Court Opinion

ID: 4574920
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-10-09 09:08:26.766763+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:47:22.466244
License: Public Domain

If this opinion indicates that it is “FOR PUBLICATION,” it is subject to
                 revision until final publication in the Michigan Appeals Reports.

                          STATE OF MICHIGAN

                            COURT OF APPEALS

                                                                     FOR PUBLICATION
In re BENAVIDES, Minors.                                             October 8, 2020
                                                                     9:00 a.m.

                                                                     No. 352581
                                                                     Wayne Circuit Court
                                                                     Family Division
                                                                     LC No. 2018-001587-NA

Before: MARKEY, P.J., and K. F. KELLY and TUKEL, JJ.

PER CURIAM.

        Respondent appeals as of right the trial court’s order removing the minor children, LKB
and ZMB, from his custody following the preliminary hearing when it authorized a supplemental
petition. We conclude that the trial court did not err in removing the minor children from
respondent’s custody because there was sufficient evidence that respondent presented a substantial
risk of harm to the children when he engaged in “roughhousing” with them over the objection of
the caseworker, the children received suspicious bruises from the roughhousing, and one child
required hospital treatment for a visible handprint on his face. This evidence satisfied the
requirements of MCL 712A.13a(9) to support the removal. Additionally, there was no violation
of the requirements that respondent receive notice of the placement, the agency’s responsibility to
prepare an initial services plan, the elements of the plan, and respondent’s voluntary participation
in the plan. MCL 712A.13a(10). The precipitating event for the notice to respondent did not occur
because the children were placed with their paternal uncle and not removed from their home in
light of respondent’s voluntary decision to leave the family home. Additionally, the preparation
of an initial services plan was unnecessary where respondent was required to participate in services
in light of his domestic violence involving the children’s mother. Therefore, finding no errors
warranting reversal, we affirm. This appeal is decided without oral argument. MCR
7.214(E)(1)(b).

                      I. BASIC FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

        In September 2018, child protective services (CPS) commenced proceedings after the
mother suffered from substance abuse issues that endangered LKB. Although it was known that
the mother and respondent, the children’s father, were engaged in domestic violence, there was no
indication that respondent physically abused the children. Consequently, the children were placed

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in respondent’s care. In May 2019, a petition was filed seeking removal of the children from
respondent after an incident of domestic violence occurred by respondent against the mother in the
presence of the children. Ultimately, respondent was convicted of domestic violence and placed
on probation. Additionally, the children missed 50 days of school while living with respondent,
and he refused to allow access to his residence for a home assessment. However, the children’s
paternal uncle allowed CPS into the home to perform the assessment. Respondent was court-
ordered to complete parenting, domestic violence, and anger management classes. Respondent
resided in a home with the children, the paternal uncle, and the children’s grandmother.

        The children continued in respondent’s custody until January 2020, when petitioner, the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), filed a supplemental petition against
respondent. It was alleged that he physically abused ZMB in late December 2019, and the agency
sought the children’s removal from respondent’s care. Specifically, the caseworker requested a
change of plan petition because respondent slapped ZMB on the face that caused severe bruising
and a bloody nose. ZMB was treated at an urgent care facility which apparently documented an
observable handprint on the child’s face, but he was nonetheless released to the care of respondent.
Additionally, the children had a history of unexplained bruises that respondent attributed to
“roughhousing.” The caseworker had requested that respondent stop this activity. To prevent
removal of the children, DHHS had previously referred respondent to domestic violence and anger
management classes. The agency also had conducted family team meetings, made home visits,
and placed the children in a safety plan with the paternal uncle. However, respondent was only
partially compliant with his treatment plan, and he was terminated from parenting classes.

        The children’s mother was not yet a viable placement because she had not sufficiently
completed her treatment plan. Although respondent was also given a treatment plan and allowed
to keep the children in his custody while participating in services, the supplemental petition now
concluded that there was a risk of harm and sought the children’s removal. However, the
caseworker sought to place the children with their paternal uncle with whom they were currently
residing. Because respondent lived with the children and the paternal uncle, respondent agreed to
move out of the home to prevent disruption to the children’s living arrangement. The trial court
authorized the supplemental petition and ordered the minor children to be removed from
respondent’s custody and placed with DHHS, but their physical residence continued to be with
their uncle.1

                                 II. CHILDREN’S REMOVAL

        Respondent alleges the trial court erred in removing the minor children from his custody
because there was insufficient evidence to support the requirements of MCL 712A.13a(9) and
MCR 3.965(C)(2). Specifically, respondent contends that the safety plan with the paternal uncle
and the lack of additional injury between the urgent care visit and the preliminary hearing
demonstrated that the children were not subject to a substantial risk of harm, and therefore, the
safety plan could continue. We disagree.

1
  Our examination of the lower court record reveals that the children were returned to the care of
their mother shortly after the preliminary hearing authorizing the supplemental petition.

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        A trial court’s factual findings are reviewed for clear error. In re COH, ERH, JRG, & KBH,
495 Mich. 184, 191; 848 NW2d 107 (2014). A finding is only clearly erroneous if an appellate
court “is left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made.” In re Diehl, 329
Mich. App. 671, 687; 944 NW2d 180 (2019) (quotation marks and citation omitted).

        “At the preliminary hearing, the court must decide whether to authorize the filing of the
petition and, if authorized, whether the child should remain in the home, be returned home, or be
placed in foster care pending trial.” In re McCarrick/Lamoreaux, 307 Mich. App. 436, 448; 861
NW2d 303 (2014), quoting MCR 3.965(B)(11) (quotation marks omitted). A child may only be
placed in foster care if a court finds all of the following conditions:

                 (a) Custody of the child with the parent presents a substantial risk of harm
         to the child’s life, physical health, or mental well-being.

                 (b) No provision of service or other arrangement except removal of the child
         is reasonably available to adequately safeguard the child from risk as described in
         subdivision (a).

                (c) Continuing the child’s residence in the home is contrary to the child’s
         welfare.

                (d) Consistent with the circumstances, reasonable efforts were made to
         prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child.

                (e) Conditions of child custody away from the parent are adequate to
         safeguard the child’s health and welfare. [MCL 712A.13a(9).2]

If the trial court orders placement of the child in foster care, it must make explicit findings that “it
is contrary to the welfare of the child to remain at home,” MCR 3.965(C)(3), and “reasonable
efforts to prevent the removal of the child have been made or that reasonable efforts to prevent
removal are not required,” MCR 3.965(C)(4). See also McCarrick/Lamoreaux, 307 Mich. App. at
449.

        Angelita Pierce, a foster care worker, testified that respondent slapped ZMB causing the
child’s nose to bleed and leaving a handprint-shaped bruise on his face. Respondent told Pierce
he was just roughhousing with the child. This was not the first time one of the children had injuries
respondent claimed were from roughhousing. Respondent had a history of domestic violence
against the children’s mother in their presence. He was referred to anger management, domestic
violence, and parenting classes. Although respondent began those services, he had not completed
them. After this incident, a safety plan was put in place, and the paternal uncle agreed to prevent
the abuse of the minor children.

        In light of Pierce’s testimony, the referee found “it’s, clearly, contrary to the welfare of
these two boys to remain in their father’s care because of the allegation of severe physical abuse.”

2
    MCR 3.965(C)(2) is identical in substance to MCL 712A.13a(9).

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The referee also concluded that respondent’s physical abuse and inappropriate discipline of the
children placed them at an extreme risk of harm. The referee also indicated on the form order that:
(1) it would be contrary to the welfare of the minor children to remain in respondent’s custody, (2)
reasonable efforts to prevent removal of the minor children from the home were made, (3)
respondent having custody of the minor children would present a substantial risk of harm to the
children, (4) no reasonably available service would adequately safeguard the minor children from
the risk of harm, and (5) conditions of custody away from the minor children’s home were adequate
to safeguard the minor children. The trial court adopted the referee’s recommendation.

        The trial court’s findings were not clearly erroneous. The court’s order considered all five
requirements of MCL 712A.13a(9). Respondent’s argument—that the safety plan involving the
paternal uncle or other additional services would have been sufficient to protect the minor
children—is unpersuasive. The children had a history of suspicious bruises, and respondent failed
to stop “roughhousing” with the children despite the agency’s request. Further, the bruising and
missed schooling occurred while DHHS became involved because of the mother’s issues. The
injury to ZMB occurred when respondent had received a treatment plan from DHHS, but
respondent had not engaged in and benefitted from the services. For these reasons, we are not “left
with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made.” Diehl, 329 Mich. App. at 687
(quotation marks and citation omitted).

                         III. NOTICE OF CHANGE IN PLACEMENT

        Respondent also argues that the trial court failed to advise him of his rights under MCL
712A.13a(10) following the placement decision, and this omission constitutes an additional
violation of the law. We disagree.

        If the DHHS becomes aware of additional abuse or neglect of a child under the jurisdiction
of the court and that abuse is substantiated, “the agency shall file a supplemental petition with the
court.” MCL 712A.19(1). “A preliminary hearing is the formal review of the petition.” In re
Hatcher, 443 Mich. 426, 434; 505 NW2d 834 (1993), overruled on other grounds In re Ferranti,
504 Mich. 1; 934 NW2d 610 (2019). At this stage of the proceeding, the court must determine if
the petition should be authorized, and if so, “whether the child should remain in the home, be
returned home, or be placed in foster care pending trial.” MCR 3.965(B)(12). If the petition is
authorized, the court shall order the juvenile placed in “the most family-like setting available
consistent with the juvenile’s needs.” MCL 712A.13a(12). The statute must be liberally construed
to ensure the juvenile receives care, guidance, and control conducive to the child’s welfare and
preferably in the child’s own home. MCR 712A.1(3). If the child is abused by a parent, the court
may order the parent’s removal from the home, and the court shall not leave the child in the home
unless it finds that the individual with whom the child is placed will safeguard him from harm.
MCL 712A.13a(4), (5).

       MCL 712A.13a(10) addresses the child’s placement outside the home and provides:

              (10) If the court orders placement of the juvenile outside the juvenile’s
       home, the court shall inform the parties of the following:

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              (a) That the agency has the responsibility to prepare an initial services plan
       within 30 days of the juvenile’s placement.

             (b) The general elements of an initial services plan as required by the rules
       promulgated under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128.

              (c) That participation in the initial services plan is voluntary without a court
       order. [MCL 712A.13a(10).]

        When interpreting this statute, we give effect to the legislative intent by examining the
plain language of the statute. In Re Ballard, 323 Mich. App. 233, 235; 916 NW2d 841 (2018). If
the statute is unambiguous, the Legislature intended the language as expressed, and the statute
must be applied as written. Id. at 235-236.

          The plain language of MCL 712A.13a(10) contains no remedy for the failure to advise the
parent of the agency’s preparation of an initial services plan and the parent’s voluntary
participation. However, “an error or defect in anything . . . omitted by the court . . . is not ground
for . . . vacating, modifying, or otherwise disturbing a judgment or order, unless refusal to take this
action appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice.” MCR 2.613(A). Moreover, the
statute does not make compliance with MCL 712A.13a(10) a condition for removing a child from
his or her home. Therefore, a trial court’s failure to inform a respondent of the information
required by this provision does not affect the validity of the trial court’s order.

        Respondent contends that the trial court erred by failing to advise that the children’s
removal required the agency prepare an initial services plan, the plan must contain the statutory
elements, and the plan’s participation was voluntary. MCL 712A.13a(10). However, in light of
the plain language of the statute, we conclude that MCL 712A.13a(10) did not apply to
respondent’s circumstances. Although it was concluded that the children needed to be removed
from respondent’s care, it was determined that the children did not need to be removed from their
home where the safety plan with the paternal uncle was established. Rather, respondent agreed to
leave the home to allow the children to remain in the residence to avoid a disruption to the
children’s environment. Thus, the precipitating event, the placement of the juvenile outside the
home, did not occur, and therefore, the trial court was not required to advise of the preparation of
an initial services plan. MCL 712A.13a(10). Moreover, although the petition here stems from the
children’s mother, respondent himself is now also subject to it and has been required to participate
in services because of the domestic violence respondent perpetrated against the mother in the
children’s presence. Because respondent was already required to participate in services, there was
no need to discuss with him an initial services plan, nor was there any need to apprise him of any
conditions per MCL 712A.13a(10). Respondent is not entitled to appellate relief under these
circumstances.

       Affirmed.

                                                               /s/ Jane E. Markey
                                                               /s/ Kirsten Frank Kelly
                                                               /s/ Jonathan Tukel

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