[Cite as In re M.C., 2020-Ohio-4372.]
COURT OF APPEALS STARK COUNTY, OHIO FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
IN RE: M.C., JR. : JUDGES: : Hon. William B. Hoffman, P.J. : Hon. John W. Wise, J. : Hon. Earle E. Wise, Jr., J. : : : Case No. 2020CA00049 : : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2017JCV00743
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT: September 8, 2020
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellant For Defendant-Appellee
DEAN L. GRASE BRANDON WALTENBAUGH 700 Courtyard Centre 402 2nd Street SE 116 Cleveland Avenue NW Canton, OH 44702 Canton, OH 44702 Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 2
Wise, Earle, J.
{¶ 1} Appellant C.S., legal custodian, filed this appeal from the judgment entered
in Stark County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Court Division, which terminated all
parental rights, privileges and responsibilities of the parents and legal custodian with
regard to the 11-year-old child, M.C., Jr. (M.C.) and ordered that permanent custody of
the minor child be granted to Stark County Department of Job and Family Services,
(SCJFS).
{¶ 2} This appeal is expedited, and is being considered pursuant to
App.R.11.2(C). The relevant facts leading to this appeal are as follows:
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
{¶ 3} This appeal pertains to the permanent custody disposition of M.C, whose
date of birth is April 15, 2008. M.C. Senior is the child's natural father. R.S. is the child's
natural mother. Appellant is the child's maternal grandmother and legal custodian. C.S.
gained legal custody of M.C. through a private change of legal custody from mother to
C.S. at some point prior to SCJFS involvement in the instant matter.
{¶ 4} On July 1, 2017, SCJFS filed a complaint alleging dependency/neglect of
M.C. An emergency shelter care hearing was held the same day and M.C. was placed in
the emergency temporary custody of SCJFS through Juv.R. 6. Concerns included
deplorable conditions in Appellant's home and her inability to adequately address M.C's
profound disabilities, multiple heath issues, and his extensive medical needs.
{¶ 5} An emergency shelter care hearing was held on July 7, 2017. Neither
mother nor father appeared, but Appellant was present. The trial court found probable Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 3
cause and awarded temporary custody to SCJFS. The trial court appointed a guardian
ad litem (GAL) for M.C, as well as counsel for mother, father, and appellant.
{¶ 6} Service for mother and father was not completed for an August 2, 2017
pretrial. Counsel requested evidence and the matter was set for trial on September 13,
2017.
{¶ 7} On the day of trial, SCJFS moved to delete the allegations of neglect
contained in the complaint. Mother and Appellant stipulated to a finding of dependency
and M.C remained in the temporary custody of SCJFS. A case plan was approved and
adopted.
{¶ 8} A review hearing was held on January 2, 2018. The trial court approved and
adopted the case plan, found SCJFS had made reasonable efforts to finalize the
permanency planning and that compelling reasons existed to preclude a filing of
permanent custody, and ordered status quo. The trial court made the same findings and
order at a June 1, 2018 review hearing.
{¶ 9} On October 3, 2018, the trial court extended the temporary custody order
for an additional six months, and again found reasonable efforts and compelling reasons
to preclude a filing of permanent custody. At a November 30, 2018 review hearing, the
trial court again made the same findings and ordered status quo.
{¶ 10} On February 15, 2019, the trial court extended the temporary custody of
M.C with SCJFS for 6 months.
{¶ 11} Up to this point, Appellant had made no mention of her desire to reunify
with M.C. or to work any case plan. On May 17, 2019, appellant filed a motion for legal
custody of M.C. A review took place on May 24, 2019 wherein the trial court again found Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 4
reasonable efforts and ordered status quo. The trial court further found no compelling
reasons existed to preclude a filing of permanent custody. Appellant's motion to change
legal custody was set for evidence on August 6, 2019.
{¶ 12} On May 31, 2019, SCJFS filed a motion seeking permanent custody of M.C.
The motion alleged M.C. could not be placed with Appellant or his parents within a
reasonable amount of time, that M.C. had been in the temporary custody of SCJFS for
12 or more months of a consecutive 22 month period, and that permanent custody was
within M.C's best interests. This motion was also set for evidence on August 6, 2019. The
trial court later continued the matter to September 25, 2019.
{¶ 13} On September 18, 2019, the GAL for M.C. filed a report recommending
M.C. be placed in the permanent custody of SCJFS, and that Appellant's motion for a
change of legal custody be denied. In support, the Guardian cited M.C's extensive
medical needs, Appellant's combative behavior, confrontational questioning, and berating
of staff at M.C's placement, Hattie Larlham, her failure to visit M.C, her home conditions,
and Appellant's own physical limitations which would make it difficult if not impossible for
Appellant to care for M.C.
{¶ 14} After several more continuances and another review hearing, the trial court
heard evidence on Appellant's motion to change legal custody and SCJFS's motion
seeking permanent custody on January 21, 2020. M.C's mother was present at the
hearing and stipulated to the motion requesting permanent custody of M.C. be granted to
SCJFS. She further agreed placement with SCJFS was within M.C.'s best interest.
Because Father was incarcerated he was not present at the hearing. He was, however,
represented by counsel. Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 5
{¶ 15} Ongoing SCJFS caseworker Chelsea Weigand testified regarding the
concerns surrounding M.C.'s initial removal from Appellant's home including deplorable
home conditions and Appellant's inability to meet M.C.'s extensive medical needs. When
SCJFS began its investigation, Appellant refused to let workers into her home and police
had to become involved. When SCJFS finally got into Appellant's home, M.C. was found
restrained by his arms in a crib-like structure near a sewage-filled bathtub. Appellant
claimed she restrained M.C. pursuant to a physician's recommendation, but failed to
produce any documentation to confirm that claim. Wiegand explained M.C. was born
premature, is non-verbal and non-ambulatory, has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus (water
on the brain), asthma, abnormal lung tissue development, obstructive sleep apnea,
narrowing of the subglottic airway, excessive drooling, incontinence, epilepsy, seizures,
gastro esophageal reflux, is blind, and must take all nutrition through a stomach tube.
{¶ 16} Weigand testified M.C. has been in the continuous temporary custody of
SCJFS since September 13, 2017. When M.C. was removed from Appellant's home,
Appellant refused to provide SCJFS with M.C.'s medical equipment or medications. M.C.
spent a short period of time at Akron Children's Hospital before being transferred to Hattie
Larlham where he remains. While at Akron Children's Hospital, Dr. McPherson
discovered bruising on M.C.'s body which was determined to be abusive in nature.
{¶ 17} Weigand also had concerns regarding Appellant's mental health. Appellant
was directed to complete a parenting assessment at the beginning of this matter at
Northeast Ohio Behavioral Health, which she did complete. However, Appellant advised
the evaluator she did not wish to reunify with M.C., and instead wanted M.C. returned to
his mother's custody. On January 2, 2018, after Appellant continued to express this wish, Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 6
Weigand removed Appellant from the case plan and no further inquiry was made into
Appellant's mental health.
{¶ 18} After SCJFS filed its motion for permanent custody, however, Appellant
expected to again become part of the case plan. Due to the timing of Appellant's request,
she was not returned to the case plan as the goal was no longer reunification with
Appellant. It was recommended that she engage in mental health counseling, but this was
never made part of the case plan as the agency no longer had an obligation to pay for
those services.
{¶ 19} Weigand stated Appellant had moved to an apartment in Cuyahoga Falls,
but still owned the Canton home which Appellant stated she would move back to once
she retired. Appellant refused on numerous occasions to permit Weigand and the GAL
access to her apartment for evaluation. When she finally permitted the GAL into the
apartment, the GAL found the home clean, but not handicap accessible inside or out.
Further, the GAL found the room that would be M.C.'s was not large enough to
accommodate a hospital bed and M.C.'s lounge-type wheelchair, nor were the doorways
wide enough for the chair to pass through. Because Appellant had only been in the
Cuyahoga Falls apartment a short time, Weigand harbored concerns about her ability to
keep the apartment in habitable condition. Appellant has denied the GAL access to the
Canton home since M.C. was removed from the home.
{¶ 20} Jessica Galbraith testified she oversees the unit where M.C. lives at Hattie
Larlham. M.C. has lived there since August of 2017. The facility allows visitation 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. She explained the doors are always locked for security purposes
and further explained there is a sign-in procedure when one visits Hattie Larlham. A visitor Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 7
is first asked by someone at the security desk to sign in outside a locked door before
being admitted to the facility.
{¶ 21} Weigand explained that Appellant's visits at Hattie Larlham did not need to
be supervised, and she could visit at any time, day or night. In 2017, Appellant visited
M.C more frequently, sometimes coming with mother and M.C.'s siblings. Her last
documented visit before the agency filed its motion for permanent custody, however, was
March 25, 2018. In April 2019, after Appellant was advised SCJFS would be filing for
permanent custody, Appellant began visiting M.C. once or twice a month.
{¶ 22} Weigand testified M.C. is doing well at Hattie Larlham, where his every need
is met. She stated neither mother nor father showed any interest in M.C. She had also
been unsuccessful in locating any other appropriate familial placement. Weigand did not
believe severing familial ties would impact M.C. as he does not recognize or remember
people unless he is exposed to them regularly. She therefore felt granting permanent
custody to the SCJFS would be in M.C's best interests.
{¶ 23} Appellant also testified at the hearing. She disagreed with the removal of
M.C from her home. She believed the bruising present on M.C's body when he was
removed from her home was caused by his wheelchair and denied M.C. was restrained
in her home. She blamed the sewage in the bathtub on an aide who used a plunger in
the tub which caused "black oily stuff" from the "old lead pipes" to back up into the tub.
Appellant wanted M.C. returned to her custody and believed his best interests were
served by being home with his family.
{¶ 24} Appellant stated she is a home healthcare aide with 17 years of experience
and is capable of caring for M.C. She questioned the care M.C. was receiving at Hattie Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 8
Larlham, citing bruising to M.C.'s body, staff allegedly giving toys she would bring M.C.
away to other residents, and alleged failure of staff to address warts on M.C.'s hand. She
additionally disagreed with the philosophy espoused by Hattie Larlham of allowing M.C.
to have maximum freedom of movement when he is not in his wheelchair, to aid in muscle
tone and digestion and to prevent bedsores. In M.C.'s case this translates to allowing
M.C. to roll off of his floor-level bed and roll or scoot about the room.
{¶ 25} Appellant admitted to not visiting for 4 months. She stated Hattie Larlham
was an hour and a half away when she lived in Canton, but yet just 20 minutes away from
Cuyahoga Falls. Appellant also stated initially she was told she could not visit M.C. She
additionally claimed she visited many times without signing in. Appellant testified that
although she had always been M.C.'s caretaker, her understanding of the matter was for
her daughter to regain custody of M.C.
{¶ 26} M.C.'s GAL testified she believed the motion for permanent custody was in
M.C.'s best interest while the motion to change legal custody to Appellant was not. The
Guardian explained Appellant had been uncooperative with her investigation, her home
was not wheelchair accessible, and she had great concerns for Appellant's ability to care
for M.C., including Appellant's own physical health challenges. The GAL had no concerns,
however, for M.C.'s placement at Hattie Larlham.
{¶ 27} At the conclusion of testimony, the trial court took the matter under
advisement. The court issued its findings of fact and conclusions of law on February 3,
2020 and denied Appellant's motion to change legal custody. Specifically, the trial court
found M.C. could not be placed with his parents or Appellant in a reasonable amount of
time, had been in the temporary custody of SCJFS for 12 or more months in a consecutive Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 9
22-month period, and had been abandoned by Appellant. The trial court therefore found
Appellant's motion for legal custody was not in M.C.'s best interest, and that permanent
custody to SCJFS was in M.C.'s best interest.
{¶ 28} Appellant filed an appeal and the matter is now before this court for
consideration. She raises two assignments of error as follow:
I
{¶ 29} "THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN AWARDING PERMANENT CUSTODY TO
THE STARK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES (SCDJFS) AS
SCDJFS FAILED TO SHOW BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT
GROUNDS EXISTED FOR PERMANENT CUSTODY AND THEREFORE SUCH
DECISION WAS CONTRARY TO THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE."
II
{¶ 30} "THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN AWARDING PERMANENT CUSTODY TO
THE STARK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES (SCDJFS) AS
SCDJFS FAILED TO SHOW BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT THE
BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD WOULD BE SERVED BY SUCH FINDING AND
THEREFORE SUCH DECISION WAS CONTRARY TO THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF
THE EVIDENCE."
I, II
{¶ 31} We address Appellant's assignments of error together. In her first
assignment of error, Appellant argues the trial court erred in awarding permanent custody Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 10
to SCJFS because SCJFS failed to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that
grounds existed for a grant of permanent custody, rendering the trial court's decision
against the manifest weight of the evidence. In her second assignment of error, Appellant
argues the trial court's finding that an award of permanent custody to SCJFS is in M.C's
best interest is against the manifest weight of the evidence. We disagree.
{¶ 32} As an appellate court, we neither weigh the evidence nor judge the
credibility of the witnesses. Our role is to determine whether there is relevant, competent
and credible evidence upon which the fact finder could base its judgment. Cross Truck v.
Jeffries, 5th Dist. Stark No. CA-5758, 1982 WL 2911 (February 10, 1982). Accordingly,
judgments supported by some competent, credible evidence going to all the essential
elements of the case will not be reversed as being against the manifest weight of the
evidence. C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Construction, 54 Ohio St.2d 279, 376 N.E.2d 578
(1978). On review for manifest weight, the standard in a civil case is identical to the
standard in a criminal case: a reviewing court is to examine the entire record, weigh the
evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses and
determine “whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the jury [or finder of fact] clearly
lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction
[decision] must be reversed and a new trial ordered.” State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d
172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). See also, State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d
380, 678 N.E.2d 541, 1997-Ohio-52; Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 972 N.E.2d
517, 2012-Ohio-2179. In weighing the evidence, however, we are always mindful of the
presumption in favor of the trial court's factual findings. Eastley at ¶ 21
Permanent Custody Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 11
{¶ 33} R.C. 2151.414(B)(1) states permanent custody may be granted to a public
or private agency if the trial court determines by clear and convincing evidence at a
hearing held pursuant to division (A) of R.C. 2151.414, that it is in the best interest of the
child and any of the following apply:
(a) The child is not abandoned or orphaned* * *and the child cannot
be placed with either of the child's parents within a reasonable time
or should not be placed with the child's parents.
(b) The child is abandoned.
(c) The child is orphaned, and there are no relatives of the child who
are able to take permanent custody.
(d) The child has been in the temporary custody of one or more public
children services agencies or private child placing agencies for
twelve or more months of a consecutive twenty-two-month period* *
*
(e) The child or another child in the custody of the parent or parents
from whose custody the child has been removed has been
adjudicated an abused, neglected, or dependent child on three
separate occasions by any court in this state or another state.
{¶ 34} Therefore, R.C. 2151.414(B) provides a two-pronged analysis the trial
court is required to apply when ruling on a motion for permanent custody. In practice, the
trial court will determine whether one of the four circumstances delineated in R.C. Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 12
2151.414(B)(1)(a) through (d) is present before proceeding to a determination regarding
the best interest of the child.
{¶ 35} Clear and convincing evidence is that evidence “which will provide in the
mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be established.”
Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118 (1954), paragraph three of the
syllabus. See also, In re Adoption of Holcomb, 18 Ohio St.3d 361, 481 N.E.2d 361 (1985).
“Where the degree of proof required to sustain an issue must be clear and convincing, a
reviewing court will examine the record to determine whether the trier of facts had
sufficient evidence before it to satisfy the requisite degree of proof.” Cross at 477.
Appellant is not M.C.'s Parent
{¶ 36} We note R.C. 2151.414 applies to parents and the prospect of permanently
divesting parents of their parental rights. Appellant is not M.C.'s parent, but rather his
maternal grandmother and was his legal custodian. Appellant does not acknowledge this
issue. The gravamen of the first assignment of error, therefore, is whether a grandparent
legal custodian is granted the same rights as a parent under R.C. 2151.419(A).
{¶ 37} The wording of the section concerns the removal of a child from the “child's
home.” Once legal custody is granted, the child's home is the home of the legal custodian.
However, our brethren from the Sixth District in In the matter of: Kenny B., Jr., Lucas App.
No. L-05-1227, 2006-Ohio-968, held the following at ¶ 17 and 18:
While there has been some modern trend to liberally define family
and to bestow certain rights to extended family, see, e.g., Harold v. Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 13
Collier, 107 Ohio St.3d 44, 836 N.E.2d 1165, 2005-Ohio-5334
(grandparent visitation), we have found no authority, including those
cited by appellant, which grants to an unrelated individual the unique
status occupied by biological parents or their legal equivalent,
adoptive parents. It is only these upon whom constitutional protection
is invested and, in Ohio, the strictures of R.C. 2151.414 adhere.
Consequently, we reject appellant's assertion that he is entitled to
the same legal status as Kenny B., Jr.'s natural parents.
Appellant's position is simply that of a prior legal custodian. The
touchstone of a dispositional order, including legal custody after a
finding of neglect and dependency, is that the order be in the child's
best interest. In re Nice (2001), 141 Ohio App.3d 445, 455, 751
N.E.2d 552. Decisions concerning an award or change of legal
custody will not be disturbed absent an abuse of discretion. In re
Alexander C., 6th Dist.App. No. L-05-1173, 2005-Ohio-6134, at ¶ 6,
164 Ohio App.3d 540, 843 N.E.2d 211. An abuse of discretion is
more than error of law or judgment; the term connotes that the court's
attitude is arbitrary, unreasonable or unconscionable. Blakemore v.
Blakemore (1983), 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219, 450 N.E.2d 1140.
{¶ 38} Although Appellant is related to M.C., she cites no authority granting her the
same legal status as M.C.'s parents. At the permanent custody hearing, mother stipulated
to SCJFS's motion for permanent custody. Moreover, even if that had not been true, M.C. Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 14
had been in the custody of SCJFS for twelve or more months of a consecutive twenty-
two-month period, and Appellant does not dispute this fact. This court has adopted the
position that proof of temporary custody with an agency for twelve or more months of a
consecutive twenty-two-month period alone is sufficient to award permanent custody. In
the Matter of A.S., V.S., and Z.S., 5th Dist. Delaware No. 13 CAF 050040, 2013-Ohio-
4018. Therefore, a finding that grounds existed for permanent custody cannot be against
the manifest weight of the evidence.
Best Interests
{¶ 39} Appellant further argues SCJFS failed to show by clear and convincing
evidence that M.C.'s best interests would be served by granting the agency permanent
custody. But the burden was on Appellant to demonstrate by a preponderance of the
evidence that granting her motion for legal custody was in M.C's best interest. R.C.
2151.414(D) governs “best interests” and states the following:
(D) In determining the best interest of a child at a hearing held
pursuant to division (A) of this section or for the purposes of division
(A)(4) or (5) of section 2151.353 or division (C) of section 2151.415
of the Revised Code, the court shall consider all relevant factors,
including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's
parents, siblings, relatives, foster caregivers and out-of-home
providers, and any other person who may significantly affect the
child; Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 15
(2) The wishes of the child, as expressed directly by the child or
through the child's guardian ad litem, with due regard for the maturity
of the child;
(3) The custodial history of the child, including whether the child has
been in the temporary custody of one or more public children
services agencies or private child placing agencies for twelve or
more months of a consecutive twenty-two month period ending on or
after March 18, 1999;
(4) The child's need for a legally secure permanent placement and
whether that type of placement can be achieved without a grant of
permanent custody to the agency;
(5) Whether any of the factors in divisions (E)(7) to (11) of this
section apply in relation to the parents and child.
{¶ 40} In a factually similar matter, In re A.S. 6th Dist. Lucas No. 2009-Ohio-5504,
L-09-1080, the court noted at paragraph 12:
Relatives seeking custody of a child are not afforded the same
presumptive rights that a natural parent receives. In re A.C., 12th
Dist. No. CA2006-12-105, 2007-Ohio-3350, ¶ 17. Although “a
‘children services agency should strive to place a child with a willing
and suitable relative[,]’ there is no requirement or duty on the agency
to do so under a best interest analysis.” (Emphasis added.) In re Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 16
Jones–Dentigance, 11th Dist. No.2005-P-058, 2005-Ohio-5960, ¶
26. Rather, a juvenile court is vested “with discretion to determine
what placement option is in the child's best interest. The child's best
interests are served by the child being placed in a permanent
situation that fosters growth, stability, and security.” In re McCain, 4th
Dist. No. 06CA654, 2007-Ohio-1429, ¶ 20. Consequently, a juvenile
court is not required to favor a relative if, after considering all the
factors, it is in the child's best interest for the agency to be granted
permanent custody. In re A.C., ¶ 17.
{¶ 41} Thus the burden was on Appellant to present evidence to support her
motion for legal custody showing M.C.'s best interests would be served by the trial court
granting the same. Based on the record before us, Appellant failed to do so.
{¶ 42} As to best interests, Appellant expressed concerns with M.C's care at Hattie
Larlham and presented photos of remnants of bruising on M.C.'s face, warts on his hand,
and an incident where she found him with the "straps" on his toy bag wrapped around his
arm. She cited another incident where she found M.C. behind the door of his room, and
had concerns that staff were giving away toys she bought for M.C. T. 81-87.
{¶ 43} The GAL and Weigand, however, believed permanent custody to SCJFS
was in M.C.'s best interest. As discussed above, M.C. suffers from multiple handicaps
and diseases, is wheelchair-bound, and requires around the clock care. Transcript of trial
(T.) 65. He has been placed at Hattie Larlham since August 2017 and has done very well
in this placement. T. 66. Hattie Larlham provides for M.C.'s every medical and educational Stark County, Case No. 2020CA00049 17
need. Although Appellant expressed concerns about the care M.C. received at Hattie
Larlham, neither Weigand nor the GAL had observed any reason for concern. T. 72-74,
90. The GAL did, however, have concerns with Appellant's ability to care for M.C. as
Appellant had her own health issues, and had failed in large part to cooperate with the
GAL's investigation. T. 89. The GAL further did not believe Appellant would make
appropriate arrangements for M.C.'s daily care if she were granted legal custody.
Moreover, Appellant's current home was not handicap accessible and her Canton home
had been deemed inappropriate. T. 88-89. Both Weigand and the GAL believed a grant
of permanent custody to the SCJFS was in M.C.'s best interests, and again, M.C. had
been in the temporary custody of the SCJFS for twelve or more months of a consecutive
twenty-two month period.
{¶ 44} The evidence presented at the hearing demonstrated M.C.'s placement at
Hattie Larlham best fosters his growth, stability, and security, and permanent custody to
SCJFS is therefore in his best interest.
{¶ 45} Based upon the forgoing, we overrule Appellant's first and second
assignments of error.
{¶ 46} The judgment of the Stark County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division
is affirmed.
By Wise, Earle, J.
Hoffman, P.J. and
Wise, John, J. concur.
EEW/rw