In re Ar.C.

[Cite as In re Ar.C., 

.]
                                  IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                                     FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                           ROSS COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF:                                       :

         Ar.C., Ad.C., and Au.C.,                       :        CASE NO. 20CA3720,
                                                                 20CA3721, 20CA3722
         Adjudicated Dependent                          :
         Children.
                                                        :        DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY


                                                 APPEARANCES:

Michael A. Davis, Waverly, Ohio, for Appellant.

Jeffrey C. Marks, Ross County Prosecuting Attorney, and Jennifer L. Ater, Assistant Ross
County Prosecuting Attorney, Chillicothe, Ohio, for Appellee.

CIVIL CASE FROM COMMON PLEAS COURT, JUVENILE DIVISION
DATE JOURNALIZED: 2-26-21
Abele, J.

       {¶ 1} This is an appeal from a Ross County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division,
judgment that granted South Central Ohio Job and Family Services Division, Children’s
Division, appellee herein, permanent custody of six-year-old Ar.C., four-year-old Ad.C., and
three-year-old Au.C. K.C., the children’s biological mother and appellant herein, raises the
following assignment of error for review:

                  “THE TRIAL COURT’S DECISION TO AWARD PERMANENT
                  CUSTODY OF AR.C., AD.C., AND AU.C. TO THE SOUTH
                  CENTRAL OHIO JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES CHILDREN’S
                  DIVISION WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT AND
                  SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE.”1

1
  Appellant’s brief does not appear to include a table of contents or a table of cases. Moreover, it does not
designate an “assignment of error.” Rule 16 of the Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure requires an appellant’s brief
to include a “statement of the assignments of error presented for review, with reference to the place in the record
where each error is reflected.” App.R. 16(A)(3). The rule also requires other elements missing from appellant’s
brief: (1) a table of contents, with page references, App.R. 16(A)(1); and (2) a table of cases, App.R. 16(A)(2).
          App.R. 12 provides that a court of appeals may “disregard an assignment of error presented for review if the
party raising it fails to identify in the record the error on which the assignment of error is based or fails to argue the
assignment separately in the brief, as required under App.R. 16(A).” App.R. 12(A)(2).
          We prefer, however, to decide cases on their merits rather than on procedural technicalities. Barksdale v.
Van’s Auto Sales, Inc., 

, 

 (1988) (noting that a “basic tenet of Ohio
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                                             2

        {¶ 2} On June 22, 2017, appellee filed complaints that alleged the three children are

dependent children and requested temporary custody. The statement of facts attached to the

complaints alleged that on June 8, 2017, appellant gave birth to Au.C. and that appellant had a

positive drug screen for marijuana. Additionally, the newborn tested positive for oxycodone and

marijuana.

        {¶ 3} On June 29, 2017, appellee asked the court to place the children in the paternal

grandmother’s temporary custody.                The next day, the trial court granted the paternal

grandmother temporary custody.

        {¶ 4} The trial court later adjudicated the children dependent and continued appellee’s

temporary custody, but the children continued to reside with the paternal grandmother. 2 On

March 5, 2018, the court entered a dispositional order that placed the children in appellee’s

temporary custody.

        {¶ 5} Appellee soon developed case plans that appellant would need to undertake to

eliminate the various dangers to the children: (1) complete a mental health evaluation; (2) review

information available on The National Domestic Violence Hotline website and implement the

techniques; (3) complete parenting classes and follow recommendations; (4) provide a stable

home environment free of violence, drug use, or drug activity; (5) submit to random drug


jurisprudence [is] that cases should be determined on their merits and not on mere procedural technicalities”). Thus,
even though appellant’s brief does not specifically identify an assignment of error, we construe the main heading of
appellant’s brief as her assignment of error.

2
  Appellee asserts in its brief that the children lived with the paternal grandmother from June 30, 2017, through
March 5, 2018. The record also contains a June 30, 2017 entry to show that the court placed the children in the
paternal grandmother’s temporary custody. None of the entries, however specifically indicate when the children
were removed from the paternal grandmother’s home and placed in foster homes. Instead, all of the subsequent
dispositional entries refer to the children in appellee’s temporary custody.
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                          3

screens; (6) refrain from criminal or violent activities; (7) comply with any pending case or

probation; (8) refrain from illegal substance abuse; (9) submit to an alcohol and drug assessment;

(10) regularly attend visitation with the children; and (11) complete an assessment with

Integrated Services.

        {¶ 6} Subsequently, appellee requested permanent custody of the children and asserted

that the children have been in its temporary custody for more than twelve months out of a

consecutive twenty-two month period. Appellee also claimed that appellant had not completed

any case plan goals and the children could not be placed with her within a reasonable time, or

should not be placed with her. Appellee additionally argued that placing the children in its

temporary custody would be in their best interests.

        {¶ 7} On January 30 and June 22, 2020, the trial court held a hearing to consider

appellee’s permanent custody motions. Dr. Bryan Bethel, Ar.C.’s counselor, testified that he

diagnosed Ar.C. with “adjustment disorder with anxiety … and a rule-out of post-traumatic

stress disorder.” Dr. Bethel stated that a “rule-out” diagnosis means that “an individual … is

exhibiting diagnostic criterion consistent with a particular disorder” but that insufficient

information exists to either rule it in or rule it out. Dr. Bethel explained that Ar.C.’s current

treatment involves out-patient counseling to increase adaptive coping strategies, to promote

emotional regulation, and to assist with transition to foster care.

        {¶ 8} Dr. Bethel indicated that the child also receives “trauma-based intervention due to

aversive experiences.” The doctor stated that Ar.C. “reported exposure to intimate partner

violence or domestic violence at a young age.” Dr. Bethel testified that continuing counseling

with Ar.C. is “paramount.” The foster mother has been bringing Ar.C. to counseling sessions
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                               4

and that “it appears that [the child] has a very strong attachment to his foster mother.” Dr.

Bethel explained that the child had displayed “difficulty separating from [the] foster mother” and

that the foster mother reported that the child had “significant anxiety responses at the child’s

school when she separated.”

        {¶ 9} Julie Piatt, Ad.C.’s counselor, testified that she diagnosed the child with

post-traumatic stress disorder. The child has behavioral issues such as hitting, throwing, being

harmful to pets, and otherwise being physically aggressive. The child also informed Piatt that

appellant used to hit the child and showed the child her “private parts.” Piatt explained that

“trauma treatment” would be beneficial for the child, but that at present, Piatt simply is working

to stabilize the child’s behaviors and to help the child learn to regulate her emotions. Piatt stated

that the child’s visits with the appellant cause distress and that the child stated that she does not

want to visit appellant. Piatt related that, until the child’s visits with appellant stop, Piatt cannot

progress beyond stabilizing the child.

        {¶ 10} The trial court continued the hearing to June 22, 2020. At the hearing, the foster

mother testified that Ar.C. was placed in her home in August 2019, and that Au.C. was placed in

the home in February 2020. The foster mother further stated that the children have not visited

appellant since COVID restrictions took effect. The foster mother related that the children are

bonded with her and that she is willing to adopt the children.

        {¶ 11} Caseworker Crystal Puckett testified that initially the agency removed the children

from appellant’s custody due to concerns about drugs. She stated that Au.C. tested positive for

opiates at birth. Puckett explained that appellee’s case plan required appellant to obtain stable

housing, to receive alcohol and drug counseling, to take parenting classes, to take drug screens,
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                            5

and to visit the children. Puckett stated that although appellant’s housing appeared “fine,”

appellant did not engage in any alcohol and drug treatment programs. Puckett testified that

appellant failed to remedy the concerns that led appellee to remove the children from her care

and that the children should not be placed with appellant.

        {¶ 12} Caseworker Pam Lowery stated that she started to work with the family in May

2019. At the time, appellant’s visits with the children had occurred at Integrated Services, but in

September 2019 Integrated Services terminated visits because appellant “had too many no calls[,]

no shows and was late too many times.”

        {¶ 13} Lowery testified that after Integrated Services terminated the visitations, Lowery

attempted to contact appellant, but she had difficulty reaching appellant. Lowery eventually

made contact with appellant and arranged for weekly visits starting in November 2019 and

appellant consistently visited the children between November 2019 and early March 2020, but

was late a couple of times. Lowery indicated that appellant’s visits ended in March 2020,

following appellant’s arrest, when appellant spent sixty days in jail and did not visit the children

during that time. Lowery stated that on May 18, 2020, appellant notified Lowery that appellant

had been released from jail and asked Lowery “what [appellant] needed to do.”               Lowery

explained that she had trouble reaching appellant, but they spoke on May 27, 2020 and discussed

a visitation via Zoom. Lowery asked appellant to download Zoom to appellant’s phone and then

contact Lowery once appellant had set up her Zoom account, but appellant did not respond to

Lowery. Thus, Lowery was unable to arrange additional visits.

        {¶ 14} Caseworker Lowery also explained that appellant had been engaged at services

with Prism, but the services ended when appellant went to jail. Later, appellant was discharged
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                            6

from Prism for noncompliance. Lowery indicated that appellant previously attempted to engage

in Prism services during January 2018, but that she also was terminated for noncompliance.

Between October 2019 and March 2020, Lowery asked appellant to complete approximately

thirteen random drug screens, with five positive for illegal substances: cocaine, heroin, fetanyl,

and marijuana. Lowery explained that she has since been to appellant’s home at least five times

and called appellant numerous times, but has been unsuccessful in contacting appellant. Lowery

also related that in June 2020, appellant promised to call Lowery, but appellant did not call.

        {¶ 15} Caseworker Lowery testified that, although appellant attempted to complete

portions of the case plan goals, she did not complete all of the goals necessary to allow the

children to safely return to her custody. Lowery indicated that appellant had three years to fulfill

the case plan goals, but had not successfully completed alcohol and drug treatment or

successfully engaged in mental health counseling. Appellant did not begin to show any interest

with the case plan until October 2019, more than two years after the dependency complaints.

Lowery also testified that the children are doing well in their current placements. Ad.C is placed

in a therapeutic foster home and the other two children live in the same foster home. Lowery

stated that the children need permanency and that appellant has not remedied the conditions that

led to the children’s removal.

        {¶ 16} On June 25, 2020, the trial court (1) awarded appellee permanent custody of the

three children; (2) found that the children cannot be placed with either parent or should not be

placed with either parent within a reasonable amount of time; and (3)determined that placing the

children in appellee’s permanent custody is in their best interests.

        {¶ 17} The trial court found that appellant failed to maintain sobriety and continued to
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                             7

test positive for illegal substances through March 2020. The court also noted that appellant

failed to successfully complete “any AOD treatment” and that she did not submit to mandatory

testing after her May 2020 release from jail. The court additionally found that appellant did not

maintain adequate contact with the children and that the supervised visits were terminated due to

appellant’s inconsistent attendance.     The court also found that the children have been in

appellee’s temporary custody since March 5, 2018.

        {¶ 18} The trial court further determined that the children “are somewhat bonded” with

appellant, but appellant failed to maintain consistent contact. The court noted that the children

also have a strong bond with the foster parents. The two oldest children prefer the court grant

appellee permanent custody, and the guardian ad litem also recommended the court grant

appellee permanent custody of the children. The court additionally concluded that the children

need a legally secure permanent placement and that no motions for legal custody had been filed.

        {¶ 19} Thus, the court granted appellee permanent custody of the children. This appeal

followed.

        {¶ 20} In her sole assignment of error, appellant asserts that the trial court’s decision to

grant appellee permanent custody of the children is against the manifest weight of the evidence.

In particular, appellant argues that the evidence fails to support the trial court’s finding that the

children cannot be placed with her within a reasonable time, or that the children should not be

placed with her. Appellant asserts that she complied with the case plan requirement to obtain

stable housing and that she has completed a parenting course.

        {¶ 21} Appellant also contends that the record does not contain clear and convincing

evidence to support the court’s finding that the children’s placement in appellee’s permanent
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                            8

custody is in their best interests. Specifically, appellant alleges that the evidence does not

support the trial court’s conclusion that the children cannot achieve a legally secure permanent

placement without the grant of permanent custody. Appellant claims that the children could

have been placed with their maternal grandmother and that the children could achieve a legally

secure permanent placement without awarding appellee permanent custody.

                                                  A

        {¶ 22} Generally, a reviewing court will not disturb a trial court’s permanent custody

decision unless the decision is against the manifest weight of the evidence. E.g., In re B.E., 4th

Dist. Highland No. 13CA26, 2014–Ohio–3178, ¶ 27; In re R.S., 4th Dist. Highland No. 13CA22,

2013–Ohio–5569, ¶ 29.

                “Weight of the evidence concerns ‘the inclination of the greater amount of
        credible evidence, offered in a trial, to support one side of the issue rather than the
        other. It indicates clearly to the jury that the party having the burden of proof will
        be entitled to their verdict, if, on weighing the evidence in their minds, they shall
        find the greater amount of credible evidence sustains the issue which is to be
        established before them. Weight is not a question of mathematics, but depends
        on its effect in inducing belief.’”

Eastley v. Volkman, 

, 2012–Ohio–2179, 

, ¶ 12, quoting State

v. Thompkins, 

, 

 (1997), quoting Black’s Law Dictionary

1594 (6th Ed.1990).

        {¶ 23} When an appellate court reviews whether a trial court’s permanent custody

decision is against the manifest weight of the evidence, the court “‘“weighs the evidence and all

reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in resolving

conflicts in the evidence, the [finder of fact] clearly lost its way and created such a manifest

miscarriage of justice that the [judgment] must be reversed and a new trial ordered.”’” Eastley
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                           9

at ¶ 20, quoting Tewarson v. Simon, 

, 

 (9th Dist.2001),

quoting Thompkins, 

, quoting State v. Martin, 

, 

 (1st Dist.1983); accord In re Pittman, 9th Dist. Summit No. 20894,

2002–Ohio–2208, ¶¶ 23–24. We further observe, however, that issues relating to the credibility

of witnesses and the weight to be given the evidence are primarily for the trier of fact. As the

court explained in Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland, 

, 

(1984): “The underlying rationale of giving deference to the findings of the trial court rests with

the knowledge that the trial judge is best able to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor,

gestures and voice inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the

proffered testimony.” Moreover, deferring to the trial court on matters of credibility is “crucial

in a child custody case, where there may be much evident in the parties’ demeanor and attitude

that does not translate to the record well (Emphasis sic).” Davis v. Flickinger, 

, 

 (1997). Accord In re Christian, 4th Dist. No. 04CA 10,

2004–Ohio–3146, ¶ 7.

        {¶ 24} The question that an appellate court must resolve when reviewing a permanent

custody decision under the manifest weight of the evidence standard is “whether the juvenile

court’s findings … were supported by clear and convincing evidence.” In re K.H., 

, 2008–Ohio–4825, 

. “Clear and convincing evidence” is:

        the measure or degree of proof that will produce in the mind of the trier of fact a
        firm belief or conviction as to the allegations sought to be established. It is
        intermediate, being more than a mere preponderance, but not to the extent of such
        certainty as required beyond a reasonable doubt as in criminal cases. It does not
        mean clear and unequivocal.

In re Estate of Haynes, 

, 103–04, 

 (1986). In determining
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                             10

whether a trial court based its decision upon clear and convincing evidence, “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.” State v. Schiebel, 

, 

(1990); accord In re Holcomb, 

, 

 (1985), citing Cross v.

Ledford, 

, 

 (1954) (“Once the clear and convincing standard has

been met to the satisfaction of the [trial] court, the reviewing court must examine the record and

determine if the trier of fact had sufficient evidence before it to satisfy this burden of proof.”); In

re Adoption of Lay, 

, 42–43, 

 (1986). Cf. In re Adoption of Masa,

, 

 (1986) (stating that whether a fact has been “proven by

clear and convincing evidence in a particular case is a determination for the [trial] court and will

not be disturbed on appeal unless such determination is against the manifest weight of the

evidence”).

        {¶ 25} Thus, if a children services agency presented competent and credible evidence

upon which the trier of fact reasonably could have formed a firm belief that permanent custody is

warranted, then the court’s decision is not against the manifest weight of the evidence. In re

R.M., 4th Dist. Athens Nos. 12CA43 and 12CA44, 2013–Ohio–3588, ¶ 62; In re R.L., 2nd Dist.

Greene Nos. 2012CA32 and 2012CA33, 2012–Ohio–6049, ¶ 17, quoting In re A.U., 2nd Dist.

Montgomery No. 22287, 2008–Ohio–187, ¶ 9 (“A reviewing court will not overturn a court’s

grant of permanent custody to the state as being contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence

‘if the record contains competent, credible evidence by which the court could have formed a firm

belief or conviction that the essential statutory elements … have been established.’”).

        {¶ 26} Once a reviewing court finishes its examination, the judgment may be reversed
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                           11

only if it appears that the fact-finder, when resolving the conflicts in evidence, “‘clearly lost its

way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the [judgment] must be reversed and

a new trial ordered.’” Thompkins, 

, quoting State v. Martin, 

, 

 (1st Dist.1983). A reviewing court should find a trial court’s

permanent custody decision against the manifest weight of the evidence only in the “‘exceptional

case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the [decision].’” Thompkins, 

, quoting Martin, 

; accord State v. Lindsey, 

,

 (2000).

                                                 B

        {¶ 27} We recognize that “parents’ interest in the care, custody, and control of their

children ‘is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by th[e United

States Supreme] Court.’” In re B.C., 

, 

, 

,

quoting Troxel v. Granville, 

, 

, 

 (2000). Indeed,

the right to raise one’s “child is an ‘essential’ and ‘basic’ civil right.” In re Murray, 

, 

 (1990); accord In re Hayes, 

, 

 (1997); see Santosky v. Kramer, 

, 

, 

 (1982)

(stating that “natural parents have a fundamental right to the care and custody of their children”).

 Thus, “parents who are ‘suitable’ have a ‘paramount’ right to the custody of their children.”

B.C. at ¶ 19, quoting In re Perales, 

, 

 (1977), citing Clark

v. Bayer, 

, 310 (1877); Murray, 

, 

.

        {¶ 28} A parent’s rights, however, are not absolute. In re D.A., 

,

, 

, ¶ 11. Rather, “‘it is plain that the natural rights of a parent
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                         12

… are always subject to the ultimate welfare of the child, which is the polestar or controlling

principle to be observed.’” In re Cunningham, 

, 

(1979), quoting In re R.J.C., 

 (Fla.App.1974). Thus, the State may terminate

parental rights when a child’s best interest demands such termination. D.A. at ¶ 11.

        {¶ 29} Before a court may award a children services agency permanent custody of a child,

R.C. 2151.414(A)(1) requires the court to hold a hearing. The primary purpose of the hearing is

to allow the court to determine whether the child’s best interests would be served by permanently

terminating the parental relationship and by awarding permanent custody to the agency. 

Additionally, when considering whether to grant a children services agency permanent custody, a

trial court should consider the underlying purposes of R.C. Chapter 2151: “to care for and protect

children, ‘whenever possible, in a family environment, separating the child from the child’s

parents only when necessary for the child’s welfare or in the interests of public safety.’” In re

C.F., 

, 2007–Ohio–1104, ¶ 29, quoting R.C. 2151.01(A).

                                                C

        {¶ 30} A children services agency may obtain permanent custody of a child by (1)

requesting it in the abuse, neglect or dependency complaint under R.C. 2151.353, or (2) filing a

motion under R.C. 2151.413 after obtaining temporary custody. In this case, appellee sought

permanent custody of the child by filing a motion under R.C. 2151.413. When an agency files a

permanent custody motion under R.C. 2151.413, R.C. 2151.414 applies. R.C. 2151.414(A).

        {¶ 31} R.C. 2151.414(B)(1) permits a trial court to grant permanent custody of a child to

a children services agency if the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the

child’s best interest would be served by the award of permanent custody and that one of the
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                                       13

following conditions applies:

                (a) The child is not abandoned or orphaned or has not 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, 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 ending on or after March 18,
        1999.
                (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.

        {¶ 32} Thus, before a trial court may award a children services agency permanent

custody, it must find (1) that one of the circumstances described in R.C. 2151.414(B)(1) applies,

and (2) that awarding the children services agency permanent custody would further the child’s

best interest.

                                                       D

        {¶ 33} In the case sub judice, appellant challenges the court’s finding under R.C.

2151.414(B)(1)(a) that the children cannot be placed with her within a reasonable time or should

not be placed with her.3 Appellant contends that she has a stable home where the children can

live and that she complied with the case plan requirement to complete parenting classes.

        {¶ 34} Appellee claims that appellant did not remedy the conditions that led to the


3
  The evidence also supports a finding under R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(d). The trial court did not, however, explicitly
cite this provision, or incorporate its language in its decision. Therefore, we do not address it.
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                         14

children’s removal from appellant’s custody. Appellee contends that appellant did not complete

any alcohol and drug counseling services and continued to test positive for illegal substances

throughout the time that the children were in appellee’s temporary custody.              Appellee

additionally argues that appellant did not consistently engage in mental health counseling, did not

maintain regular contact with the caseworkers, and did not maintain regular contact with the

children. Appellee thus contends that the trial court’s R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(a) finding is not

against the manifest weight of the evidence.

        {¶ 35} R.C. 2151.414(E) requires a court that is determining whether a child cannot be

placed with either parent within a reasonable period of time or should not be placed with the

parents to consider all relevant evidence. The statute further specifies that if one or more of the

following conditions exist “as to each of the child’s parents, the court shall enter a finding that

the child cannot be placed with either parent within a reasonable time or should not be placed

with either parent:”

                (1) Following the placement of the child outside the child’s home and
        notwithstanding reasonable case planning and diligent efforts by the agency to
        assist the parents to remedy the problems that initially caused the child to be
        placed outside the home, the parent has failed continuously and repeatedly to
        substantially remedy the conditions causing the child to be placed outside the
        child’s home. In determining whether the parents have substantially remedied
        those conditions, the court shall consider parental utilization of medical,
        psychiatric, psychological, and other social and rehabilitative services and
        material resources that were made available to the parents for the purpose of
        changing parental conduct to allow them to resume and maintain parental duties.
        …

        {¶ 36} A trial court may base its decision that a child cannot or should not be placed with

either parent within a reasonable time upon the existence of any one of the R.C. 2151.414(E)(1)

factors. The existence of one factor alone will support a finding that the child cannot be placed
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                             15

with either parent within a reasonable time or should not be placed with either parent. In re

C.F., 

, 

, 

, ¶ 50; In re William S., 

, 

 (1996); e.g., In re L.R.B., 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 28826,

, 

, ¶ 52; In re Hurlow, 4th Dist. Gallia No. 98CA6 (Sept. 21,

1998).

         {¶ 37} In the case at bar, we note that the trial court did not specifically cite which R.C.

2151.414(E) factor applies. Moreover, in the absence of a timely request for findings of fact and

conclusions of law, the court had no obligation to do so.

         {¶ 38} Civ.R. 52 states: “When questions of fact are tried by a court without a jury,

judgment may be general for the prevailing party unless one of the parties in writing requests

otherwise … in which case, the court shall state in writing the conclusions of fact found

separately from the conclusions of law.” Additionally, R.C. 2151.414(C) states: “If the court

grants permanent custody of a child to a movant under this division, the court, upon the request

of any party, shall file a written opinion setting forth its findings of fact and conclusions of law in

relation to the proceeding.” Generally, the failure to request findings of fact and conclusions of

law will result in a waiver of the right to challenge a trial court’s finding concerning an issue. In

re Barnhart, 4th Dist. Athens No. 02CA20, 2002–Ohio–6023, ¶ 23, citing Pawlus v. Bartrug,

, 

 (9th Dist.1996), and Wangugi v. Wangugi, 4th Dist.

Ross No. 99CA2531, 

 (Apr. 12, 2000). “‘[W]hen a party does not request that

the trial court make findings of fact and conclusions of law under Civ.R. 52, the reviewing court

will presume that the trial court considered all the factors and all other relevant facts.’” 

quoting Fallang v. Fallang, 

, 

 (12th Dist.1996). We
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                          16

have applied this rule to R.C. 2151.414 permanent custody cases and have stated that, unless a

party requests findings of fact and conclusions of law, a trial court need not set forth specific

factual findings regarding each R.C. 2151.414(D) best interest factor. In re M.M., 4th Dist.

Scioto No. 07CA3203, 2008–Ohio–2007, ¶ 20; In re Pettiford, 4th Dist. Ross No. 06CA2883,

2006–Ohio–3647, ¶ 28; In re Myers, 4th Dist. Athens No. 02CA50, 2003–Ohio–2776, ¶ 23,

citing In re Malone, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 93CA2165, 

 (May 11, 1994); In re

Dyal, 4th Dist. Hocking No. 01CA12, 

, fn. 3 (Aug. 9, 2001), quoting In re Day,

10th Dist. Franklin No. 00AP–1191, 

 (Feb. 15, 2001); accord In re R.H., 5th

Dist. Perry No. 10CA9, 2010–Ohio–3293, ¶ 14. If, however, a party requests findings of fact

and conclusions of law, then the trial court must set forth specific factual findings that correlate

to each best interest factor. Myers at ¶ 23. Additionally, the record must indicate that the trial

court indeed considered the proper statutory factors. In re Allbery, 4th Dist. Hocking No.

05CA12, 2005–Ohio–6529, ¶ 13; In re C.C., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 04AP–883–04AP–892,

2005–Ohio–5163, ¶ 53.

        {¶ 39} We previously determined that this same analysis applies to R.C. 2151.414(E). In

re C.S., 4th Dist. Athens No. 15CA18, 

, 

, ¶ 31. Thus, in the

absence of a proper request for findings of fact and conclusions of law, a trial court need not

specifically set forth its findings regarding the R.C. 2151.414(E) factors. 

 citing In re

Burton, 3rd Dist. Mercer No. 10–04–01, 2004–Ohio–4021, ¶¶ 22–23. Consequently, in the case

sub judice because appellant did not request findings of fact and conclusions of law, the trial

court was not required to set forth a specific analysis of the R.C. 2151.414(E) factors.

Furthermore, in the absence of findings of fact and conclusions of law, we generally must
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                           17

presume that the trial court applied the law correctly and must affirm if some evidence in the

record supports its judgment.            Bugg v. Fancher, 4th Dist. Highland No. 06CA12,

2007–Ohio–2019, ¶ 10, citing Allstate Fin. Corp. v. Westfield Serv. Mgt. Co., 

, 

 (12th Dist.1989); accord Yocum v. Means, 2nd Dist. Darke No. 1576,

2002–Ohio–3803, ¶ 7 (“The lack of findings obviously circumscribes our review ….”). As

the court explained in Pettet v. Pettet, 

, 

 (5th Dist.1988):

                [W]hen separate facts are not requested by counsel and/or supplied by the
        court the challenger is not entitled to be elevated to a position superior to that he
        would have enjoyed had he made his request. Thus, if from an examination of
        the record as a whole in the trial court there is some evidence from which the
        court could have reached the ultimate conclusions of fact which are consistent
        with [its] judgment the appellate court is bound to affirm on the weight and
        sufficiency of the evidence. The message should be clear: If a party wishes to
        challenge the … judgment as being against the manifest weight of the evidence
        he had best secure separate findings of fact and conclusions of law. Otherwise his
        already “uphill” burden of demonstrating error becomes an almost insurmountable
        “mountain.”

        {¶ 40} In the case at bar, it appears that the trial court did set forth some facts regarding

the R.C. 2151.414(E) factors, but did not correlate its factual findings to the statutory factors.

Appellant, however, did not request findings of fact and conclusions of law. Therefore, the trial

court was not obligated to enter findings of fact and conclusions of law. Furthermore, without

knowing how the trial court applied the facts to the R.C. 2151.414(E) factors, our review is

circumscribed. Thus, we must affirm the trial court’s decision if some evidence exists to support

it.

        {¶ 41} The language of the court’s decision indicates that the court determined that R.C.

2151.414(E)(1) applies. The court found that appellant failed to maintain sobriety, failed to

consistently submit to random drug screens, failed to complete alcohol and drug treatment, and
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                        18

continued to test positive for illegal substances through March 2020. The court’s findings

suggest that the court determined that R.C. 2151.414(E)(1) applies, in that appellant failed to

continuously and repeatedly substantially remedy the conditions that caused the children to be

removed from appellant’s custody.

        {¶ 42} After our review, we agree with the trial court that the record contains clear and

convincing evidence to support the court’s findings. Appellant did not argue that she has

maintained sobriety, consistently submitted to random drug screens, completed alcohol and drug

treatment, and tested negative for illegal substance throughout the case.

        {¶ 43} Unfortunately, appellant fails to recognize that she did not substantially remedy

the conditions that led to the children’s removal from her care. Instead, appellant contends that

she complied with some of the case plan goals. Appellant appears to assert that compliance with

a portion of case plan goals shows that she has substantially remedied the conditions that led to

the children’s removal, and that the children can be placed with her within a reasonable time.

We note, however, that a parent’s “substantial compliance with a case plan, in and of itself, does

not prove that a grant of permanent custody to an agency is erroneous.” In re A.C–B., 9th Dist.

Summit Nos. 28330 and 28349, 2017–Ohio–374, 

, ¶ 11, citing In re M.Z., 9th

Dist. No. 11CA010104, 2012–Ohio–3194, ¶ 19; In re S.C., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102349,

2015–Ohio–2280, ¶ 40 (“Compliance with a case plan is not, in and of itself, dispositive of the

issue of reunification.”); In re W.C.J., 4th Dist. Jackson No. 14CA3, 2014–Ohio–5841, ¶ 46

(“Substantial compliance with a case plan is not necessarily dispositive on the issue of

reunification and does not preclude a grant of permanent custody to a children’s services

agency.”). Simply because a parent completes some or all of the terms of a case plan does not
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                          19

mean the parent has achieved the goals of the plan, or has substantially remedied the conditions

that caused the child to be removed. In re J.B., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98546, 

,

, ¶ 90. “‘The issue is not whether the parent has substantially complied with

the case plan, but whether the parent has substantially remedied the conditions that caused the

child’s removal.’” 

 quoting In re McKenzie, 9th Dist. Wayne No. 95CA0015, 

, 4, 

, 11 (Oct. 18, 1995).

        {¶ 44} In the case sub judice, assuming, arguendo, that appellant has complied with the

case plan goals to obtain stable housing and to complete parenting classes, appellant’s partial

compliance does not establish that she has fulfilled the ultimate case plan goal to establish a safe

environment free from alcohol and drug abuse.

        {¶ 45} Consequently, we do not agree with appellant that the trial court’s R.C.

2151.414(B)(1)(a) finding that the children cannot be placed with appellant within a reasonable

time, or should not be placed with appellant, is against the manifest weight of the evidence.

                                                 E

        {¶ 46} Appellant also asserts that the trial court’s best-interest determination is against

the manifest weight of the evidence. In particular, appellant argues that the evidence adduced at

the hearing fails to support the trial court’s finding that the children cannot achieve a legally

secure permanent placement without placing the children in appellee’s permanent custody

because the children’s maternal grandmother can provide the children with a legally secure

permanent placement. Appellant thus argues that the trial court failed to properly evaluate this

factor when determining the children’s best interests.

        {¶ 47} R.C. 2151.414(D) directs a trial court to consider “all relevant factors,” as well as
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                          20

specific factors, to determine whether a child’s best interest will be served by granting a children

services agency permanent custody. The listed factors include: (1) the child’s interaction and

interrelationship with the child’s parents, siblings, relatives, foster parents and out-of-home

providers, and any other person who may significantly affect the child; (2) the child’s wishes, as

expressed directly by the child or through the child’s guardian ad litem, with due regard for the

child’s maturity; (3) the child’s custodial history; (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; and (5) whether any factors listed under R.C. 2151.414(E)(7)

to (11) apply.

        {¶ 48} The determination of whether a grant of permanent custody to a children services

agency will promote a child’s best interest involves a delicate balancing of “all relevant [best

interest] factors,” as well as the “five enumerated statutory factors.” In re C.F., 

, 2007–Ohio–1104, 

, ¶ 57, citing In re Schaefer, 

,

2006–Ohio–5513, 

; accord In re C.G., 9th Dist. Summit Nos. 24097 and

24099, 2008–Ohio–3773, ¶ 28; In re N.W., 10th Dist. Franklin Nos. 07AP–590 and 07AP–591,

2008–Ohio–297, 

, ¶ 19. However, none of the best interest factors requires a

court to give it “greater weight or heightened significance.” C.F. at ¶ 57. Instead, the trial court

considers the totality of the circumstances when making its best interest determination. In re

K.M.S., 3rd Dist. Marion Nos. 9–15–37, 9–15–38, and 9–15–39, 2017–Ohio–142, 

, ¶ 24; In re A.C., 9th Dist. Summit No. 27328, 2014–Ohio–4918, ¶ 46. In general, “[a]

child’s best interest is served by placing the child in a permanent situation that fosters growth,

stability, and security.”      In re C.B.C., 4th Dist. Lawrence Nos. 15CA18 and 15CA19,
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                        21

2016–Ohio–916, 

, ¶ 66, citing In re Adoption of Ridenour, 

, 

 (1991).

        {¶ 49} In the case sub judice, we first note that appellant does not directly address each

best interest factor and discuss why they weigh in favor of the denial of appellee’s request for

permanent custody of the child. Instead, she limits her argument to the trial court’s finding

regarding the children’s need for a legally secure permanent placement.

        {¶ 50} “Although the Ohio Revised Code does not define the term, ‘legally secure

permanent placement,’ this court and others have generally interpreted the phrase to mean a safe,

stable, consistent environment where a child’s needs will be met.”         In re M.B., 4th Dist.

Highland No. 15CA19, 2016–Ohio–793, 

, ¶ 56, citing In re Dyal, 4th Dist.

Hocking No. 01CA12, 

, *9 (Aug. 9, 2001) (implying that “legally secure

permanent placement” means a “stable, safe, and nurturing environment”); see also In re K.M.,

10th Dist. Franklin Nos. 15AP–64 and 15AP–66, 2015–Ohio–4682, ¶ 28 (observing that legally

secure permanent placement requires more than stable home and income but also requires

environment that will provide for child’s needs); In re J.H., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2012–L–126,

2013–Ohio–1293, ¶ 95 (stating that mother unable to provide legally secure permanent

placement when she lacked physical and emotional stability and that father unable to do so when

he lacked grasp of parenting concepts); In re J.W., 

, 2007–Ohio–2007, 

 (10th Dist.) (Sadler, J., dissenting) (stating that a legally secure permanent

placement means “a placement that is stable and consistent”); Black’s Law Dictionary 1354 (6th

Ed. 1990) (defining “secure” to mean, in part, “not exposed to danger; safe; so strong, stable or

firm as to insure safety”); id. at 1139 (defining “permanent” to mean, in part, “[c]ontinuing or
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                              22

enduring in the same state, status, place, or the like without fundamental or marked change, not

subject to fluctuation, or alteration, fixed or intended to be fixed; lasting; abiding; stable; not

temporary or transient”). Thus, “[a] legally secure permanent placement is more than a house

with four walls. Rather, it generally encompasses a stable environment where a child will live in

safety with one or more dependable adults who will provide for the child’s needs.” M.B. at ¶ 56.

        {¶ 51} We also observe that a trial court that is evaluating a child’s need for a legally

secure permanent placement, and whether the child can achieve that type of placement, need not

determine that terminating parental rights is “not only a necessary option, but also the only

option.” 

. Rather, once a court finds the existence of any one of the

R.C. 2151.414(B)(1)(a)-(e) factors, R.C. 2151.414(D)(1) requires the court to weigh “all the

relevant factors … to find the best option for the child.” 

 “The statute does not make the

availability of a placement that would not require a termination of parental rights an

all-controlling factor. The statute does not even require the court to weigh that factor more

heavily than other factors.” 

 Instead, a child’s best interest is served by placing the child in a

permanent situation that fosters growth, stability, and security. In re Adoption of Ridenour, 

, 

 (1991). Thus, courts are not required to favor relative

placement if, after considering all the factors, it is in the child’s best interest for the agency to be

granted permanent custody. 

; accord In re T.G., 4th Dist. Athens No. 15CA24,

2015–Ohio–5330, ¶ 24; In re V.C., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102903, 2015–Ohio–4991, ¶ 61

(stating that relative’s positive relationship with child and willingness to provide an appropriate

home did not trump child’s best interest).

        {¶ 52} After our review in the case sub judice, we do not believe that the trial court’s
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                        23

finding that the children cannot achieve a legally secure permanent placement without placing

them in appellee’s permanent custody is against the manifest weight of the evidence. The

evidence shows that appellant did not complete all of the case plan goals and that she cannot

provide the children with a legally secure permanent placement. Appellant did not successfully

complete an alcohol and drug treatment program, despite having nearly three years to complete

this case plan goal. Appellant also continued to test positive for illegal substances, even after

appellee filed its permanent custody motion and after the trial court held the first permanent

custody hearing in January 2020.

        {¶ 53} Although appellant alleges that her mother, the children’s maternal grandmother,

can provide the children with a legally secure permanent placement, appellee does not agree.

Appellee decided not to attempt to place the children with the maternal grandmother after

verifying with the grandmother’s doctor that the grandmother had health issues that prevents her

from appropriately caring for the children.

        {¶ 54} We also note that appellant challenges the credibility of the caseworker’s

testimony regarding the maternal grandmother’s health.       The caseworker indicated that the

maternal grandmother’s doctor had given appellee a note that stated that the maternal

grandmother has health issues that prevent her from caring for the children. Appellant contends

that appellee excluded the maternal grandmother as a possible placement based upon an

unproven health condition. Appellant recognizes that appellee relied upon a “doctor’s note,” but

asserts that appellee did not submit the note into evidence and did not explain why the maternal

grandmother’s health prevents her from caring for the children.

        {¶ 55} We observe that the credibility of the caseworker’s testimony is a matter for the
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                           24

trial court to resolve. Moreover, the trial court judge questioned the caseworker about the

maternal grandmother’s availability as a possible placement. The judge confirmed that appellee

excluded the maternal grandmother as a possible placement due to health concerns.

Additionally, appellant’s trial counsel cross-examined the caseworker about the maternal

grandmother’s health and the whereabouts of the doctor’s note that appellee received. The trial

court was entitled to weigh the evidence and to find the caseworker’s testimony credible. We,

therefore, do not agree with appellant that the trial court should have concluded that the maternal

grandmother is free from health concerns and that she can provide the children with a legally

secure permanent placement.

        {¶ 56} We further observe that a trial court is not required to place the children with a

relative if the totality of the best-interest factors favor placing the children in appellee’s

permanent custody. 

. In the case at bar, the totality of the evidence regarding

the children’s best interests supports the trial court’s decision to place the children in appellee’s

permanent custody.

        {¶ 57} With respect to the children’s interactions and interrelationships, the evidence

shows that the children are doing reasonably well and making progress in their foster homes.

The two older children receive counseling due to psychological trauma that occurred when they

lived with appellant. Ad.C.’s counselor reported that the child needs to stabilize before the child

can move forward with the next treatment phase, and that moving forward is not possible unless

the child stops seeing appellant. Ar.C.’s counselor also stated that the child has separation

anxiety when leaving the foster mother. Ad.C’s and Ar.C.’s fragile emotional states resulted

from living with appellant. Thus, we believe that the evidence does not suggest that the children
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                          25

share a positive relationship with appellant, or that they had previously experienced positive

interactions with appellant. We note, however, that appellee did not express any significant

concerns about appellant’s interaction with the children during supervised visits.

         {¶ 58} Additionally, the two older children stated that they do not want to live with

appellant. The guardian ad litem recommended that the court grant appellee permanent custody

of the children.

         {¶ 59} Regarding the children’s custodial history, the three children were removed from

appellant’s custody in June 2017, and have been in appellee’s temporary custody since that time.

While in appellee’s temporary custody, the children lived with the paternal grandmother from

late June 2017 through early March 2018. Since, March 2018, the children have lived in foster

homes.

         {¶ 60} After our review and based upon all of the foregoing circumstances, we cannot

conclude that the trial court’s best-interest determination is against the manifest weight of the

evidence. Moreover, as this court often notes:

         “… [A] child should not have to endure the inevitable to its great detriment and
         harm in order to give the … [parent] an opportunity to prove her suitability.
         To anticipate the future, however, is at most, a difficult basis for a judicial
         determination. The child’s present condition and environment is the subject for
         decision not the expected or anticipated behavior of unsuitability or unfitness of
         the … [parent]. … The law does not require the court to experiment with
         the child’s welfare to see if he will suffer great detriment or harm.”

In re W.C.J., 4th Dist. Jackson No. 14CA3, 

, ¶ 48, quoting In re Bishop, 

, 

 (5th Dist.1987).

         {¶ 61} Accordingly, based upon the foregoing reasons, we overrule appellant’s sole

assignment of error and affirm the trial court’s judgment.
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                          26

                                                                         JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.

                                         JUDGMENT ENTRY

        It is ordered that the judgment be affirmed and that appellee recover of appellant the costs

herein taxed.

        The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

        It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Ross County

Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, to carry this judgment into execution.

        A certified copy of this entry shall constitute that mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the

Rules of Appellate Procedure.

        Smith, P.J. & Wilkin, J.: Concur in Judgment & Opinion

                                                     For the Court




                                                     BY:
                                                     Peter B. Abele, Judge
ROSS, 20CA3720, 20CA3721, AND 20CA3722                                                     27


                                         NOTICE TO COUNSEL

       Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the
time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.