In Re Freiburger

395 N.W.2d 300, 153 Mich. App. 251

• Court: Michigan Court of Appeals
• Decided: July 8, 1986
• Docket: Docket 87100
• Status: Published

Opinions

Per Curiam:

Respondent Hiram Freiburger appeals by leave granted from the termination of his parental rights to his daughter, Heidi. We find no error requiring reversal and affirm.

i

In the instant case Mary Ann Tuschak, a psychiatric social worker, testified about her sessions with Heidi Freiburger. Respondent asserts that much of Tuschak’s testimony was inadmissible hearsay.

Hearsay is defined as "a statement, other than one made by [a] declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.” MRE 801(c). A statement may be verbal or nonverbal; a nonverbal statement is defined as the conduct of a person which is intended by him as an assertion. MRE 801(a). Generally, hearsay is inadmissible. To be admissible hearsay evidence must fall within a recognized exception to the rule prohibiting admission of hearsay. MRE 802.

Tuschak testified that at her fifth session with Heidi, Heidi told Tuschak to sit down and watch her show how her daddy "poked and gave her shots.” Heidi then lay down on the floor and placed a male anatomically correct doll on top of her stomach, near the genital area, with the penis of the doll between her legs. This nonverbal conduct was clearly a statement since it was apparently intended by Heidi as an assertion; it was an illustration of what respondent allegedly had done. The testimony was offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted, namely that respondent had sexually abused Heidi. Therefore, this nonverbal conduct was, by definition, hearsay.

Tuschak also testified that Heidi illustrated the sexual abuse for Lenore Landon using two anatomically correct dolls. Again, these nonverbal statements were within the hearsay definition.

In addition, Tuschak stated that when Heidi was asked whether she had been hurt in a sexual way by anyone else Heidi replied, "No, just daddy.” This statement also fits the hearsay definition since it was made out of court (during a session with Tuschak), and was offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted, namely that respondent had sexually abused Heidi.

Tuschak’s testimony regarding Heidi’s "statements” (verbal and nonverbal) must come within a recognized hearsay exception to have been properly admitted here. At trial, after an objection by respondent’s attorney, the probate court ruled that the statements came within MRE 803(4), the exception for statements made for purposes of medical treatment or diagnosis.

MRE 803 provides:

The following are not excluded by the hearsay rule, even though the declarant is available as a witness:

(4) Statements Made for Purposes of Medical Treatment or Medical Diagnosis in Connection With Treatment. Statements made for purposes of medical treatment or medical diagnosis in connection with treatment and describing medical history, or past or present symptoms, pain, or sensations, or the inception or general character of the cause or external source thereof insofar as reasonably necessary to such diagnosis and treatment.

Respondent argues that the statements in the instant case do not come within this exception for two reasons.

First, respondent asserts, the exception does not apply because Tuschak was not a physician. A similar argument proved unpersuasive in the recent case of Galli v Reutter, 148 Mich App 313; 384 NW2d 43 (1985). In Galli, this Court held that MRE 803(4) would not be read so narrowly so as to disqualify statements made to a physical therapist merely because the therapist was not a medical doctor. In addition, the federal Advisory Committee’s Note to FRE 803(4) states:

Under the exception the statement need not have been made to a physician. Statements to hospital attendants, ambulance drivers, or even members of the family might be included.

We also note that the rule itself does not specify to whom the statements must be made. Therefore, we conclude that the MRE 803(4) exception should not be found inapplicable in the instant case merely because Tuschak was not a physician. And, since psychiatry is a branch of medicine, see Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, p 930, it follows that psychiatric treatment is medical treatment.

Second, respondent argues that the exception is inapplicable since the statements were not made for purposes of "medical treatment or medical diagnosis in connection with treatment.” Respondent makes much of the fact that Tuschak said that the referral was made so that Heidi would have a place to talk about her feelings. Respondent argues that this is proof that the statements were not made for purposes of treatment or diagnosis. However, a review of Tuschak’s entire testimony indicates the opposite. Tuschak stated that the purpose of therapy was to help a child express her feelings in appropriate and healthy ways. She stated that in order to help a child it was necessary to talk to the child. Tuschak testified, on cross-examination, that she followed some of Freud’s theories by "working with” people to help them uncover why they feel or behave a certain way. Therefore, from Tuschak’s testimony, it appears that the purpose of Tuschak’s sessions with Heidi was to "work with” Heidi to uncover the source of her emotional and behavioral problems and that this therapy was accomplished by "talking.” Tuschak’s motive was consistent with MRE 803(4) in that she wanted to "treat” Heidi for her emotional and behavioral problems. It also appears that Heidi’s motive was consistent with the rule. Tuschak testified that initially she attempted to establish a trusting relationship and a safe environment for the child to express her emotions. She said that Heidi was, at first, upset during their sessions but eventually became more relaxed. At their fifth session, Heidi made a statement which indicated that she had been sexually abused by respondent. The record, then, indicates that when Heidi began to see Tuschak as someone who could help her, as someone she could trust, she made the statements at issue here. Therefore, nothing in the record indicates Heidi’s motive was inconsistent with the rule.

In addition, the statements comply with MRE 803(4) in that they were reasonably necessary for treatment and diagnosis. The fact that Heidi suffered sexual abuse was significant in treating the resulting emotional and behavior problems. As a general rule, statements as to fault are not ordinarily necessary for treatment. People v Wilkins, 134 Mich App 39; 349 NW2d 815 (1984), lv den 422 Mich 862 (1985). However, sexual abuse by a member of the victim’s family poses unique problems, and so there is no way to adequately diagnose and treat the impact of the sexual abuse unless it is known that the abuser was a family member. Wilkins, supra.

II

Respondent next argues that the court reversibly erred by allowing two police officers to testify from police records.

The failure to object to the admission of hearsay evidence at trial precludes review of the issue on appeal absent manifest injustice. Arnold v Ellis, 5 Mich App 101; 145 NW2d 822 (1966). In the instant case, respondent’s attorney initially objected to the officers’ testimony from police reports. However, when the probate court ruled that it would only allow testimony concerning complaints in which a conviction resulted, the probate court asked respondent’s attorney whether he was satisfied and he replied, "Yes, sir.” Respondent’s attorney withdrew his objection to the testimony and no further objection was made.

On appeal, respondent argues that the officers’ testimony from police reports was inadmissible hearsay. Petitioner alleges that the testimony was within MRE 803(8), which provides that the following are not excluded by the hearsay rule:

(8) Public Records and Reports. Records, reports, statements, or data compilations, in any form, of public offices or agencies, setting forth (A) the activities of the office or agency, or (B) matters observed pursuant to duty imposed by law as to which matters there was a duty to report, excluding, however, in criminal cases matters observed by police officers and other law enforcement personnel, and subject to the limitations of MCLA 257.624; MSA 9.2324.

However, even assuming arguendo that the police reports were within the exception, the officers’ testimony from these reports included reference to claims made against respondent by others. For example, Officer Schrader testified that according to a report dated August 13, 1982, an assault and battery complaint was made against respondent by Amy Winchester. The officer testified that Winchester said respondent had bruised her lip, bumped her face, bumped the back of her head, and split her lip by hitting and beating on her. Therefore, the police reports themselves contained hearsay statements. MRE 805 requires that a hearsay statement within hearsay must itself conform with an exception to the hearsay rule to be admissible. There was no indication in the record of the instant case that this hearsay within hearsay came within an exception to the rule. Since only competent, relevant and material evidence may be admitted at the adjudicative phase of a proceeding to terminate parental rights, MCR 5.908(C)(1), this testimony was erroneously admitted.

We do not believe that the erroneous admission of the hearsay testimony in this case requires reversal, because the error was harmless. MCR 2.613(A). At the adjudicative phase, only "a preponderance of the evidence” is needed to take jurisdiction. MCR 5.908(C)(1). In the instant case there was a tremendous amount of testimony which indicated that Heidi was sexually abused by respondent. There was also evidence that respondent suffered from severe and chronic alcoholism and that respondent behaved violently when drunk. In addition, there was evidence that respondent suffered from severe psychopathology. The record indicates that Heidi was severely affected by respondent’s "problems” and suffered from bed wetting, depression, and fear, amongst other problems. Therefore, we are persuaded that the preponderance of the evidence standard of proof was more than met without consideration of the erroneous evidence.

hi

An agreement or consent between the parties or their attorneys, respecting the proceedings in an action, is not binding unless it was made in open court, or unless evidence of the agreement is in writing subscribed by the party against whom the agreement is offered or by the party’s attorney. MCR 2.507(H), formerly GCR 1963, 507.9. In the instant case the record of the preliminary hearing states that a stipulation was made by the parties in the instant case:

A stipulation was entered that the testimony of said minor, Heidi Freiburger, shall be taken by a video deposition, with the actual questioning done by Mary Ann Tuschak.

In general, stipulations relating to evidence should be fairly and liberally construed, and the parties are bound thereby. 83 CJS, Stipulations, § 23a, p 49.

Respondent argues that the video deposition in the instant case was improperly shown to the jury since it was merely intended as a discovery tool. Respondent further maintains that the probate court erred in ruling that the tape would be Heidi’s only testimony. However, from a reading of the stipulation it appears that the parties agreed that Heidi would testify by way of video deposition. The stipulation says nothing about a "discovery tool” but reads that Heidi’s "testimony” would be taken by a video deposition. In addition, the judge indicated at the trial that the parties understood the deposition was being taken in order that Heidi would not have to testify at trial. Therefore, we conclude that the stipulation was binding and that the probate court did not err in enforcing it here.

It is true that the language of a stipulation will not be construed so as to give the effect of a waiver of a right not plainly intended to be relinquished. Whitley v Chrysler Corp, 373 Mich 469; 130 NW2d 26 (1964). Respondent has a right of cross-examination. Schwartz v Triff, 2 Mich App 379; 139 NW2d 907 (1966), lv den 378 Mich 720 (1966). However, we believe that the language of the stipulation indicates that respondent waived his right to cross-examine Heidi. The stipulation indicates that the parties intended that Heidi would testify by way of a video deposition and that the parties agreed the questioning in this deposition would be done by Tuschak. Cf. Wilkins, supra, pp 47-48 (Shepherd, J., concurring).

Respondent also argues that the showing of the video deposition was improper because Heidi was not put "on oath” as required by GCR 1963, 306.3(1), now MCR 2.306(C)(1). However, respondent ignores the fact that GCR 1963, 308.3(2), now MCR 2.308(C)(3)(b) provides that errors or irregularities in the manner of taking a deposition concerning the oath or affirmation are waived unless a seasonable objection is made at the time the deposition is taken. There is nothing to indicate that an objection was made in the instant case.

Respondent claims further that showing the video was improper because it did not contain cross-examination as required by GCR 1963, 302.3, now MCR 2.306(C)(1). However, GCR 1963, 302.2(2), now MCR 2.302(F), states that, if the parties stipulate, the deposition may be taken in "any manner.” Here, the parties stipulated that Tuschak would question Heidi. Therefore, the probate court did not err in showing the video deposition to the jury in the instant case.

IV

Respondent finally argues that the probate court lacked jurisdiction to enter a permanent order because the court failed to comply with the notice requirements of MCL 712A. 2(b)(2); MSA 27.3178(598.2)(b)(2), the Saginaw Circuit Court having prior continuing jurisdiction over Heidi arising out of the divorce of her parents. Petitioner responds that the statute does not apply because the amended petition on which the court took jurisdiction was filed on July 12, 1984, during a "moratorium” period in which the notice provision of the statute did not apply.

We conclude that the question of which petition is the relevant one need not be decided, because the Supreme Court has held that the notice provision of the statute, while authorizing temporary orders in the absence of notice, should not be read as proscribing permanent orders. Krajewski v Krajewski, 420 Mich 729; 362 NW2d 230 (1984).

The probate court’s permanent order, entered on November 13, 1984, preceded the implementation of MCR 3.205(A)(2), so we need not address the effect of that provision.

Affirmed.