Court Opinion

ID: 9891442
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-18 16:10:27.627837+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:47:21.629973
License: Public Domain

J-S27013-23

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT O.P. 65.37

 IN RE: ADOPTION OF: A.H.B., A          :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
 MINOR                                  :        PENNSYLVANIA
                                        :
                                        :
 APPEAL OF: J.M., FATHER                :
                                        :
                                        :
                                        :
                                        :   No. 459 MDA 2023

               Appeal from the Decree Entered March 1, 2023
    In the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County Orphans' Court at
                            No(s): 2022-00743

BEFORE: BENDER, P.J.E., BOWES, J., and SULLIVAN, J.

MEMORANDUM BY BENDER, P.J.E.:                   FILED OCTOBER 18, 2023

      J.M. (“Father”) appeals from the decree entered on March 1, 2023, in

the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County Orphans’ Court, which

granted the petition of J.S. (“Mother”) and N.S. (“Stepfather”) (collectively

the “Petitioners”), for termination of Father’s parental rights to his minor

daughter, A.H.B. (“Child”) (born in August of 2012), pursuant to Sections

2511(a)(1) and (b) of the Adoption Act, 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2101-2938.        After

careful review, we affirm.

      The orphans’ court provided a detailed recitation of the facts and

procedural history of this case, which we need not reproduce herein. See

Orphans’ Court Opinion (“OCO”), 4/26/23, at 1-20. Briefly, Mother and Father

were never married. Mother became pregnant with Child at the age of 15 and

ended her relationship with Father shortly thereafter. Father believed Mother

had a miscarriage and was not informed of Child’s birth at the time. Father
J-S27013-23

met Child for the first time in September of 2020, when she was eight years

old. Mother and Father decided to live together and raise Child together as a

family. They moved in with Father’s friends for the first few months. Father

almost immediately became abusive toward both Mother and Child.           He

stopped working, and Mother provided for them financially.     In January of

2021, Mother, Father, and Child moved in with Maternal Grandmother and

Step-Grandfather for approximately six weeks. Father did not perform any

parental duties for Child. He found Child’s behavior to be annoying and gave

her CBD gummies to calm her down. Mother and Father then moved into a

row house, but Child stayed with Maternal Grandmother because the row

house was not suitable for a child and Mother did not believe it was safe for

Child to be with Father. Father did not visit Child or provide any financial

support for Child while she was living with Maternal Grandmother.

     On June 30, 2021, Mother and Father moved out of the row house and

into an apartment where Child joined them. During the first night in the new

apartment, Mother and Father began arguing and Father threw Mother into a

wall and to the ground. He inflicted bruises and cuts on Mother and broke one

of Mother’s fingers.   Child witnessed the altercation.   Mother obtained a

temporary protection from abuse (“PFA”) order against Father. On September

7, 2021, a final PFA order was entered, which remains in effect until

September 7, 2024. Child is not a protected party in the PFA order. Mother

has not had any contact with Father since the incident on the night of June

30, 2021. Also, since that time, Father has not reached out in any manner to

                                    -2-
J-S27013-23

Child, nor has he paid any child support for her. He has not sent any gifts or

cards to Child, has not inquired about her schooling or medical status, and

has not attempted to file for custody. Child is afraid of Father.

      Shortly after June 30, 2021, Stepfather moved in with Mother and Child

and began financially supporting Child.    Mother and Stepfather married on

February 21, 2022. Stepfather and Child adore each other. On March 22,

2022, Mother and Stepfather filed a petition for adoption and termination of

Father’s parental rights. The orphans’ court appointed a guardian ad litem

(“GAL”) to represent Child’s best interests and separate counsel to represent

her legal interests.   Both the GAL and Child’s legal counsel support the

termination of Father’s parental rights and report that there is no bond

between Father and Child. Hearings were held on the termination petition on

December 2, 2022, and on January 26, 2023. The orphans’ court issued a

decree terminating Father’s parental rights to Child pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. §

2511(a)(1) and (b) on March 1, 2023.

      Father filed a timely notice of appeal, as well as a concise statement of

the errors complained of on appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a)(2)(i). The

orphans’ court filed a responsive opinion on April 26, 2023. Herein, Father

presents the following four issues for our review:

      I.    Whether the court erred in terminating Father’s parental
            rights to … Child because the Petitioner[s] failed to prove by
            clear and convincing evidence that Father’s parental rights
            should be terminated under 23 Pa.C.S.[ §] 2511(a)(1).

      II.   Whether the court erred in terminating Father’s parental
            rights to … Child because the Petitioner[s] failed to prove by

                                     -3-
J-S27013-23

             clear and convincing evidence under 23 Pa.C.S.[ §] 2511(b)
             that it is in … Child’s best interest for Father’s parental rights
             to be terminated.

      III.   Whether the court erred in failing to consider that Father
             was not told of … Child’s existence until she was eight years
             old and that he did not have scientific proof that he was …
             Child’s biological father until several months after the
             petition for adoption and termination of parental rights was
             filed with the court.

      IV.    Whether the court erred in failing to consider the effect of
             the [PFA] order on Father’s attempts to have contact with …
             Child.

Father’s Brief at 8 (cleaned up).

      We review an order terminating parental rights in accordance with the

following standard:

      When reviewing an appeal from a decree terminating parental
      rights, we are limited to determining whether the decision of the
      trial court is supported by competent evidence. Absent an abuse
      of discretion, an error of law, or insufficient evidentiary support
      for the trial court’s decision, the decree must stand. Where a trial
      court has granted a petition to involuntarily terminate parental
      rights, this Court must accord the hearing judge’s decision the
      same deference that we would give to a jury verdict. We must
      employ a broad, comprehensive review of the record in order to
      determine whether the trial court’s decision is supported by
      competent evidence.

In re R.N.J., 985 A.2d 273, 276 (Pa. Super. 2009) (quoting In re S.H., 879

A.2d 802, 805 (Pa. Super. 2005)). Moreover, we have explained that:

      The 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. (quoting In re J.L.C. & J.R.C., 837 A.2d 1247, 1251 (Pa. Super. 2003)).

The trial court is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence presented

                                        -4-
J-S27013-23

and is likewise free to make all credibility determinations and resolve conflicts

in the evidence.   In re M.G., 855 A.2d 68, 73-74 (Pa. Super. 2004).           If

competent evidence supports the trial court’s findings, we will affirm even if

the record could also support the opposite result. In re Adoption of T.B.B.,

835 A.2d 387, 394 (Pa. Super. 2003).

      We are guided further by the following: Termination of parental rights

is governed by Section 2511 of the Adoption Act, which requires a bifurcated

analysis.

      Our case law has made clear that under Section 2511, the court
      must engage in a bifurcated process prior to terminating parental
      rights. 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) (citing 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511;

other citations omitted). The burden is upon the petitioner to prove by clear

and convincing evidence that the asserted grounds for seeking the termination

of parental rights are valid. R.N.J., 985 A.2d at 276.

      Instantly, we analyze the orphans’ court’s decision to terminate under

Sections 2511(a)(1) and (b), which provide as follows:

                                      -5-
J-S27013-23

      (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:

            (1) The parent by conduct continuing for a period of
            at least six months immediately preceding the filing of
            the petition either has evidenced a settled purpose of
            relinquishing parental claim to a child or has refused
            or failed to perform parental duties.

                                    ***

      (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. With respect to any petition filed pursuant
      to subsection (a)(1), (6) or (8), the court shall not consider any
      efforts by the parent to remedy the conditions described therein
      which are first initiated subsequent to the giving of notice of the
      filing of the petition.

23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(1), (b).

      On appeal, Father essentially avers that the orphans’ court erred in

concluding that the Petitioners demonstrated, by clear and convincing

evidence, that he evidenced a settled purpose of relinquishing his parental

claim to Child. Father avers that he was not able to perform any parental

duties to Child because of the PFA order that Mother obtained against him.

Father’s Brief at 15, 18. He claims that he took steps to try to have contact

with Child, but that each attempt was thwarted by Mother and Stepfather. Id.

at 18. Father stresses that he “only had a few months to form a relationship

and bond” with Child due to Mother’s keeping Child’s existence a secret from

him for the first seven years of her life, and he accuses the orphans’ court of

                                     -6-
J-S27013-23

being “dismissive” of this fact. Id. at 19. Additionally, Father states that he

could not afford to retain an attorney, that he was not aware of the Self-Help

Center at the Lancaster County Courthouse, and that he was under the

impression that he needed to wait until the termination proceedings were

concluded before filing a custody action. Id. at 18.

      In reviewing Father’s arguments, we have considered the briefs of the

parties, the certified record, and the applicable law. We have also assessed

the detailed and well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable Jeffrey J. Reich of the

Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County. Judge Reich’s opinion thoroughly

explains the basis for his conclusion that the Petitioners established, by clear

and convincing evidence, that Father’s parental rights with respect to Child

should be involuntarily terminated pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511(a)(1) and

(b). See OCO at 23-27. Judge Reich points out that Father has not seen

Child, nor has he performed any parental duties, since July 1, 2021. Id. at

23. Additionally, he opines that during the time that the family was intact,

Father performed minimal to no parental duties and failed to provide Child

with love, comfort, protection, or support. Id. at 24. Notably, Judge Reich

recognizes that Father was not aware of Child’s existence for many years;

however, he emphasizes that when Father was given the opportunity, he “did

little, if anything, to nourish a positive bond” with Child. Id. at 25-26. See

also id. at 26 (“Father was largely disinterested in … Child, routinely displayed

anger and physical aggression toward Mother within … Child’s purview, and

on occasion was cruel to … Child.”).     Judge Reich also addresses Father’s

                                      -7-
J-S27013-23

claims regarding the effect that the PFA order had on his relationship with

Child. See id. at 26-27. The record confirms that Judge Reich’s decisions

regarding both Sections 2511(a) and (b) are supported by ample, competent

evidence.   Therefore, we adopt his opinion as our own, and we affirm the

decree granting the petition to involuntarily terminate Father’s parental rights

for the reasons set forth therein.

      Decree affirmed.

Judgment Entered.

Benjamin D. Kohler, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 10/18/2023

                                     -8-
                                                                                             02:57 PM
                                                                       Circulated 09/29/2023 02-57

 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LANCASTER COUNTY,                     PENNSYLVANIA
                     ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION

IN RE:

       A.H.B.
       A.H.B                                          No.    0743 of
                                                                  0£ 2022

                                                       INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION

                              OPINION
                              OPINION SUR APPEAL
                                          APPEAL
       This opinion is written in response to an appeal                    from this

court's grant of a
                 a Decree which involuntarily terminated the
                             4.M.
                             Jo w
parental       rights of                        as birth    father ((hereinafter,
                                                                     hereinafter,

"Father")
Father")           A.H.B. ((who
                of A.H.B.   who    is   referred to hereinafter as the

"Child").
ChLl".

      PROCEDURAL
      PROCEDURAL HISTORY
                 HISTORY OF TERMINATION OF
                         TERMINATION
                         OF             OF PARENTAL
                                           PARENTAL RIGHTS
                                                    RIGHTS CASE
                                                           CASE
        The Child was born on August 3,              2013.     Petitioners
                                                               Petit10gs              •
 14..S.
 N.S.
                (hereinafter,
                (hereinafter, "Stepfather")
                               Stepfather")           and
                                                             .3.8. 22e
n/b/m
                  L;                            (hereinafter,
                                                (hereinafter, "Mother")
                                                               Mother")       filed a
                                                                                    a

Petition for Adoption and Termination of                    Parental Rights     on March

22,
22,    2022, by
             by their counsel, James D. Wolman,                 Esquire.    The

Respondent,
Respondent,
            63
                    ➔•t'•         ((hei::einaftei::,
                                    hereinafter, ""Father")
                                                     Father")       was    served by       a

constable with the          Petition     for Adoption and Termination of

Parental Rights        on May     11,   2022.     By Order dated June 23,          2022,

Robert    S.
          S,    Cronin,    Jr.,   Esquire,      was appointed legal interest

attorney for the Child.             By Order dated September 2,            2022,

Patricia L.
         L        Dunlevy Williams, Esquire, was appointed guardian ad

litem
item for the Child at the               request of Attorney Cronin.
                                                            Cronin,            By Order
dated September         21,        2022,   H.   Allison Wright,     Esquire,     was

appointed as        counsel         to represent     Father.

       The court held hearings on the termination of parental

rights petition on December 2,                    2022,   and on January 26, 2023.

The Decree terminating                Father's parental          rights was docketed on

March    1,    2023.
               2023     Father timely filed a
                                            a Notice of Appeal on March

24,   2023.

                                      FINDINGS
                                      FINDINGS OF FACT
        1.      The Child was born on August                3,    2012.
                                                                  2012. ((N.T.
                                                                          N.T.    12/2/2022

 at page       5)
                       4.s.
                       J•S•
        2.
        2                                                            Child. ((N.T.
                                                is the mother of the Child.   N.T.

12/2/2022       at page   5)

        3.      Mother    is self-employed creating paintings and jewelry

and selling them on the internet.
                        internet. ((N.IT.
                                    N.T.                         12/2/2022   at page    62)

        4.          2±                is the     father of the Child.
                                                               Child. ((N.T.
                                                                        N.T.

12/2/2022       at page       6)
                                                KS•
                                                N.S.
        .
        5.      Mother married                                    on February 21,      2022.

(N.T.    12/2/2022 at page 5)

        6.      Stepfather is employed as a
                                          a cook.   N.T. 12/2/2022 at
                                            cook. ((N.T.

page    63
        63))

        7.      Stepfather has             known Mother since April of 2021.
                                                                       2021, ((N.T.
                                                                               N.T.

12/2/2022       at page 138)
        8.    Stepfather has          supported the Child since he           started

living with them shortly after June                   30,   2021.
                                                            2021  ((N..
                                                                    N.T.     12/2/2022 at

pages    141 -   142)

        9,
        9.    The Child has her own bedroom at the apartment of

           Stepfather. ((N
Mother and Stepfather.   N.T.
                           T.                  12/2/2022 at pages     143-144)

        10.   Stepfather and the
                             the Child adore each other.
                                                  other. ((N.T.
                                                           N.T.

12/2/2022     at page     121)

        11.   Mother was        15   years     of age when the Child was born.

(N.T.    12/2/2022      at page 6)

        12.   Mother met        Father when she was          14
                                                             l4   years of age and

Father was       18   years   of     age. ((N.T.
                                     age.   N.T.      12/2/2022 at page      8
                                                                             8 and page

165)

        13.   Father impregnated Mother soon after she turned 15

years    of age.
            age. ((N.T.
                   N.T.         12/2/2022       at page 8)

        14.
        1%    In the     fall       of 2011,    Mother took
                                                       too aa pregnancy test and

informed Father that            it was positive.
                                       positive. ((N.T.
                                                   N.T.            12/2/2022 at pages      88

-
- 9
  9 and pages         50
                      50 --   51)

        15.   Mother was        not happy about having            Father's   child

because Father was            abusive to her.
                                         her  ((N.T.
                                                N.T.          12/2/2022 at page      9)
                                                                                     9

        16.   During the         time they were
                                           were        in a
                                                          a relationship before the

Child was born,         if Mother       said something that displeased           Father,

he would threaten Mother with violence.
                              violence. ((N.T.
                                          N.T.                       12/2/2022   at page

9)
9

                                                -3
                                                -3-
        17.
        17      During this same time period, Father threatened Mother

with a
     a knife because           Father thought Mother was          cheating on him.
                                                                              him

Father choked Mother in her              sleep because Father didn't           like

something Mother did while              she was      sleeping.    Father    shot a
                                                                                 a BB

gun at the ceiling purposely and kind of ricocheted it and it hit
gun

Mother multiple times.
                times                Father was      also mad that Mother didn't

want to talk to him alone after Motter
                                Mother broke up with him and

Father took
       took a
            a glass mug full of cigarettes                   and ashes and threw it

in Mother's           face.
                      face. ((N.T.
                              N.T.    12/2/2022 at page 10)

         18.
         8.     While
                Whie she was pregnant
                             pregnant with the Child in late December

2011 or early
        early January 2012, Mother broke up with Father, moved in

with her mother and stepfather                in York County,      and told her

friends        that    she had miscarried so that,          in the event Father were

to come and look for her,              it would not be to see the child.

 (N.T.
 (N T.    12/2/2022       at pages 10 and pages 167
                                                167 -- 168)
                                                       168)

         19.
         19,     The Child was
                           was born at Hershey Medical Center on August

3,     2012.     Father was not       informed of the birth of the Child.

 (N.T
 (N.T.    12/2/2022       at pages    10 --   11)

         20.
         20      Mother continued her          schooling and received aa high

       diploma. ((N.T.
school diploma.   N.T.               12/2/2022      at page 11)

         21.     For the first        seven years of the
                                                     -he Child's           life,   Mother

 and the Child lived with Maternal Grandmother and Step-

 Grandfather in York,           Pennsylvania.
                                Pennsylvania  ((N.T.
                                                N.T.         12/2/2022      at pages 11
                                                                                     1l -

 12)

                                               -4-
     22.
     22      When the Child was    seven and a
                                             a half years old,           Mother

and the Child moved to Coatesville,          Pennsylvania,   where they

lived with
      with Mother's sister for aa little less than a
                                                   a year.
                                                     year. ((N.
                                                             N.T.
                                                                T.

12/2/2022 at page 12)

     23.     In August
                August of 2020,     Mother's   sister confronted Mother

about the Child's father and urged Mother to work on a
                                                     a

relationship
relationship with
             with him.
                  him ((N
                        N.T.
                          T.         12/2/2022 at page     12)

     24.     Mother reached
                    reached out to Father via         social media and

informed Father that he had a
                            a daughter.           Father met the Child for

the first time on September        11, 2020.
                                       2020 ((N.T.
                                              N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 13

and pages 168
          168 -- 169)

     25.     Father and Mother then decided they would live together

and raise the Child together.
                    together ((N.T
                               N.T.          12/2/2022 at page 171)

     26.      Subsequently,    Mother and the Child moved in with

Father,
Father,     who
            who was   staying with friends.     This arrangement         lasted

from September
     September 2020 to July 1,                N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 13
                                      2021. (IN.T.
                                      2021

and page

     27.
             171)

              Father's friends were
                                             S. H .
                                             S.H.
                                                             I and
                                                                     c..
                                                                     C•1.
              Their home was located at      217-A
                                             217- North Duke Street,

Lancaster,     Pennsylvania.
               Pennsylvania  ((N.T.
                               N.T.    12/2/2022 at pages        13 --   14)

      28.     After living with Father for two weeks,            Father's vile

behavior became constant,        and included his losing his temper,

 name calling,
      calling,      insults,   and verbal abuse directed at Mother and

                                       -5-
                                       -S-
                                   front of the Child.
the Child causing Mother to cry in front        Child. ((N.T
                                                         N.T.

12/2/2022       at page    14)

        29.
        29,     At this time,         Mother worked at Brandywine Hospital         in

Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and Father was a
                                          a line cook.
                                                 cook. ((N.T.
                                                         N.T.

12/2/2022       at pages      14
                              14 --   15)
                                      15

        30.     Father    stopped working and Mother had to quit her job
                                                                     1ob

due to her being sick with staph meningitis.
                                 meningitis. ((N.T
                                               N.T.                      12/2/2022 at

pages    15
         15 -    16)

        31.     While Mother,         Father,   and the Child were      residing in

their friends'         home    in Lancaster,      Pennsylvania,      Father performed

no parental duties
            dut es            for the Child.
                                      Child. ((N.T
                                               N.T.      12/2/2022     at pages   86 --
87)
87
        32.     During this       time,     Father punished the Child for no

reason at all.
          all. ((N.T
                 N.T.             12/2/2022     at page 89)

        33.     Mother's      friend observed Father give the
                                                          the Child

melatonin gummies which caused the Child to pass out.
                                                 out. ((N.T.
                                                        N.T.

12/2/2022 at page 89)

        34.     The only activity Father engaged with the Child was

playing video games.
              games. ((N.
                       N.T..                12/2/2022 at page 90)

        35.
        35,     Mother's friend observed that             Father choked Mother to

the extent that he
                re left marks,on
                        marks on Mother's neck.
                                          neck. ((N,T,
                                                  N.T.                     12/2/2022

at page 91)

        36.     Father and Mother continued to live with the friends

and the Child was enrolled in cyber                   school.   At   this time,   the

                                                -6-
                      underway. ((N.T.
COVID-19 pandemic was underway.
€OVID-19                          N.T. 12/2/2022 at pages 16 and

86)

        37.
        37,    When Mother was      employed, Mother's morning routine was

to wake the Child up,
                  ap,         get her food, get her dressed,               and get her

set up
    up for cyber school.            By contrast,       Father would be laying

down,    watching television,
                  televusion,        be on his phone,
                                               pnone,          and playing video

games. ((N.T.
games.   N.T.         12/2/2022    at page   17)

        38.    After Mother       stopped working,      she used her               o
                                                                           savings to

provide       for everything the       family needed,     incluaing paying rent,
                                                          including

purchasing mattresses,                   on. ((N.T.
                                  and so on.   N.T.      12/2/2022    at pages 17
                                                                               17 --

18)

        39.
        39,     Mother,   Father,    and the Child moved out of their

friends'       home   in January 2021 and went to live with Maternal
                                                            Maternal

Grandmother and Step- Grandfather in York,
                Step-Grandfather                          Pennsylvania.        Mother,

Father and the Child lived at the Maternal Grandparents'                       home   for

about    five to      six weeks.     Mother's brother was also living with

Maternal Grandmother and Step- Grandfather at that
                         Step-Grandfather                             time. (N.T.
                                                                      time.  N.T.

12/2/2022       at page 19 and at page        112)

        40.     During this    time,    Mother worked at the post office in

Lancaster.        Father was          working. ((N.T.
                                  not working.   N.T.          12/2/2022   at page 20)

        41.     The Child
                    Crild continued with cyber school while living with

the Maternal Grandparents
             Grandparents. ((N.T.
                             N.T.                  12/2/2022    at page 21)
        42.    While Mother was   at work,
                                     wor,     Maternal Grandparents
                                                       Granaparents         and

Mother's brother took care of the Child.
                                  Child. ((N
                                           N.T.
                                             T.               12/2/2022     at page

21)
21

        43.     The Child was
                          was very active,        playful,   and loved
                                                                 oved people.

Father    found the Child's behavior to be annoying and he gave her

adult- strength CBD gummies
adult-strength      gumies        to calm her down.
                                              down. ((N
                                                      N.T.
                                                        T.          12/2/2022     at

page 22)

        44.     Father believes the Child has Attention           Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder.
              Disorder ((N..
                         N.T.         1/26/2023 at page 34)

        45.     When Father was a
                                a teenager,        he lived for    five years

with a
     a woman who had young children.               Based upon the    knowledge

that    Father gleaned during this      time,      Father believes that he has

aa sufficient basis to parent a
                              a young girl.
                                      girl.              ((N
                                                           N.T.
                                                             T    1/26/2023 at

pages    35
         35 -    36)

        46.
        46      Father looked into the use of adult-strength
                                              adult- strength CBD
                                                              CB

gummies       and decided it was appropriate to give
                                                g.ve them to the Child.

(N.T.
(N T.    1/26/2023     at pages 35
                                35 -- 36)

        47.
        47,     Mother did not approve of Father giving the Chi_d
                                                            Child the

CBD gummies,       but when she tried to discuss        the issue with
                                                                  with Father,

he would start a
               a fight.
                 fight. ((N.T.
                          N.T.        12/2/2022      at page 22)

        48.     Father pressured Mother to give the Child the CBD

gummies. ((N,T
gummies.   N.T.        1/26/2023 at page    74)
       49.   Mother felt   she was   in a
                                        a hopeless      situation where   she

was unable to prevent      Father    from giving CBD gummies to the

Child. ((N.T.
Child.   N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 61)

       50.
       50,   Maternal Grandmother      knew Father gave the Child CBD

gummies.
gummies.     Father claimed that the Child needed to calm down and

stop
stop being rambunctious.       Maternal Grandmother's assessment was

that the Child was       simply being a
                                      a child displaying normal energy

levels.
levels. ((N.T.
          N.T.   12/2/2022    at page 109)

       51.           gummies caused the Child to be in a
             The CBD gummies                             zombie- like
                                                       a zombie-like

state which would last       3
                             3 to   4
                                    4 hours.
                                      hours. ((N,T.
                                               N.T.     12/2/2022 at page       23)

       52.   When the family lived with the Maternal Grandparents,

if the Child was hungry all         she could have was     cereal.
                                                           cereal      Father

would not wake up to tend to her needs.
                                 needs  ((N.T
                                          N.T.             12/2/2022    at page

104)

       53.
       53    Father performed no parental duties          for the Child when

the family was living with the Maternal Grandparents.
                                        Grandparents. ((N.T
                                                        N.T.

12/2/2022    at pages 105-106)

       54.   Mother performed all parental duties for the Child

except
except while     she was away at work.
                                 work. ((N.T.
                                         N.T.      12/2/2022   at page    110)

       55.   Maternal Grandmother heard the Child exclaim that
                                        the child                          she

hates her life and that       Father is mean to her.        Immediately

afterward,    Father claimed the Child had thrown her laptop

computer.
Computer      However,    the laptop computer had simply fallen on the
                          tne

floor.
floor. ((N.T
         N.T.     12/2/2022   at pages   110 -
                                             -   111)

                                       -9-
        56.     Maternal Grandmother observed that Mother,                    Father,   and

the Child never appeared to be a
                               a happy family.
                                       family. ((N
                                                 N.T.
                                                   T                           12/2/2022
                                                                               12/2/2022

at page       112)

        57.
        57      Maternal Grandmother confronted Father about not

following the house rules,               but he   just ignored her.
                                                               her. ( N.T.

12/2/2022       at page    114)

        58.     Mother,    Father,   and the Child had to leave
                                                          leave the Maternal

Grandparents' home because restrictions in the Maternal

Grandparents' housing development excluded persons with aa

criminal record from residing there and Father had such a
                                                        a record.

(N.T.    12/2/2022     at page     25)

        59.
        59      Mother was able to find aa row house for them to move to

located at       430   South Queen Street,          Lancaster,   Pennsylvania.
                                                                 Pennsylvania

Mother and Father moved to that               location in February 2021.
                                                                   202l. ((N.T.
                                                                           N.T.

12/2/2022       at pages    25 -
                               -   27)
                                   27

        60.     The Child did not move with Mother and Father to the

row house because Mother believed it was
                                     was not                     safe    for the Child

to be with Father.           Mother told
                                    to_id Father that the row house was                  not

suitable for the Child because the Child
                                   Ch'Id has asthma and the place

smelled like cigarettes;             in addition,      there were       roaches   and mice

in the        row house.
                  house. ((N.T.
                           N.T.      12/2/2022      at pages   26 -     27)

        61.      Despite these conditions, Father thought nothing was

wrong with the row house.
                   house. ((N.T.
                            N.T.                  12/2/2022 at page 27)

                                             -10-
        62.   Mother and Father lived
                                ived at the           row house until June

2021.     Mother missed the Child very
                                  very much.
                                       much            Mother visited the

Child often and talked to her on the telephone every day.
                                                     day. ((N.T.
                                                            N.T.

12/2/2022     at page 28)

        63.
        63,   Father did not work
                             work during this          time
                                                       time,   Mother paid all

of their household expenses.
                   expenses. ((N.T.
                               N.T.             12/2/2022   at page 28)

        64.
        64,   Mother did not have enough income to give Maternal

Grandparents money for the           support of the Child.
                                                    Child  ((N
                                                             N.T.
                                                               T.        12/2/2022

at page 30)

        65.
        65,   Father never asked Mother to drive him to York to see

the Child.
    Child. ((N.T
             N.T.        12/2/2022    at page   31)

        66.   Father never contributed money for the           support of the

      while the Child was living with the Maternal Grandparents.
Child whie                                         Grandparents

(N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 31)

        67.   On June 30, 2021, Mother and Father moved out of
                                                            af the

row house.      Mother did not       like the neighborhood.
                                              neighborhood        The

relationship between Mother and Father was              strained.       Father was

not happy they were moving.
                    moving. ((N.T.
                              N.T.              12/2/2022   at pages    31-32)

        68.
        68    Mother's    family helped Mother and Father move to an

apartment
apartmert     on Michelle Drive in Lancaster,
              or                                       Pennsylvania,      where the

Child would be able to join them.
                            them, Father did nothing to assist

with the move.
wIth     move. ((N.T.
                 N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 32 and page 116)

        69.
        69    During the    first night they were       in the new apartment,

Mother was happy to be        living in a
                                        a much nicer
                                               ricer place than the row

                                         -11-
house.       Father complained about Mother's         family members     still

being there after they did all the moving in extremely hot

weather.
weather. ((N.T.
           N.T.         12/2/2022   at page 34 and page 116)

       70.
       70,    Mother tried to comfort the Child because              she was

nervous about being around Father.               Father asked Mother     for a
                                                                             a

cigarette lighter, which Mother gave to him.
                                        him,                   Father and Mother

started arguing and Mother tried to get              Father to lower his

voice.
voice        Father then threw Mother into a
                                           a wall.
                                             wall. ((N.T.
                                                     N.T.             12/2/2022 at

page   35)

       71.     Mother called the police.
                                 police            Father then threw Mother to

the ground
    qround and      left.
                    left. ((N.T.
                            N.T.      12/2/2022    at page 36)

       72.     Father    inflicted bruises      and cuts on Mother.      Father

broke one of Mother's         fingers.
                              fingers. ((N.T.
                                         N.T.       12/2/2022 at page    36)

       73.     Father was    gone by the time the police arrived.
                                                         arrived. ((N.T
                                                                    N.T.

12/2/2022      at page 36)

       74.     The Child witnessed
                         witressea the altercation between Mother and

Father.
Father. ((N.T.
          N.T.      12/2/2022 at page       192)

       75.     Stepfather had to break up the altercation between

Mother and Father.
           Father. ((N.T.
                     N.T            12/2/2022    at page 140)
                                                         140

       76.     At the time of the altercation,          the Child sent a
                                                                       a text

message to Maternal Grandmother that               said "please
                                                         Please come back,

daddy hit mommy." ((N.T.
                    N.T.        12/2/2022    at page    118)

       77. Later that
       77Later               same night, the Child sent another text

message to Maternal                        r don't want to be
           Materna Grandmother that said " I

                                        -12-
here.      Please get me out of here.               Daddy's bad."
                                                            bad + ((N.T.
                                                                    N.T.         12/2/2022

at page 118)
        118

         78.
         78     When the Maternal Grandparents arrived at                 the

apartment, Mother, Stepfather and the Child were
                                            were apparently

traumatized.                      gone. ((N.T.
                       Father was gone.   N.T.         12/2/2022   at page       119)

         79.    The next morning,      Father appeared at          the apartment

screaming.
screaming         Mother refused to open the door.             Father threw rocks

and aa lighter at her window.
                      window. ((N.T.
                                N.T. 12/2/2022 at pages 36
                                                        36 -- 37)

         80.    Mother called the police again but            Father was         gone by

the time they arrived.
              arrived. ((N.T.
                         N.T.               12/2/2022 at page       37)
                                                                    37

         81.    Mother next obtained a
                                     a temporary protection from abuse

Order against Father.
              Father            The order was vacated because Mother

failed to appear for the hearing.
                         hearing. ((N.T.
                                    N.T.                  12/2/2022                37 -
                                                                          at pages 37 -

38)

         82.     Mother filed aa second petition for protection from

abuse,
abuse.         After   aa hearing held in Father's absence ((after
                                                             after he had

been served with notice of the hearing)                  Mother obtained a
                                                                         a final

order on September 7,          2021.
                               2021         The    final protection from abuse

order remains
      rema ns          in effect and will expire on September               7,    2024.
                                                                                  2024

 (N.T.    12/2/2022      at pages    39 -
                                        -    40,    Petitioner's Exhibit 2)

         83.     Father did not appear            for either protection from abuse

hearing.         Father claims      that his " derealization disorder"
                                             "derealization

prevented him from appearing.
                   appearing  ((NT
                                N.T.                   1/26/2023 at page         32)

                                             -13-
        84.   The Child is not a
                               a protected party in the final

protection from abuse order.

        85
        85.   Father has not        appeared at Mother's residence since the

final protection        from abuse order has been in effect,
                                                     effect. ((N.
                                                               N.T.
                                                                  T.

12/2/2022     at page    152)

        86.   Mother has had no contact with Father since June 30,

2021.
202..     Since that date,         Father did not reach out          in any manner to

ask to see the Child nor did he pay any child support for her.

(N.T.    12/2/2022   at page 40)

        87.
        87,   Stepfather and Mother filed their petition                 for adoption

and termination of parental rights on March 22,                  2022.
                                                                 2022. ({N.T.
                                                                         N.T.

12/2/2022     at page    43)

        88.
        88,   Father has not        seen the Child since on or about             June

30,   2021. ((NT
      2021.   N.T.      12/2/2022       at page   48;
                                                  48,   1/26/23 at page     8)

        89.
        89    Father claimed he had no way to contact Mother.
                                                      Mother  ((N.
                                                                N.T.
                                                                  T

12/2/2022     at page 168)

        90.
        9.    Father believes that
                              that          if he tried to see        the Child,    the
                                                                                    the

police would be called due to the protection from abuse order in

effect against him.
               him.            ((N.7
                                 N.T.   12/2/2022   at page   196)

        91.   Father claims        he tried to      contact Maternal Grandmother

on July 23,     2021,    in attempt to see the Child but that he

received no response.
            response. ((N.T.
                        N.T.              1/26/2023
                                           /26/2023 at pages     44 -- 5)

                                           -14-
        92.    Father    claims that he attempted to contact Stepfather

in July 2021,         December 2021,      and January 2022,         with no success
                                                                            success.

(N.T.    1/26/2023      at pages   5
                                   5 --   6)

        93.    Father claims that he            sent   Stepfather    aa message via

Facebook Messenger to           inquire about who
                                              who was
                                                  was            representing
                                                                 representing Mother

in order to make arrangements              to    see the Child.
                                                         Child. ((N.T.
                                                                  N.T.       12/2/2022

at pages 147
         14 - 150)

        94.    Stepfather stated that he could not receive aa message

via Facebook Messenger           from Father because his account             is   set up

to block messages          from any person who is not Stepfather's
                                                      Stepfather' s

Facebook friend and Father was not                    Stepfather's    Facebook    friend.
                                                                                  friend

(N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 150)

        95.
        95      Father contacted Mother's              sister    in an attempt to talk

to Mother's          attorney.
                     attorney. ((N.T.
                                 N.T.     12/2/2022 at pages          65 - 66)
                                                                      65

        96.     Father    signed an acknowledgment of paternity with
                                                                with

regard
regard to the Chid
              Child on two occasions
                           occasions.                     On one occasion,       Father

signed the acknowledgment form on October 2, 2021.
                                             2021                         Father mailed

the   form with his        signature ((but
                                       but without Mother's             signature)    to

the   Pennsylvania Department             of Human
                                             Euman Services.
                                                   Services. ((N.T.
                                                               N.T.         12/2/2022

at pages       196 -
                   -    199;   Respondent's      Exhibit    3)

        97.
        97      Father thought it was necessary                 for him to
                                                                        to complete       the

acknowledgment of paternity form before he would be able to file
                                                            f_le

a
a child custody action            in respect to the Child.
                                                    Child. ((N
                                                             N.T.
                                                               T.            12/2/2022

at page       198)

                                               -15-
       98.    Father   filed a
                             a reverse paternity action through the

Lancaster County Domestic Relations Office,
                                    Office.                   At the
                                                                 the hearing

(which occurred during the             summer of 2022),       Mother acknowledged

that   Father is the biological              father of the Child,      but   Father

wanted DNA testing.
           testing. ((N.T.
                      N.T.             12/2/2022    at page    43)

       99.
       99,    The   DNA test,    the    report of which was          received in the

Domestic Relations Office on June 21, 2022, proved that Father is

the biological
    biological       father of the Child.
                                   Child. ((N.T.
                                            N.T.          12/2/2022       at pages 201

- 202;
  202,     Respondent's     Exhibit     4)

       100.    Father was    aware     in January 2021
                                                  202l    of the court        self help

center in the courthouse and that he had the ability to file a
                                                             a

custody complaint against Mother without the assistance of an

attorney,     but          d d not do so.
                    Father did        so. ((N
                                            N.T.
                                              T.          12/2/2022 at page           199;

N.T.
N..    1/26/2023     at page    33
                                33)

       101.
       0_.     Father has not held a
                                   a job
                                     ob             since he last worked at a
                                                                            a

restaurant      from July to November 2020.
                                      2020. ((N.T.
                                              N.T.              12/2/2022     at page

161)

       102.
       102     Father quit working
                           woring because he got sick.
                                                 sick. ((N.T.
                                                         N.T.

12/2/2022      at page   161)

       103.    Father received pandemic- related unemployment
                               pandemic-related

compensation in the amount             of $$254
                                            254 per week which later increased

to $ 354
   $354      per week
                 week during the years           2020 and 2021.
                                                          202l         Some of the

money came      in the form of a
                               a lump           sum payment of accrued

compensation.
compensation,        The lump sum was either $$14,000.00
                                               14,000.00 0r
                                                         or $ 16,000.00.
                                                            $16,000.00.

                                             -16
                                             -16-
(N.T.    12/2/2022    at pages 162
                               162 -- 163; N.T.
                                           N,T         1/26/2023        at pages 28
                                                                                 28 --

29)

        104.    Father saw no reason to seek a
                                             a job because he had

received the lump sum and was            receiving ongoing unemployment

compensation which was sufficient to cover his
                                           h s needs.
                                               needs. ((N.T
                                                        N.T.

1/26/2023       at pages   28
                           28 --   29)

        105.    Father was    living with Mother when he received the              lump

sum payment.
    parent. ((N.T.
              N.T.           12/2/2022    at pages   162
                                                     162 --      163)

        106.    Father used the unemployment to support Mother and the

Child,    including depositing $ 4,000.00 of the $
                               $4,000.00           14,000.00
                                                 $14,000.00                  into the

bank account
     account which was             jointly titled to      Father and Mother
                                                                     Mother.

(N.T. 12/2/2022 at page 164)

        107.    Father believes that being a
                                           a father to the Child put

him in a
       a tough position because of his not being around the Ch.ld
                                                            Child

for eight       years.
                years. ((N
                         N.T.
                           T.       1/26/2023 at page 8)

        108.    Father has not had a
                                   a driver's          license
                                                       icense       since 2017.
                                                                          217

(N.T.    1/26/2023    at page 14)

        109.
        109,    Father was    convicted of Driving Under the             Influence of

Alcohol    in 2019.
              2019. ((N.T
                      N.T.          1/26/2023   at page    15;    Petitioner's

Exhibit    5)

        110.    Father has a
                           a conviction from 2019             for   simple assault,
                                                                           assau.t,

strangulation,       and recklessly endangering another person.
                                                        person. ((N.T.
                                                                  N.T.

1/26/2023       at page 17;
                        17,    Petitioner's Exhibit         6)
                                                            6y

                                          -17-
        111.     Father was
                        was       on probation at the time when           Father    started

to live with
        with Mother.
             Mother. ((N.T.
                       N.T.              1/26/2023        at page 18)

        112.
        112,     Father was       charged with
                                          with summary harassment for an

offense which occurred on June 22, 2022.
                                   2022. ((N.T.
                                           N.T. 1/26/2023 at

pages    18
         18 --    19;    Petitioner's Exhibit        7)

        113.
        113      Father suffered from derealization disorder which began

in January of           2021 but    ceased in
                                           an July or August of 2021.
                                                                2021. ((N.T
                                                                        N.T.

1/26/2023        at pages    20    and 22)

        114.     Father testified alternatively about the trigger of the
                                                                     the

derealization disorder.               Firstly,    Father stated that        the

condition came about due to compound stress from finding out

about aa child he did not know
                          «now he had, moving in with Mother, and

the stress        of finding a
                             a home          for them and working.
                                                          worsing.         Later,     Father

testified that the condition started when he was in prison in

2019 for about five months.
                    months, ((N.T.
                              N.T.                   1/26/2023 at pages       22 and 24)

        115.
        115.     Father was prescribed Xanax and BuSpar                 for anxiety

                                 derealization. ((N.T.
related to depersonalization and derealization.   N.T.                            1/26/2023

at page 25)

        116.     Wher living with the Maternal Grandparents,
                 When                                                         Father

stayed in
       ir his room due to hostility from Mother's                         family and

admits that he did not parent the Child
                                  Child. ((N.T.
                                           N.T.                         1/26/2023    at page

28)
28
        117.
        117,     Father ceased sending money to Mother after trey
                                                             they

separated on July 1,
                  l,              2021. ((N,
                                  202,    N.T..   1/26/2023     at page     30)

                                              -18-
      118.
      18.    Father claims that
                           that     since    separation from Mother he has

attempted to give the
                  the Child gitts
                            gifts           and cards.
                                                cards             There is no

corroboration for Father's assertions
                           assertions.               (N.T. 1/26/2023 at page
                                                     (N.T.

38)

      119.   Since Father's separation from Mother, Father has not

inquired about the Child's progress           in    school.         (N.T.
                                                                    (N.T.    1/26/2023

at pages 39
         39 -- 40)

      120.   Father resides with his mother,               Tina Mann (" Paternal
                                                                      t"Paternal

Grandmother").
Grandmother". ((N T.
                N.T.      12/2/2022    at page       160)

      121    The last time Paternal Grandmother saw the Child was in

January
January or February of 2021.
                       202l.         (N.T. 1/26/2023 at page 47)
                                     (N.T.

      122.
      22.    Paternal Grandmother had the Child occasionally for

sleep-overs,
sleep-ovens, ((N.T.
               N.T.     1/26/2023   at pages       47
                                                   47 --    48)

      123.   Paternal   Grandmother indicated she bought Christmas and

birthday gifts    for the Child. ((N,T.
                      the Child.   N.T.        1/26/2023 at page              49)

      124.
      124     Paternal Grandmother
                       Grardmother testified that on August                    4,     2021,

she had a
        a stack of gifts      for the Child and that                she went     to

Mother's
Mothers      residence with the gifts but was              told she would be

arrested if     she tried to see the Child.
                                     Child. ((N.T
                                              N.T.                 1/26/2023     at page

51)

      125.    Mother stopped the Child's       sleep-overs at               Paternal

Grandmother's home because of the presence of cocaine in the

home. ((N.T.
home.   N.T. 1/26/2023 at page 75)

                                      -19-
        126.   The Child has a
                             a belief that God is important to her and

Father has made       fun of her for having such a
                                                 a belief.
                                                   belief. ((N.T
                                                             N.T.

12/2/2022      at
               a. page    47)

        127.   Since Father last saw the Child at the end of June

2021,    he has not      sent   any gifts or letters for the Child,

inquired about her schooling or medical             status,    has not   sent

birthday cards,       and has not attempted to file          for child custody.

(N.T.    12/2/2022    at page     67)

        128.
        128    The Child is      afraid of Father.
                                           Father. ((N.T.
                                                     N.T.      12/2/2022   at page

115)

        129. The Child states that she hates Father.
        129,                                 Father. ((N.T.
                                                       N.T.

12/2/2022      at page 121)

        130.
        130,   The Child is      glad that Father is not in her life since

the    incident that triggered the protection           from abuse action of

June 30, 2021
         2021.        ((N
                        N.T.
                          T     12/2/2022 at page   145)

        131.   The Child's legal interest
                                 irterest attorney contends on the

Child's behalf that Father's parental rights should be

terminated.
terminated  ((N.T.
              N.T.         1/26/2023    at pages 83
                                                 83 - 84)

        132.
        132    The Guardian
                   Guarian ad litem supports the termination
                                                 term.naton of

Father's parental rights           and indicated there      is no bond between

Father and Child.
           Child. ((N,T.
                    N.T.           1/26/2023 at pages      84 -- 86)
                                                           84

                                 CONCLUSIONS
                                           OF
                                 CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

        1.     The   Petitioners
                     Pet'tioners proved by clear and convincing evidence

that:

                                         -20-
             (a)    Father,    by conduct   continuing                  a
                                                          for more than a

period of    six months preceding the filing of the petition,             either

has evidenced a
              a settled purpose of relinquishing parental                claim

to the Child or has      refused or      failed to
                                                to perform parental
                                                           parental duties.

[23 Pa.C.S.A.
.23 Pa.C.S.A. §S 2511 ((8)(1]
                        a)(1)]

     2.      The Petitioners proved by clear and convincing evidence

that termination of Father's parental              rights will best    serve the

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

Child because the Child
                  Ch.ld is in need oft
                                   of aa nurturing, loving and aa

stable home
       bome environment,         which   Father has    failed to provide,    and

the severance of the bond between the Child and Father will have

little    impact upon the Child.
                          Child. [(23
                                   23       Pa.C.S.A.
                                            Pa.C.S.A. §$ 2511 ((b)]
                                                                b)]

                                   DISCUSSION

     In termination of parental           rights    cases, the burden is upon
                                                                         apon

the petitioner to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the

asserted grounds for seeking the termination oi
                                             of parental rights

are valid.     In
               in   re 5..,
                       S.H.,    879 A.2d 802, 806 ((Pa.Super.
                                                    Pa.Super. 2005)
                                                              2005

          The standard of clear and convincing evidence is
     defined as testimony that is so
                                   sa ""clear,
                                        clear, direct, weighty
     and convincing as to enable the trier of fact
                                                 tact to come
     to a
        a clear conviction, without hesitance, of the truth
     of the precise facts in issue."    In re J.L.C.
                                               J.L.C. &4 JR.C
                                                         J.R.C.,
     837 A.2d 1247, 1251 ((Pa.Super,
                           Pa.Super. 2003)

     In matters      involving    involuntary termination of parental

rights,    the appellate      standard
                              stardard of review is as      follows:

          The standard
              stanuard of review in termination of parental
     rights cases requires appellate courts ""to
                                              to accept the
     findings of fact and credibility determinations of the

                                         -21-
       trial court if
                   If they are supported by the record."
                                                record.    in re rn
       Adoption of S.P., [616 Pa. 309, 325, 47 A.3d 817, 826
                   S P., 1616
       (2012)]. ""If
       (20121].   If the factual findings
                                 find.ngs are supported,
       appellate courts review to determine if
                                            if the trial
                                                   tria. court
       made an error of law or abused its discretion,"
                                          discretion." Id.
                                                        Id
       "[A]
         [A] decision may bee reversed for an abuse of
       discretion only upon demonstration of manifest
       unreasonableness, partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill-   ill
       will."
       will," Id.
                Id, The trial court's decision, however, should
       not be reversed merely because the record would support
       aa different result. Id. At [[325-26,
                                       325-26, 47 A.3d       827.
                                                   A 3d at] 827
       We

                                                            R.
       ie have previously emphasized our deference to trial tr al
        courts that often have first-hand
                                 first -hand observations of the
       parties spanning multiple hearings.       See in re R.J.T.,
                                                                 T.,
        [608                   A 3 1179, 1190 ((2010)1.
         608 Pa. 9, 26-27, 99 A.3d                2010)].
        In re T. S.M. , 620 Pa. 602, 628, 71 A.3d
               T.S.M.,                         5.3d 251, 267
        (2013)
        (2013).   " he
                    The trial court is free to believe
                                                 beleve all, part,
        or none of the evidence presented and is likewise free
        to make
           axe all credibility determinations and resolve
        conflicts in the evidence." In re  re M.G. & 0.G., 855 A.2d
                                                   8 J.G.,       A 2d
        68, 73-74
             73-74 ((Pa Super. 204{citation
                     Pa.Super. 2004)(citation omitted).    "(I]f
                                                omitted). "[ I]f
        competent evidence supports the trial court's findings,
                                                           find.ngs,
            wii. affirm even if the record could also support
        we will
        the opposite result." In re Adoption of T.B.B., 835
        A.2d 387, 394 ({Pa.Super.
                         Pa.Super. 2003)(citation
                                    203)(citation omitted).
                                                    omitted}.

       The termination of parental
                          parenta_.   rights is governed by Section

2511   of the Adoption Act, 23 Pa. C.S.A.
                                   C.S.A. §§
                                          $$ 2101-2938, and

requires aa bifurcated analysis of the grounds       for termination

followed by the needs and welfare of the child.

                  case law
             Our Case  law has made clear that under Section
       2511, the court must engage in a  a bifurcated process
       prior  to  terminating parental rights.
                                       rights    Initially,
                                                 Initally, the
       focus is on the conduct of the parent.
                                         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).
       25114a).    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):
                                                    2511(b).
       determination of the needs and welfare under the
       standard of best interests of the child.      One major
       aspect  of  the needs and welfare  analysis  concerns the

                                    -22-
        nature and status       of the emotional bond between parent
        and child, with close attention paid to the effect on
                                          any such
        the child of permanently severing ary suat bond.  In re
        L.M., 923 A.2d       505,   511 ((Pa.Super.
                                          Pa.Super.   2007)(citations
                                                      2007(citations
        omitted).

A.      Termination p.slant to
        Termination pursuant t0 23 Pa. C.S.A.S
                                   2a. C.S.A. § 2511(a)(1)
                                                25111a 4l

        There are two approaches          to a
                                             a finding of grounds         for

termination of parental             rights under this subsection of the

statute.     Both require the court to examine the period of at

least    six months prior       to the    filing of the petition.
                                                        petition           If,   during

that period of time, aa parent exhibits ((l) a settled purpose or
                                          1) a

       to
intent to    relinquisn aa parental
             relinquish                     claim OR ((2) a failure to perform
                                                       2) a

parental duties,        the court may then conclude that            grounds      to

terminate exist.
          exist

        In this   case, the subject petition was filed on March 22,

2022.     Six months prior to that date would be              September 22, 2021
                                                                            2021.

The evidence is undisputed that Father has not seen the Child nor

performed any parental duties             since   July 1,
                                                       l,   2021.
                                                            202l.

        Our appellate courts have instructed us to not mechanically

apply the six-month period preceding the filing of the petition,

but to cons.der
       consider the entire history of the               case.       In   following

this precept,      it   is   evident that
                                     tnat    Father has not performed any

parental duties as the          Superior Court has defined them for well

beyond the    six-months
              six- months      time period.

        As the Superior Court has explained:
                                  explained. " There
                                                ere is no simple or

easy definition of parental duties.
                            duties                 Parental duty is best

                                          -23-
understood in relation to the needs            of a
                                                  a child.        A
                                                                  A child needs

love,    protection,
         protection,   guidance,    and support.        These needs,       physical

and emotional, cannot be met by aa merely passive interest in the

development of a
               a child.        Thus,    this    court has held that         the

                    is
parental obligation is       a positive duty,
                             a                        which requires

affirmative performance.
            performance,           Because   aa child needs more than aa

benefactor,       parental duty requires       that
                                               that   a
                                                      a parent exert himself to

take and maintain a
                  a place of          importance in the child's life."
                                                                life.                  In

re B.,    N.M.,    856 A.2d 847, 855 ((Pa.Super,
                                       Pa.Super. 2004)

        The
        he    family ((consisting
                       consisting of Mother,          Father,    and the Child)       was

intact    from approximately September          11,    2020,    until   July   1,   2021.

If Father performed any parental duties during that time, his

performance was minimal       in nature.
                                 nature         He did not provide the Child

with love,      comfort, protection, or support.
                                        support,               Father's   focus on

his needs was       far more important to him than providing for the

Child's physical and emotional needs.                 The Child was hungry while

under Father's       supervision.     Father drugged the Child so that                she

would settle down and not                him,
                                   annoy him.     Father exhibited aggression

toward the Child and belittled her,             as demonstrated during the

incident where       the Child dropped the       laptop computer.          Father's

focus on his       own various disorders overrode any concerns he might

have had regarding the welfare of the Child.                    Father    failed to

provide love and comfort to the Child while the                   family was

intact.
ntact.        In addition,   the   record establishes that          Father tends       to

                                        -24-
be abusive toward the Chi.d
                      Child as he was toward Mother.                  Father

never demonstrated any reasonable          firmness    in attempting to see

the Child after the       family separated.
                                 separated,      Father knew he could

pursue a
       a child custody action with minimal expense and effort.

        In summary,   grounds    for the termination of        Father's parental

rights under §
             $ 2511
               2511 ((a)(1)
                      a)(1)         have been proven by clear and

convincing evidence.

B.    Needs     and welfare of the child
                                   child pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S.A. §
                                                  to23Pa.C.S.A.    S

2511 ( b)
251
b
        The
        "he court must next determine whether terminating Father's

parental    rights to the Child will best        serve the developmental,

physical,     and emotional needs      and welfare of the Child.           See,   23

Pa.   C.S.A. §
      0.S.A. $ 2511 ((b).
                      b).       "Intangibles   such as   love,    comfort,

security,       and stability are involved in the inquiry into the

needs    and welfare of the child.
                            child."        In re C.M.S.,       884 A.2d 1284,

1287
1297 ((Pa.Super.
       Pa.Super.      2005)   An examination of the parent- child bond is
                                                    parent-child

required,       where the court must    assess the effect upon the child

of severing that bond.          Expert testimony is not        required.
                                                               required      See In
                                                                                 In

re K.K.R.-S.,
   K.K.R -S.,       958 A.2d
                        A 2a 529,    533 ((Pa.Super.
                                           Pa.Super.   2008)

        There    are unusual circumstances in the present case,             in that

Father was not aware of the Child's            existence for many years.
                                                                  years

However,    Mother,    at the urging of her sister, sought to re-
                                                              re

establish a
          a relationship with Father and to make a
                                                 a family with

him and the Child.        During the time period that          the   family was

                                        -25-
intact    an  +he opportunity to build positive relationships was
          and the

present,      Father did little,   if anything,      to nourish a
                                                                a positive

bond between the Child and him.           Father was     largely disinterested

in
in the Child,      routinely
                   routinely displayed anger and physical            aggression

toward Mother within
              w.thin the Child's purview,             and on occasion was

cruel to the Child
             Child.

        Father   complains that the court erred in not considering

that    Father was
               as unaware of the Child's existence until               she was

eight    years   of age and he did not have genetic proof he was the

biological       father until   several months     after the petition for

termination was       filed.

        The   court cannot condone Mother's act of
                                                oft not informing

Father of the birth of the
                       tre Child for aa period of              seven years    even

though there was       aa significant history of abusive behavior by

Father.       The compelling    fact   remains   that when Father was
                                                                  was given

the chance to be a
                 a parent to the Child,             he   failed.    He
                                                                    Ee did not

behave as an interested,         engaged parent; he did little,
                                 engage                                  if

anything, to provide the Child with love, comfort, and security.

        Father complains that the court erred in not               considering the

effect that the active protection           from abuse order had on

Father's      attempts to see the Child.         The protection      from abuse

order was      a
               a roadblock
                 roadblocx that    Father had to overcome          in order to

have access       to the Child but     Father    failed to demonstrate

reasonable       firmness,   or for that matter, any firmness in

                                        -26-
   overcoming this roadblock.
                   roadblock              Father
                                          Father knew
                                                 knew he
                                                      he could
                                                         could have
                                                               have brought
                                                                    brought a
                                                                            a

   child custody action but he did not take that minimal step
                                                         step to

   protect his relationship with the Child.
                                     Child,

           The Child deserves aa nurturing, loving, and stable home
                                                               home.

   The Child presently enjoys a
                              a home possessing
                                     possess.ng these

   characteristics with Mother and Stepfather.                 The Child's needs

   are met and her welfare is being promoted in her present
                                                    present home.

   Father's    on-going
               on- going presence in the Child's life would only disturb

   the peace the Child now enjoys.

                                        CONCLUSION

           The issues raised by Father in his Notice of Appeal lack

   merit    and the    Decree      entered March 1,   2023,   should be affirmed.

                                                  »moon,
                                                  BY THE C

   Dated:   April     26,   2023
                                                              •  u
                                                                 _,
                                                                 REICH,
                                                                  JUDGE
                                                              • /REICH,

                    -a
4to¢
       Deputy •
              1_I

                                            -2.