Court Opinion

ID: 9649896
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 15:12:56.646575+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:24:22.019336
License: Public Domain

CAPPY, Justice,
concurring.
I join in the opinion of the majority, but write separately to address two specific points. Before reaching them I wish to note that both the trial judge and the foster parents should be lauded for their efforts in this difficult case.
First, it should be emphasized that the foster parents recognized the special needs of Tameka and repeatedly asked for assistance and guidance from Children and Youth Services (CYS) in addressing those needs. Prior to having the child undergo a psychological evaluation as requested by the foster parents, CYS recommended placing the child in the South Hills Therapeutic Preschool. When the foster mother complained that this program was not addressing Tameka’s specific problems, she was informed by CYS that she could make alternate arrangements for the child but, they would not be paid for by CYS.
The foster mother chose to do exactly that. She enrolled Tameka in the Montessori School, selecting that program because it was highly structured. Once there the child did improve. The foster mother so strongly believed that the Montessori preschool was the best program for Tameka that she paid the tuition herself.
By the time the requested psychological evaluation finally occurred, Tameka had been in the Montessori school for over four months. Dr. Harway’s evaluation concluded that the child needed a well structured preschool environment and that she seemed to be doing well at the time she was *360evaluated. The report did not make a selection as to which preschool would best suit the child. A fair reading of the entire report supports the trial judge’s conclusion that the school in which the child was enrolled at the time of the evaluation was the preferred place to continue her education.
The second point I which to make is to emphasize the difficult task facing the trial judge. He was forced to decide whether the child should remain in the preschool environment that clearly seemed to be in her best interests, and refuse to order compensation for a foster parent who had been so diligent in seeking the best care for this child; or, to accept the recommendation of CYS and refuse payment for Tameka’s schooling unless she was returned to the less desirable program at South Hills Therapeutic Preschool.
In reaching his decision, the trial judge obviously took great care in adhering to the philosophy that decisions affecting dependant children such as Tameka, should be made on the basis of what is appropriate and needed for the child; not on the basis of financial considerations alone — as recommended by CYS. This decision should not be taken as a means to allow Juvenile Court Judges to ignore the financial restraints of agencies such as CYS; but as only what it is, a decision resting on its own particular facts. Again I reiterate, the efforts of the foster parents and the trial judge in this particular case must be applauded.