s

6.
December 31, 2019 judgment entry from which this appeal was taken. Appellant now

raises the following assignment of error for our consideration:

              1. The trial court’s finding that LCCS proved by clear and

       convincing evidence that the minor child herein could not be returned to

       appellant pursuant to R.C. 2151.414(E)(1), (2), (4), and (11) is supported

       by insufficient evidence, and/or is against the manifest weight of the

       evidence.

       {¶ 18} In appellant’s sole assignment of error, she contends that the court’s

judgment was against the weight of the evidence where appellant completed the case plan

services, was employed and maintained stable housing, and where the state failed to

provide evidence on the record as to why appellant’s other children were removed from

the home. We note that in order to terminate parental rights and award permanent

custody of a child to a public services agency under R.C. 2151.414, the juvenile court

must find, by clear and convincing evidence, two things: (1) that one of the enumerated

factors in R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(a)-(e) apply, and (2) that permanent custody is in the best

interests of the child. R.C. 2151.414(B)(1). Clear and convincing evidence is that which

is sufficient to produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the

facts sought to be established. Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118

(1954), paragraph three of the syllabus. The clear and convincing standard requires more

than a preponderance of the evidence, but it does not require proof beyond a reasonable

doubt. Id.

7.
       {¶ 19} “A trial court’s determination in a permanent custody case will not be

reversed on appeal unless it is against the manifest weight of the evidence.” In re A.H.,

6th Dist. Lucas No. L-11-1057, 2011-Ohio-4857, ¶ 11, citing In re Andy-Jones, 10th

Dist. Franklin Nos. 03AP-1167, 03AP-1231, 2004-Ohio-3312, ¶ 28. We recognize that,

as the trier of fact, the trial court is in the best position to weigh the evidence and evaluate

the testimony. Id., citing In re Brown, 98 Ohio App. 3d 337, 342, 648 N.E.2d 576 (3d

Dist.1994). Thus, “[j]udgments supported by some competent, credible evidence going

to all the essential elements of the case will not be reversed by a reviewing court as being

against the manifest weight of the evidence.” C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Constr. Co., 54
Ohio St. 2d 279, 376 N.E.2d 578 (1978), syllabus.

       {¶ 20} R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(a) provides that a trial court may grant permanent

custody of a child to the agency if it finds that, in addition to the placement being in the

best interest of the child:

               The child is not abandoned or orphaned, has not been in the

       temporary custody of one or more public children services agencies or

       private child placing agencies for twelve or more months of a consecutive

       twenty-two-month period, * * * and the child cannot be placed with either

       of the child’s parents within a reasonable time or should not be placed with

       the child’s parents.

       {¶ 21} R.C. 2151.414(E) requires a trial court to find that a child cannot be placed

with either of the child’s parents within a reasonable time or should not be placed with

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either parent if any of 16 factors are met. Here, as to appellant the trial court found that

R.C. 2151.414(E)(1), (2), (4), (11) and (16) applied. These sections provide:

               (1) Following the placement of the child outside the child’s home

       and notwithstanding reasonable case planning and diligent efforts by the

       agency to assist the parents to remedy the problems that initially caused the

       child to be placed outside the home, the parent has failed continuously and

       repeatedly to substantially remedy the conditions causing the child to be

       placed outside the child’s home. In determining whether the parents have

       substantially remedied those conditions, the court shall consider parental

       utilization of medical, psychiatric, psychological, and other social and

       rehabilitative services and material resources that were made available to

       the parents for the purpose of changing parental conduct to allow them to

       resume and maintain parental duties.

               (2) Chronic mental illness, chronic emotional illness, intellectual

       disability, physical disability, or chemical dependency of the parent that is

       so severe that it makes the parent unable to provide an adequate permanent

       home for the child at the present time and, as anticipated, within one year

       after the court holds the hearing pursuant to division (A) of this section or

       for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section 2151.353 of the Revised

       Code;

               ***

9.
              (4) The parent has demonstrated a lack of commitment toward the

       child by failing to regularly support, visit, or communicate with the child

       when able to do so, or by other actions showing an unwillingness to provide

       an adequate permanent home for the child.

              ***

              (11) The parent has had parental rights involuntarily terminated with

       respect to a sibling of the child pursuant to this section or section 2151.353

       or 2151.415 of the Revised Code, or under an existing or former law of this

       state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to

       those sections, and the parent has failed to provide clear and convincing

       evidence to prove that, notwithstanding the prior termination, the parent can

       provide a legally secure permanent placement and adequate care for the

       health, welfare, and safety of the child.

              ***

              (16) Any other factor the court considers relevant.

       {¶ 22} In support of her argument that competent, credible evidence does not

support the trial court’s findings as to R.C. 2151.414(E)(1), that the conditions which

caused the removal were not remedied, appellant relies on a case from this court where

we found that the record lacked an explanation as to why the child was initially removed

from the home; thus, it could not be determined whether the conditions had not been

remedied. In re Alyssa C., 153 Ohio App. 3d 10, 2003-Ohio-2673, 790 N.E.2d 803 (6th

10.
Dist.). In the present case, unlike Alyssa C., the record supports the finding that

appellant’s mental health was the predominant reason for the removal of D.T. The court

concluded that appellant failed to address the concerns by prolonging the psychological

assessment process, refusing to review the results, and, though initially agreeing to

counseling, failing to follow through with sessions.

         {¶ 23} As to R.C. 2151.414(E)(2), appellant contends that there was not enough

time allotted for a true assessment of appellant’s potential for improvement of her mental

health. The court’s and LCCS’ concern was appellant’s failure to even acknowledge that

she had mental health issues.

         {¶ 24} Next, appellant asserts that the lack of commitment factor, R.C.

2151.414(E)(4), was not proved by clear and convincing evidence. Appellant argues that

her statements about signing over her parental rights were borne out of frustration over

the proceedings and that she never followed through. Further, regarding visitation,

appellant states that she requested that her visits be reduced due to returning to work and

she should not be penalized for needing full-time employment to support herself and her

child.

         {¶ 25} Analyzing this factor, the court did not mention appellant’s need to reduce

visitation; rather, the court relied on the testimony that appellant would leave visits early

if she got frustrated, she frequently arrived late to visits, and she canceled some

altogether. The court also noted appellant’s refusal to address her mental health concerns

and her statements about signing over her parental rights.

11.
        {¶ 26} Appellant next takes issue with the court’s R.C. 2151.414(E)(11) finding

that appellant lost custody of three other children. Appellant argues that there is no

evidence as to why or whether the losses were permanent, temporary, or legal, or whether

they were involuntary. Initially we note that appellant left the courtroom prior to the start

of the hearing, returning only to hear the court’s decision, and does not contest her

absence on appeal. R.C. 2151.414(E)(11) placed the burden on appellant to essentially

rebut a presumption, by clear and convincing evidence, that because her parental rights

were involuntarily terminated as to other children, she is not a suitable parent for

additional children. See In re D.C., 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-17-1121, 2017-Ohio-8728,

¶ 40.

        {¶ 27} During the course of the proceedings and at the hearing, LCCS presented

evidence that appellant permanently lost custody of D.T.’s sibling in Michigan. The

child was initially removed due to appellant hearing voices telling her to kill the child.

Later, after regaining custody the child was physically abused and removed permanently.

Though unclear as to the exact circumstances, during the course of the proceedings

appellant acknowledged that she did not have custody of her other two children. We

cannot conclude that the court’s findings as to this factor were erroneous.

        {¶ 28} The final factor relied upon by the court was R.C. 2151.414(E)(16). The

court generally concluded that because appellant has lost custody of three other children,

including permanent custody, and that she is clearly unwilling to even “begin to address

her mental health” permanent custody of D.T. to LCCS was in D.T.’s best interests.

12.
These findings are supported by the record. Based on the foregoing, we hold that the trial

court’s findings under R.C. 2151.414(E) are not against the manifest weight of the

evidence.

       {¶ 29} We further find that the court did not err in finding that the award of

permanent custody to LCCS was in D.T.’s best interests under R.C. 2151.414(D). The

court noted that D.T. had no relationship with appellant, they did not appear to have

bonded, and D.T. had been doing very well living in the home where she had been placed

since birth. The court concluded that D.T. needed a secure, permanent placement.

       {¶ 30} Based on the foregoing, we find that the trial court’s judgment awarding

LCCS permanent custody of D.T. is supported by sufficient evidence and is not against

the weight of the evidence. Appellant’s assignment of error is not well-taken.

       {¶ 31} On consideration whereof, this court finds that substantial justice was done

the party complaining. The judgment of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas,

Juvenile Division, is affirmed. Pursuant to App.R. 24, appellant is ordered to pay the

costs of this appeal.

                                                                        Judgment affirmed.

       A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27.
See also 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4.

13.
                                                                     In re D.T.
                                                                     C.A. No. L-20-1019

Mark L. Pietrykowski, J.                      _______________________________
                                                          JUDGE
Arlene Singer, J.
                                              _______________________________
Gene A. Zmuda, P.J.                                       JUDGE
CONCUR.
                                              _______________________________
                                                          JUDGE

           This decision is subject to further editing by the Supreme Court of
      Ohio’s Reporter of Decisions. Parties interested in viewing the final reported
           version are advised to visit the Ohio Supreme Court’s web site at:
                    http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/ROD/docs/.

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