In the Matter of : Brian D.
Annotate this Case
January 1995 Term
___________
No. 22558
__________
IN THE MATTER OF BRIAN D.,
JEFFREY D., SHERRIE D. And
ALLEN D.,
ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN,
Infants,
BARBARA JOHNSON,
Respondent Below, Appellant,
v.
JOHN NANNY, DIRECTOR OF ATTENDANCE,
OHIO COUNTY SCHOOLS, and
WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN RESOURCES,
Petitioners Below, Appellees.
_____________________________________________
Appeal from the Circuit Court of Ohio County
Honorable W. Craig Broadwater, Circuit Judge
No. 88-CJV-303-B
REVERSED AND REMANDED
_____________________________________________
Submitted: January 10, 1995
Filed: July 19, 1995
For Jeffrey D.:
Randy Dean Gossett
Guardian Ad Litem
Wheeling, West Virginia
For Barbara J.:
Gregory A. Gellner
Artimez & Gellner
Wheeling, West Virginia
of Health and Human Resources
George P. Surmaitis
Assistant Attorney General
Charleston, West Virginia
JUSTICE WORKMAN delivered the Opinion of the Court.
JUSTICE BROTHERTON and JUSTICE RECHT did not participate.
JUDGE FOX sitting by temporary assignment.
SYLLABUS
1. "In a child abuse and neglect hearing, before a court can
begin to make any of the dispositional alternatives under W. Va.
Code, 49-6-5, it must hold a hearing under W. Va. Code 49-6-2, and
determine 'whether such child is abused or neglected.' Such a
finding is a prerequisite to further continuation of the case."
Syl. Pt. 1, State v. T.C., 172 W. Va. 47, 303 S.E.2d 685 (1983).
2. "Under W. Va. Code, 49-6D-3 (1984), the Department of
Human Services is required to prepare a family case plan with
participation by the parties and their counsel and to submit it to
the court for approval within thirty days." Syl. Pt. 4, State ex
rel. W. Va. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Cheryl M., 177 W. Va. 688, 356 S.E.2d 181 (1987).
3. "The purpose of the family case plan as set out in W. Va.
Code, 49-6D-3(a) (1984), is to clearly set forth an organized,
realistic method of identifying family problems and the logical
steps to be used in resolving or lessening these problems." Syl.
Pt. 5, State ex rel. W. Va. Dep't of Human Servs. v. Cheryl M., 177
W. Va. 688, 356 S.E.2d 181 (1987).
4. "In formulating the improvement period and family case
plans, courts and social service workers should cooperate to provide a workable approach for the resolution of family problems
which have prevented the child or children from receiving
appropriate care from their parents. The formulation of the
improvement period and family case plans should therefore be a
consolidated, multi-disciplinary effort among the court system, the
parents, attorneys, social service agencies, and any other helping
personnel involved in assisting the family." Syl. Pt. 4, In re
Carlita B., 185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991).
5. "Child abuse and neglect cases must be recognized as being
among the highest priority for the courts' attention. Unjustified
procedural delays wreak havoc on a child's development, stability
and security." Syl. Pt. 1, in part, In re Carlita B., 185 W. Va.
613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991).
6. "The guardian ad litem's role in abuse and neglect
proceedings does not actually cease until such time as the child is
placed in a permanent home." Syl. Pt. 5, James M. v. Maynard, 185
W. Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d 400 (1991).
7. Cases involving children must be decided not just in the
context of competing sets of adults' rights, but also with a regard
for the rights of the child(ren).
8. "When the West Virginia Department of Health and Human
Resources seeks to terminate parental rights where an absent parent
has abandoned the child, allegations of such abandonment should be
included in the petition and every effort made to comply with the
notice requirements of W. Va. Code, 49-6-1 (1992)." Syl. Pt. 6, In
re Christina L., Nos. 22803 and 22804, ___ W. Va. ___, ___ S.E.2d
___ (filed July 11, 1995).
9. "In cases where there is a termination of parental rights,
the circuit court should consider whether continued association
with siblings in other placements is in the child's best interests,
and if such continued association is in such child's best
interests, the court should enter an appropriate order to preserve
the rights of siblings to continued contact." Syl. Pt. 4, James M.
v. Maynard, 185 W. Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d 400 (1991).
10. "When parental rights are terminated due to neglect or
abuse, the circuit court may nevertheless in appropriate cases
consider whether continued visitation or other contact with the
abusing parent is in the best interest of the child. Among other
things, the circuit court should consider whether a close emotional
bond has been established between parent and child and the child's
wishes, if he or she is of appropriate maturity to make such
request. The evidence must indicate that such visitation or
continued contact would not be detrimental to the child's well being and would be in the child's best interest." Syl. Pt. 5, In
re Christina L., Nos. 22803 and 22804, ___ W. Va. ___, ___ S.E.2d
___ (filed July 11, 1995).
Workman, Justice:
Appellant Barbara Johnson appeals from the May 6, 1993, order
of the Circuit Court of Ohio County terminating her parental rights
to her son, Jeffrey D.See footnote 1 Given the lengthy and convoluted
procedural history of this case, we ordered on January 27, 1995,
that an immediate home study be completed and returned to this
Court by February 10, 1995. We further ordered that telephone
communication between Jeffrey and Appellant be immediately restored
and suggested that supervised visitation be arranged, provided that
the home study did not indicate that visitation would be harmful to
Jeffrey.See footnote 2 After reviewing this matter in full, we reverse the
termination order and remand this case to the court below to consider fashioning a meaningful improvement period and ultimately
to determine whether it is in the best interests of Jeffrey to be
returned to his mother's custody.
I. Seven Years of a Child's Life
In his concurring opinion in In re Carlita B., 185 W. Va.
613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991), Justice Thomas B. Miller called the
majority opinion "the bible not only for our circuit courts, but
for all who are involved in this sensitive and difficult field."
Id. at 633, 408 S.E.2d at 385 (Miller, J., concurring). The
protracted procedural history of this case, as well as its
substantive disregard of the rights of all the parties, could make
the record below the bible for how not to handle an abuse and
neglect case. Furthermore, the muddled state of the record in this
matter has made this case difficult to sort out. It is especially
troubling that although there are strong intimations of significant
neglect and possible abuse, the only allegation of neglect or abuse
ever formally alleged was truancy from kindergarten. Yet this
matter has now lingered in the court system for almost seven years,
without any permanent resolution for Jeffrey.
On December 8, 1988, John Nanny, the director of attendance
for the Ohio County schools filed a petition against the AppellantSee footnote 3
pursuant to West Virginia Code §§ 49-6-1 to -11 (1992 & Supp.
1994),See footnote 4 alleging neglect on the grounds that Jeffrey had missed
twenty-four days of kindergarten out of a possible thirty-two days
as of mid-October.See footnote 5 On December 9, 1988, a hearing was held on the
neglect petition which resulted in the entry of an order directing
that psychological evaluations be performed on Appellant, as well
as her four children. The circuit court held a status hearing on
the petition on January 27, 1989, and concluded that because
Jeffrey was not emotionally ready for kindergarten, his attendance
was voluntary pursuant to state law.See footnote 6 Rather than dismissing the petition as to Jeffrey, however, the court delayed its ruling
pending receipt of the previously-ordered psychological evaluation.
A status hearing was held on February 17, 1989, at which
time the court ordered that a court summary prepared by a
protective service worker for the West Virginia Department of Human
Services (hereinafter referred to as "DHS")See footnote 7 be filed and scheduled
a hearing on June 2, 1989, for the purpose of reviewing the written
psychological evaluations.See footnote 8 At the June 2, 1989, hearing, the
court heard the testimony of John Nanny and the DHS protective
service worker. The DHS worker asked the court to extend the
improvement periodSee footnote 9 through November 1989 on the grounds that he had seen no indication that Jeffrey was going to start attending
kindergarten in the fall.See footnote 10 He further testified that parenting
classes had not been offered to Appellant as the examining
psychologist had not felt that she would benefit from such
classes.See footnote 11 The hearing was continued until June 30, 1989, to permit the State to call Corey Roman, the psychologist who performed the
evaluations.
The prosecutor chose not to call Mr. Roman at the June 30,
1989, hearing,See footnote 12 but Mr. Nanny informed the court that Jeffrey had
successfully begun attending a summer school session.See footnote 13 The court
opined that the improvement period "is probably bearing fruit" and
continued the matter until September 28, 1989, with the comment
that "if the children's attendance is reasonable during that month
then we could just dismiss this action . . . ."
The record reflects that the next action taken in connection
with this case was the court's entry of an order on August 2, 1989,
terminating the "paternal parental rights of Wilbur White and of
any person claiming to be the father of any or all of said children
. . . ."See footnote 14 A review of the record suggests that the impetus for terminating Mr. White's parental rights was a motion seeking to be
relievedSee footnote 15 by counsel originally appointed to represent the rights
of the unknown father.See footnote 16
The record is unclear as to whether the scheduled hearing for
September 28, 1989, ever took place. Two documents in the file,
however, were obviously prepared in anticipation of such a hearing.
First, a court summary bearing the date of September 20, 1989, by
the DHS worker was ordered filed by Judge Callie Tsapis on September 25, 1989. Interestingly, that summary contains the
recommendation that "[t]he Court order that the educational neglect
petition against Barbara Johnson be dismissed." Second, a letter
which is dated September 28, 1989, from John Nanny to Judge Tsapis
states that: "I am pleased to share with the Court the improved
attendance pattern of the . . . [D.] children as of this date. I
would like to see an informal, unsupervised improvement period
throughout the current school year."
The record suggests that this neglect case languished for
almost two years before any further action was taken. The next
entry in the abuse and neglect case court file pertaining to
Jeffrey is a "Petition for Review of Custody," which was filed by
the DHS on July 2, 1991. This petition indicates that Jeffrey had
been residing at the St. John's Home for Children "continuously
from March 16, 1990." The petition further reflects that Jeffrey
"is in foster care by virtue of a Court order of the Juvenile
Referee through the Circuit Court of Ohio County dated March 16,
1990." While the court record is completely devoid of any order
bearing the date of March 16, 1990, counsel for Appellant obtained
a copy of an order dated March 19, 1990, signed by George J. Fahey
as Juvenile Referee, which directed that Jeffrey be "placed in the
temporary custody of the West Virginia Department of Human
Services, with said Department given the necessary authority to place the juvenile at St. John's Home for ChildrenSee footnote 17 . . . ." The
order states no basis for Jeffrey's placement.See footnote 18
On August 2, 1991, a hearing was held before the circuit court
on the petition for review filed in connection with Jeffrey's
placement for more than a year at St. John's.See footnote 19 The October 4,
1991, order reflecting this proceeding indicates that due to the
necessity of appointing new counselSee footnote 20 to represent Appellant, a new hearing date was scheduled on the petition for August 9, 1991. The
order further reflects that by mutual agreement of the parties the
court included a directive restraining Wilbur White from being
present at the home of Appellant until further order of the court.
The August 9, 1991, hearing was an evidentiary proceeding
which resulted in the entry of an order, entered on October 4,
1991, finding the children of Appellant to be abused "in that the
. . . [Appellant] is unable to cope with or to supervise them or
control them[.]"See footnote 21 The testimony proffered at this hearing included
that of Daniel Tennant, a family therapist at St. John's, who
stated that Appellant required individual counseling and that he
could not provide the same as his job was limited to family
counseling. During the testimony of Mr. Tennant, reference was
made to possible physical abuse in the nature of corporal
punishment by Wilbur White.See footnote 22 This issue, however, was addressed only in passing and without any specific testimony offered to
support the allegations. The only specific problem identified by
protective services worker Timothy Randolph was "an inability [on
Appellant's part] . . . to cope with the demands of the children
and an apparent need of avoiding confrontations with them[.]" The
court granted a six-month improvement periodSee footnote 23 as to Jeffrey and a
three-month improvement period concerning Appellant's three other
children. Jeffrey's placement at St. John's was continued, whereas
the three older children were permitted to remain in the custody of
Appellant. The order also directs that Jeffrey cannot continue
with overnight home visitation "until Wilbur White . . . leaves the
home of" Appellant. The order further continues and encourages
Appellant's regular visitation of Jeffrey at St. John's.
During a status conference held on November 15, 1991, Mr.
Nanny moved for the termination of Appellant's parental rights.
Because the record does not include a transcript from this
proceeding, it is unclear as to what specifically prompted the
motion for termination of parental rights.See footnote 24 The only reference to Jeffrey in the order concerning the conference is a ruling that his
placement at St. John's is to continue.
A hearing was held on January 24, 1992, for the purpose of
permitting evidence to be presented with regard to Mr. Nanny's
motion for termination of parental rights. As a result of this
hearing, the court entered an order dated March 6, 1992, finding
that any neglect by Appellant towards her children was of a passive
nature and further finding that Appellant "has made progress toward
improvement of her passivity."See footnote 25 The court continued Jeffrey's
placement at St. John's, but ordered home visits every other
weekend. The order further enjoined Mr. White "from having any
contact with . . . [Appellant's] children and from being present in
the home of the children at any time while they are there. . . ."
The court scheduled a review proceeding for May 1, 1992, which
resulted in a further continuation of Jeffrey's placement at St.
John's as well as the alternating weekend home visits.
On May 18, 1992, a hearing was held during which the court
entertained Appellees' motion to place Jeffrey in foster care. Jeffrey's guardian ad litem interjected that "the counselors at St.
John's believe that Jeffrey would be better off in a less
restrictive environment[]" as the basis for such motion. After
considering testimony regarding Jeffrey's progress, the court ruled
that foster care arrangements should be arranged to commence on
June 8, 1992. The court stated that after sixty days of foster
care, it would review the situation and consider permitting him to
live at home with Appellant if the foster care situation was
working. The court further ordered that Appellant's home visits
with Jeffrey were to continue.
At the sixty-day follow-up to Jeffrey's foster-care placement
on August 6, 1992, the court directed that Jeffrey was to be
returned to Appellant for a ninety-day trial visit.See footnote 26 The order
directing the trial visit expressly forbade Appellant from
permitting Wilbur White from having any contact with her family and
directed her to contact her attorney in the event Mr. White showed
up at the family's residence. The record in this case indicates
that Mr. White was present in the home during several of Jeffrey's
home visits prior to the ninety-day trial visit.
As a result of Jeffrey missing three of the first six days of
school in September 1992, the parties returned to court on September 9, 1992. After hearing testimony from John Nanny
regarding his discovery of Wilbur White in an alley behind
Appellant's residence when he visited the home because of Jeffrey's
absence from school, the court revoked the trial home visit and
ordered that Jeffrey be returned to "whatever facility or foster
home [the DHS] deemed to be best for said child."See footnote 27
A hearing was held on November 6, 1992, and Appellant was, for
the first time, permitted to testify regarding the problems she had
in trying to keep Wilbur White away from her family and home.See footnote 28 By
order entered January 28, 1993, the court stopped all but
supervised visitation pending proof that Wilbur White had left the
area.See footnote 29 The court did order that Jeffrey be permitted to telephone
Appellant "when he so desires, within reasonable limitations." The
court obviously was reluctant to accept that Mr. White had indeed
left the area, as the order directs the family to seek group
counseling and to invite Mr. White to participate in the sessions.
Because Judge Tsapis was leaving the bench at the end of 1992, the
case was transferred to Judge Broadwater.
On February 16, 1993, Judge Broadwater held his first hearing
in this case and endeavored to bring focus and direction to this
case. He indicated that the case was ready for disposition, and
the guardian ad litem again recommended termination of Appellant's
parental rights. A dispositional hearing was then scheduled for
March 4, 1993.
Dispositional Hearing
The dispositional hearing began initially on March 4, 1993,
and was then continued to March 24, 1993. At the first hearing,
the State proffered the testimony of Dr. Maceiko, a psychologist
who had seen Jeffrey approximately forty times; John Nanny, and
Donna Frader, a DHS protective services worker. Dr. Maceiko
testified that his recommendation was to permit Jeffrey to continue
in foster care and that he not be returned to Appellant based on
her pattern of passive neglect. John Nanny testified that he never
intended that Appellant's rights should be terminated but that if
forced to make a recommendation, he would choose termination. He
further stated that he would have no problem with supervised
visitation even at the post-dispositional stage. Ms. Frader agreed
with Dr. Maceiko's recommendation that Jeffrey not be returned to
Appellant's home. At the continuation of the dispositional hearing
on March 24, 1993, Jeffrey testified that he wanted to return home
and that he is attached to Appellant. Evidence was proffered that Jeffrey called and spoke to Appellant almost every night. At the
conclusion of the hearing, the court directed the parties to return
on April 5, 1993.
At the proceeding held on April 5, 1993,See footnote 30 the guardian ad
litem renewed his motion for termination of Appellant's parental
rights while the State did not render any recommendation.
Appellant asked the court for additional help, but the court
indicated that it intended to terminate her parental rights as to
Jeffrey.
By order entered on May 6, 1993, the court terminated
Appellant's parental rights, finding that Appellant was unable to
provide the continuity of care required by Jeffrey due to her lack
of mental capacity and parenting skills. The court found that
Appellant was unable to respond adequately or follow through with
the DHS care plan by acquiring adequate parenting skills or
conforming her behavior to such plan. The court further observed
that there was no reasonable likelihood that the conditions of
neglectful behavior could be substantially corrected and, noted
additionally, the absence of a less restrictive alternative to termination. Finally, the order noted that the "[r]eunification of
the child Jeffrey D. with his . . . mother [wa]s not in the best
interests of the child[.]" The court's termination ruling also
reflects its dissatisfaction with Appellant for her failure to
comply with court directives to keep Wilbur White away from her
home and Jeffrey.
By order entered on December 30, 1993, the court stayed the
enforcement of the termination order pending the outcome of her
appeal of said order, but denied visitation rights to Appellant
during the stay. Appellant filed her petition for appeal seeking
a reversal of the termination order on July 13, 1994. This Court
granted the petition on October 13, 1994, and placed the matter on
an expedited briefing schedule. Although this matter was
originally scheduled for oral argument before this Court on
November 29, 1994, a motion to continue was made due to the failure
of the State and the guardian ad litem to file briefs,See footnote 31 and the matter was continued to the January 1995 term of this Court.
II. The Appeal
Appellant protests initially that the court did not have
jurisdiction over Jeffrey at the time the order finding neglect was
issued. She maintains that once the circuit court concluded in its
order of April 5, 1989, that Jeffrey's kindergarten attendance was
voluntary pursuant to state law,See footnote 32 the court no longer had
jurisdiction over Jeffrey since the only ground alleged in the
petition was truancy. As the State correctly explains, the circuit
court properly had jurisdiction over Jeffrey following the entry of
the April 5, 1989, order under the authority of West Virginia Code
§ 49-6-3. That statute provides, in pertinent part:
Upon the filing of a [neglect or abuse]
petition, . . . [i]n a case where there is
more than one child in the home, . . . the
petition shall so state, and notwithstanding
the fact that the allegations of abuse or
neglect may pertain to less than all of such
children, each child in the home for whom relief is sought shall be made a party to the
proceeding.
W. Va. Code § 49-6-3(a) (emphasis supplied).
Accordingly, Jeffrey was properly under the court's continuing
jurisdiction at the time the neglect order was entered since the
neglect petition at issue also named Jeffrey's siblings. By virtue
of the court's continuing jurisdiction over his brothers and
sister, the court had the authority to monitor the welfare of
Jeffrey. See W. Va. Code § 49-6-3.
Appellant next alleges that the circuit court failed to follow
the statutory framework for terminating her rights. In syllabus
point one of State v. T.C., 172 W. Va. 47, 303 S.E.2d 685 (1983),
this Court held that:
In a child abuse and neglect hearing,
before a court can begin to make any of the
dispositional alternatives under W. Va. Code,
49-6-5, it must hold a hearing under W. Va.
Code 49-6-2, and determine 'whether such child
is abused or neglected.' Such a finding is a
prerequisite to further continuation of the
case.
Id. at 48, 303 S.E.2d at 686. Appellant finds fault with Judge
Tsapsis' finding of neglect on the sole grounds that the State was
the only party which offered testimony at the hearing on August 9,
1991, at the conclusion of which the finding of neglect was made.
Upon review of the record, we observe that Appellant was represented by counsel at this hearing, albeit newly appointed,See footnote 33
and that Appellant was not prevented from offering evidence during
this hearing, from raising any objections to the testimony elicited
at such hearing, or from seeking a continuance if more time was
needed to prepare her case. Appellant further argues that she was
not notified that the August 9, 1991, hearing was to be
adjudicatory in nature. The record, however, does not reflect any
objection raised by Appellant regarding this issue.
The next assignment Appellant raises is the failure of the
State to prepare a written case plan prior to the dispositional
hearing held on May 3, 1993. Pursuant to West Virginia Code § 49-
6-5(a),
[f]ollowing a determination pursuant to
section two [§ 49-6-2] of this article wherein
the court finds a child to be abused or
neglected, the department shall file with the
court a copy of the child's case plan,
including the permanency plan for the child.
The term case plan means a written document
that includes, where applicable, the
requirements of the family case plan as
provided for in . . . [§ 49-6D-3], . . . and
that also includes at least the following: A
description of the type of home or institution
in which the child is to be placed, including
a discussion of the appropriateness of the
placement and how the agency which is
responsible for the child plans to assure that
the child receives proper care and that
services are provided to the parents, child
and foster parents in order to improve the conditions in the parent(s) home, facilitate
return of the child to his or her own home or
the permanent placement of the child, and
address the needs of the child while in foster
care, including a discussion of the
appropriateness of the services that have been
provided to the child. . . . Copies of the
child's case plan shall be sent to the child's
attorney and parent, guardian or custodian at
least five days prior to the dispositional
hearing. The court shall forthwith proceed to
disposition giving both the petitioner and
respondents an opportunity to be heard.
W. Va. Code § 49-6-5(a).
The obligation to formulate a case plan arises upon the
granting of an improvement period under West Virginia Code § 49-6-
2(b). See Syl. Pt. 3, State ex rel. W. Va. Dep't of Human Servs.
v. Cheryl M., 177 W. Va. 688, 356 S.E.2d 181 (1987). We expounded
on the time period permitted statutorily for preparing case plans
and the purpose of such plans in syllabus points four and five of
Cheryl M.:
Under W. Va. Code, 49-6D-3 (1984), the
Department of Human Services is required to
prepare a family case plan with participation
by the parties and their counsel and to submit
it to the court for approval within thirty
days.
The purpose of the family case plan as
set out in W. Va. Code, 49-6D-3(a) (1984), is
to clearly set forth an organized, realistic
method of identifying family problems and the
logical steps to be used in resolving or
lessening these problems.
177 W. Va. at 688-89, 356 S.E.2d at 181-82, syl. pts. 4, 5.
More recently, we have enunciated, at length, the critical
importance of developing and complying with meaningful improvement
periods and family case plans in Carlita B. See 185 W. Va. at 624-
29, 408 S.E.2d at 376-81. We explained in syllabus point four of
Carlita B. that,
[i]n formulating the improvement period
and family case plans, courts and social
service workers should cooperate to provide a
workable approach for the resolution of family
problems which have prevented the child or
children from receiving appropriate care from
their parents. The formulation of the
improvement period and family case plans
should therefore be a consolidated, multi-
disciplinary effort among the court system,
the parents, attorneys, social service
agencies, and any other helping personnel
involved in assisting the family.
Id. at 616, 408 S.E.2d at 368. We further explained:
The goal [of improvement periods and case
plans] should be the development of a program
designed to assist the parent(s) in dealing
with any problems which interfere with his
ability to be an effective parent and to
foster an improved relationship between parent
and child with an eventual restoration of full
parental rights a hoped-for result. The
improvement period and family case plans must
establish specific measures for the
achievement of these goals, as an improvement
period must be more than a mere passage of
time. It is a period in which the D.H.S. and
the court should attempt to facilitate the
parent's success, but wherein the parent must
understand that he bears a responsibility to
demonstrate sufficient progress and
improvement to justify return to him of the
child.
Id. at 625, 408 S.E.2d at 377. In this case, the Appellees readily
concede that the statutorily-required case plan was not filed prior
to or at the time of the dispositional hearing.See footnote 34
The only term imposed by the circuit court in connection with
the six-month improvement period ordered at the August 9, 1991,
hearing and reflected by an October 4, 1991, order was that "the
children and the respondent [Appellant] shall attend family
counseling and such individual counseling as is appropriate and
recommended by the Department of Health and Human Resources and the
staff at St. John's Home[.]" The record reflects that a family
therapist at St. John's testified at the August 9, 1991, hearing
that Appellant's primary problem was her nonassertiveness. Mr.
Tennant testified:
Since Jeffrey has come to Saint John's
last June, Barbara J., Jeffrey's mom, has been
the only family member to attend family
therapy. She's attended one time weekly
faithfully. Unfortunately, family therapy can
be done with one person but, unfortunately,
not with Barbara. She lacks the ability to
learn to take charge and control her family,
regardless of her coming to therapy. Her
family situation hasn't changed at all since I
met them, because of her inability -- it's no
fault of hers. I think that this is just one
of her problems that she has; being
nonassertive. That can be worked out in
individual counseling, but my job at Saint
John's is family counseling. (emphasis
supplied)
At the August 9, 1991, hearing Mr. Tennant explained his
recommendation of another six-month improvement periodSee footnote 35 by stating,
"I think that Barbara is willing to change. I think that the
change can occur in six months." However, despite the recognized
need for individualized counseling for Appellant, the record does
not reflect that Appellant ever received this type of specialized
help during this six-month improvement period. We cautioned
against improvement periods being nothing but a "mere passage of
time" in Carlita B., yet it appears that this is exactly what
occurred in the instant case. See 185 W. Va. at 625, 408 S.E.2d at
377.
We recognized in Cheryl M. that Appellant "was entitled to a
meaningful improvement period to demonstrate her ability to care
for her child as required by W. Va. Code, 49-6-2." 177 W. Va. at
695, 356 S.E.2d at 188. Given the failure of the State to provide
Appellant with any individualized counseling aimed at addressing
her lack of assertiveness, plus the absence of any additional
measures taken to assist Appellant "in dealing with any problems
which interfere[d] with . . . [her] ability to be an effective
parent[,]" the various improvement periods cannot be viewed as
meaningful consistent with this Court's rulings in Cheryl M. and Carlita B. See 177 W. Va. at 695, 356 S.E.2d at 188; 185 W. Va. at
625, 408 S.E.2d at 377. Accordingly, we reverse on the grounds
that Appellant was not provided the meaningful improvement period
to which she was entitled.
III. The Need for Monitoring
In Carlita B., we pronounced that "[c]hild abuse and neglect
cases must be recognized as being among the highest priority for
the courts' attention. Unjustified procedural delays wreak havoc
on a child's development, stability and security." 185 W. Va. at
615, 408 S.E.2d at 367, Syl. Pt. 1, in part. As the procedural
history of this case illustrates, Jeffrey's case has unnecessarily
failed to reach the point of finality for many years. This case
amplifies our observations in Carlita B. that
[t]he bulk of the most aggravated
procedural delays . . . are occasioned less by
the complexities of mending broken people and
relationships than by the tendency of these
types of cases to fall through the cracks in
the system. The long procedural delays in
this and most other abuse and neglect cases
considered by this Court in the last decade
indicate that neither the lawyers nor the
courts are doing an adequate job of assuring
that children--the most voiceless segment of
our society--aren't left to languish in a
limbo-like state during a time most crucial
to their development.
Id. at 623, 408 S.E.2d at 375.
Despite our directive in Carlita B., abuse and neglect cases
still are not being accorded priority status, and many circuit
courts are still doing a woefully inadequate job of monitoring and
managing the progress of these cases. The instant case is one of
the more aggravated examples of how courts permit these cases to
flag along with no real focus or direction. Carlita B., Canon 3 of
the Code of Judicial Conduct,See footnote 36 and Rule 8See footnote 37 of the Time Standards for Circuit Courts place an affirmative duty on circuit court
judges to manage the progress of cases. Therefore, this Court
reiterates that circuit court judges must take whatever steps are
necessary to monitor abuse and neglect cases pending before them in
a diligent and expeditious fashion.
We are immensely troubled by the record's suggestion that
Jeffrey's removal from his home was by order of a juvenile referee
rather than a circuit court, even though an abuse and neglect case
was pending. West Virginia Code § 49-5-8 (1995) provides for the
circuit court's entry of an order directing that a child be taken into the state's custody if one of four grounds exist.See footnote 38 Given this
Court's frustrated attempt to secure the complete juvenile record
pertaining to Jeffrey, however, we cannot state with certainty that
a circuit court order was never entered in connection with
Jeffrey's removal from his home. We can only state that the
documentation that has been lodged with this Court by the circuit
court clerk, and represented as "the complete record," contains no
such order.
We simply cannot fathom why it took so many years and an order
by this Court to get a permanency plan developed.See footnote 39 As late as
February 10, 1993, it was noted on a progress report that "[a] long
term goal has not been developed for Jeff at this time."See footnote 40 This child, as well as numerous others who are not currently before the
Court, deserve much better. They deserve to know where and with
whom they are going to live and to be secure in the knowledge that
there will eventually be some continuity in their fragile lives.
Consistent with our recognition in syllabus point five of James M.
v. Maynard, 185 W. Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d 400 (1991), that "[t]he
guardian ad litem's role in abuse and neglect proceedings does not
actually cease until such time as the child is placed in a
permanent home[,]" the obligations of the courts and the DHS
similarly do not dissipate until a permanent resolution is made.
Id. at 649, 408 S.E.2d at 401.
IV. A Meaningful Improvement Period
Despite all the so-called "improvement periods" in this case,
none of them appear to have comported with the kind of focused,
goal-oriented plan that we have previously mandated. Upon remand,
the court, in formulating a meaningful improvement period, should
adopt the consolidated, multi-disciplinary approach we recommended
in Carlita B., giving regard not only to the provision of individual counseling for the mother, but also conducting a plenary
review of the child's needs--physical, emotional, educational, and
needed services.See footnote 41
In this connection, however, it should be noted that the home
study provided to this Court on February 19, 1995, suggests a
potential obstacle to such an improvement period. Appellant
repeatedly indicated that she is unwilling to participate in any
counseling programs offered to her by the DHS. She is quoted as
stating that "she does not want an[y] involvement with the
Department of Health & Human Resources, and sees our department as
vindictive and harassing." The home study further indicates that
Appellant "feels that she will not need any help adjusting to
Jeffrey's return and has refused our offer of Family Preservation
or Family Counseling Services, but states she will allow Jeffrey to
continue seeing his therapist, if needed." Given this alleged
unwillingness to engage in counseling services that the DHS has
concluded are necessary, the circuit court on remand may inquire
into this matter and if it finds that Appellant refuses to
participate in individual counseling, then an improvement period
would be for naught. Furthermore, a circuit court always has the
authority to terminate an improvement period if there is evidence
that the parent is not following the conditions prescribed or is failing to make improvement. The record is replete with
indications that the Appellant has lacked insight in recognizing
her parental deficits and in cooperating with the DHS to remedy the
underlying problems. If a record is established on remand that the
Appellant has been offered individual counseling in the past and
has refused such counseling, then it may proceed to disposition.
At the conclusion of the improvement period, if given, the
court should proceed to the determination set forth in syllabus
point six of Carlita B.:
'the court shall review the performance of the
parents in attempting to attain the goals of
the improvement period and shall, in the
court's discretion, determine whether the
conditions of the improvement period have been
satisfied and whether sufficient improvement
has been made in the context of all the
circumstances of the case to justify the
return of the child.'
185 W. Va. at 616, 408 S.E.2d at 368, Syl. Pt. 6, in part. In
making this determination, the reality of Jeffrey's life during the
last several years, including the fact that he has now resided with
the Harrises for approximately three years cannot be ignored.
Cases involving children must be decided not just in the context of
competing sets of adults' rights, but also with a regard for the
rights of the child(ren). Thus, how Jeffrey has fared
educationally and emotionally with these foster parents and Jeffrey's own feelings and emotional attachments should be taken
into consideration by the lower court.
As we said in Lemley v. Barr, 176 W. Va. 378, 343 S.E.2d 101
(1986), a case involving the rights of natural versus adoptive
parents:
'The day is long past in this State, if
it had ever been when the right of a parent to
the custody of his or her child, where the
extraordinary circumstances are present, would
be enforced inexorably, contrary to the best
interest of the child, on the theory solely of
an absolute legal right. Instead, in the
extraordinary circumstance, when there is a
conflict, the best interest of the child has
always been regarded as superior to the right
of parental custody. Indeed, analysis of the
cases reveals a shifting of emphasis rather
than a remaking of substance. This shifting
reflects more the modern principle that a
child is a person, and not a subperson over
whom the parent has an absolute possessory
interest. A child has rights too, some of
which are of a constitutional magnitude.'
Id. at 386, 343 S.E.2d at 109 (quoting In re Bennett v. Jeffreys,
356 N.E.2d 277, 281 (N.Y. 1976)).
Another critical factor which must be examined is the living
arrangements and potential presence of Wilbur White in Jeffrey's
life, and the ability of the mother (or the lack thereof) to
adequately protect Jeffrey. While the record in this case is very
limited as to the actual harm that Mr. White has inflicted on
Jeffrey, the various orders, psychological reports, court summaries, and recommendations from the guardian ad litem all
concur on one point--Wilbur White's presence is harmful to Jeffrey.
The failure of the mother to comply with earlier court orders not
to permit Mr. White in the home with Jeffrey may also be considered
on remand. The home study submitted to this Court on February 10,
1995, includes information that attempts made to verify Mr. White's
current residence indicate that Mr. White receives his mail at the
same address at which Appellant currently resides. This fact alone
may, upon introduction of proper evidence verifying that Mr. White
does pose a continuing problem with regards to Jeffrey, prevent
Appellant from receiving custody of Jeffrey. Clearly, it would be
disastrous to permit Jeffrey to return to his mother's home on a
permanent basis without resolving this issue of Mr. White's
presence and the potential that his presence, permanent or
sporadic, would have a deleterious effect on Jeffrey's continued
progress.
Should the court eventually determine that Jeffrey should be
reunified with his mother, such change should be accomplished with
a sufficient gradual transition period to enable Jeffrey to accept
such change with as little upheaval as possible to his life. See
Syl. Pt. 3, James M., 185 W. Va. at 649, 408 S.E.2d at 401 (recognizing need for gradual transition when permanent custodial
arrangements are altered.)See footnote 42
In In re Christina L., Nos. 22803 and 22804, ___ W. Va. ___,
___ S.E.2d ___ (filed July 11, 1995), we recently pointed out that
West Virginia Code § 49-6-1 (1995) sets forth mandatory notice
requirements in abuse and neglect cases.See footnote 43 In the instant case, it appears that the rights of Wilbur White were terminated without any
allegation of abuse or neglect. Indeed, such rights appear to have
been terminated on the basis of a finding of abandonment without
there ever having been a formal allegation of abandonment.See footnote 44
Although the issue of the rights of Wilbur White are not before the
Court at this time, we urge the lower court on remand to clean up
the record, if not for the father's benefit (who from the record
before us has indicated very little interest in the child), at
least for Jeffrey's benefit.
We spoke with disapproval in Christina L. of the practice of
not including allegations of abandonment in petitions for abuse and
neglect, effectively leaving the child's legal status in limbo. In
syllabus point six of Christina L., we said: "When the West
Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources seeks to
terminate parental rights where an absent parent has abandoned the
child, allegations of such abandonment should be included in the petition and every effort made to comply with the notice
requirements of W. Va. Code, 49-6-1 (1992)." If the rights of the
father were terminated without due process, Jeffrey's future status
could be subject to challenge.
IV. Right of Child to Continued Association
In the event the proceedings on remand result in a termination
of Appellant's parental rights, the court should consider whether
the child should have continued visitation with his mother and/or
his siblings, notwithstanding the termination of rights.
Previously, this Court recognized the need for continuing
association between siblings or step-siblings following a parental
rights termination in syllabus point four of James M.:
In cases where there is a termination of
parental rights, the circuit court should
consider whether continued association with
siblings in other placements is in the child's
best interests, and if such continued
association is in such child's best interests,
the court should enter an appropriate order to
preserve the rights of siblings to continued
contact.
185 W. Va. at 649, 408 S.E.2d at 401. We recently extended this
concept to include the possibility of visitation between the child
and the parent whose rights have been terminated for abuse or
neglect:
When parental rights are terminated due
to neglect or abuse, the circuit court may nevertheless in appropriate cases consider
whether continued visitation or other contact
with the abusing parent is in the best
interest of the child. Among other things,
the circuit court should consider whether a
close emotional bond has been established
between parent and child and the child's
wishes, if he or she is of appropriate
maturity to make such request. The evidence
must indicate that such visitation or
continued contact would not be detrimental to
the child's well being and would be in the
child's best interest.
Syl. Pt. 5, Nos. 22804 and 22804, ___ W. Va. ___, ___ S.E.2d ___
(filed July 11, 1995).
Accordingly, in the event that Appellant's parental rights are
re-terminated, the court may consider awarding visitation rights to
her consistent with the considerations identified in Christina L.
If the court eventually returns custody to Appellant, it should
inquire into the relationship Jeffrey has formed with his foster
parents and, if it is in his best interests, fashion a plan for
continued association between the foster parents and the child. As
we said in Honaker v. Burnside, 182 W. Va. 448, 388 S.E.2d 322
(1989), a child has a right to continued association with those to
whom he has formed an emotional bond. Id. at 452-53, 388 S.E.2d at
325-26.
Based on the foregoing, we hereby reverse the decision of the
Circuit Court of Ohio County and remand this matter for further
proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Reversed and remanded.
Footnote: 1
We identify the child at issue by initials given his juvenile
status plus the sensitive factual nature of this case in accordance
with this Court's previous decisions. See, e.g., In re Jonathan
P., 182 W. Va. 302, 303, 387 S.E.2d 537, 538 n.1 (1989). Footnote: 2
Our order re-establishing visitation was necessitated by: (1)
the complete extinguishment of visitation between Jeffrey and
Appellant since December 30, 1993, based solely on a petition
asserting neglect on the basis of Jeffrey's truancy from
kindergarten at a time when he was not legally required to attend
school; (2) evidence in the record of a close emotional bond
between Jeffrey and Appellant; and (3) the granting of a stay of
Appellant's termination pending appeal, but denial of continued
contact.Footnote: 3
Strangely enough, no allegations were made against Jeffrey's
father in the neglect petition and he was not named as a party.
The record is unclear as to whether he was served with a copy of
the petition. Footnote: 4
Because neither the 1992 or the 1994 amendments to the child
neglect or abuse statutes affect the substantive provisions at
issue, we do not cite to prior versions of the statutes which were
in effect during earlier stages of this case.Footnote: 5
The petition also named two of Jeffrey's siblings as being
truant. Footnote: 6
The order reflecting the January 27, 1989, hearing states
that: "the Court heard testimony and reviewed West Virginia Code
[§] 18-8-1 and West Virginia Code [§] 18-8-1a and determined that
Jeffrey D. would not be compelled to continue attending
kindergarten because he does not appear emotionally ready to attend
school." West Virginia Code § 18-8-1 (1994) provides that:
"Compulsory school attendance shall begin with the school year in
which the sixth birthday is reached prior to the first day of
September of such year or upon enrolling in a publicly sup[p]orted
kindergarten program . . . ." West Virginia Code § 18-8-1a
provides "[t]hat a child may be removed from such kindergarten
program when the principal, teacher and parent or guardian concur
that the best interest of the child would not be served by
requiring further attendance . . . ." In making its ruling, the
circuit court relied on Jeffrey's lack of emotional readiness plus
the fact that he had not reached the age of six prior to the first
day of September 1988, given his birthdate of December 2, 1982. Footnote: 7
Notwithstanding the renaming of the DHS to the Department of
Health and Human Resources, the department will be referred to as
the DHS throughout this opinion for consistency. Footnote: 8
Although the court-ordered psychological evaluations are
dated as being completed on February 2, 1989, the record reveals
that the circuit court did not receive such evaluations until
sometime after April 3, 1989. Footnote: 9
The record does not contain an order reflecting the granting
of an improvement period for the period covering December 1988
until the June 2, 1989, hearing. The first reference to an
improvement period that appears in the record is in a court summary
dated May 31, 1989, wherein a DHS worker recommends the granting of
an improvement period until November 1989. In the transcript from
the June 2, 1989, hearing, Judge Tsapsis indicates that she is
granting the recommended improvement period through November 1989.
The only stated directive, which might be viewed as a term of such
improvement period, was an admonition by the court during the June
2, 1989, hearing whereby "the burden [was placed] on you
[Appellant] to see to it that Jeffrey attends those classes that
the arrangements have been made for." The classes referred to were
part-time summer instruction at Clay Elementary for speech.
The record does not contain an order reflecting the granting
of the improvement period on June 2, 1989, or setting forth the
terms and conditions of such improvement period. Appellee DHS
states in its brief: "The dispositional order states that the
Department filed a case plan pursuant to W. Va. Code § 49-6-5.
Neither the court file nor Appellee's file reflect a case plan at
the time of disposition." This is highly confusing as the record
tendered to this Court contains a letter dated June 30, 1989, from
Gary L. Smith, Protective Service Worker, to Judge Tsapis attaching
a family case plan. That attached document provides as a goal that
there are to be "[n]o unexcused days from school for children." It
further requires that Appellant is to: "See to it that the
children get up for school and go to school. Have doctor's excuses
when children miss school. Have Jeffrey attend summer school." Footnote: 10
DHS protective services worker, Gary L. Smith, testified at
the hearing--"I'm very pessimistic that Jeffrey D. is going to
start attending kindergarten as far as in the fall. I have seen no
signs as of yet where his attitude is changing towards school."Footnote: 11
The report prepared by Corey P. Roman, M.A., states that:
The examiner is not of the opinion that
Ms. Johnson and her Family [sic] would gain
benefit from outpatient counseling in order to
deal with school attendance. The examiner
suspects that limits in insight, understanding
and, more importantly, motivation would
circumvent successful outcome in this regard.Footnote: 12
The explanation offered by the State for this tact was a
determination that Mr. Roman could not offer any additional
information that was not already reflected in his reports.Footnote: 13
The record reflects that Jeffrey had started attending the
summer program on June 13, 1989, which involved a half-day
kindergarten program on some days and on others, attendance in
remedial speech and reading classes. Footnote: 14
The record repeatedly sets forth that Wilbur White is the
biological father of Jeffrey. According to the report of
psychologist William Hewitt dated March 18, 1991, Jeffrey related
that he had lived with his uncle for a time. It is suggested that
Jeffrey's references to his uncle were in fact to Mr. White and
were apparently geared at hiding the fact that Mr. White was living
periodically at the Appellant's residence. Ironically, however,
the petition for abuse and neglect is silent as to the identity of
the father and as to any allegations against him. Footnote: 15
Counsel's motion to be relieved was prompted by an apparent
change in her employment status.Footnote: 16
The record provides minimal information regarding Mr. White's
termination. Judge Tsapsis stated at the June 2, 1989, hearing that
she was going to find the children abandoned by their father and
there would therefore be "no need to have a father being
represented here any longer." In response to this statement,
Appellant's former counsel informed the court that "Jeffrey's
father is known" and that "[h]e has shown some interest on
occasion." The record contains an order entered on August 2, 1989,
which states that "notice by Class II publication as required by
law was made to the father or fathers of the children that their
parental rights . . . would be terminated . . . ." and "that the
paternal parental rights of Wilbur White . . . shall be . . .
terminated." The record reflects additionally that a "Notice of
Hearing to Appeal Termination of Parental Rights" was filed on July
19, 1989, providing Mr. White with the opportunity to appeal the
termination order on September 28, 1989. Mr. White, however, has
never challenged the termination of his parental rights to Jeffrey.Footnote: 17
The record provides no information on the nature of this
facility, but according to the 1991 West Virginia Child Care
Association Directory, it appears to be a small group home for boys
ages 8-14. Footnote: 18
Subsequent to the oral argument of this case, this Court
undertook on its own to obtain a copy of the juvenile file
pertaining to Jeffrey in an effort to ascertain the nature of
Jeffrey's placement at St. John's. The limited documentation which
this Court obtained failed to reveal any further information
regarding what incident(s) prompted the placement. The only
reference in the record regarding the basis for the placement is
noted in a psychological report dated March 18, 1991, and states
that Jeffrey's placement was "court-ordered" "in part because of
school refusal or school phobia." Footnote: 19
West Virginia Code § 49-6-8(a) (1995) requires that,
"[i]f, twelve months after receipt (by the
state department or its authorized agent) of
physical custody of a child either by a court
ordered placement or by a voluntary agreement,
the state department has not placed a child in
permanent foster care or an adoptive home or
placed the child with a natural parent, the
state department shall file with the court a
petition for review of the case.Footnote: 20
Apparently, Appellant's former counsel abandoned her without
filing a motion with the court seeking to be relieved from his/her
appointment as counsel.Footnote: 21
There are in fact two orders that were entered on October 4,
1991: (1) the order appointing new counsel for Appellant and
restraining Mr. White "from being present at the home of . . .
[Appellant] until further order of th[e] Court[;]" and (2) the
order finding Appellant's children to be abused.Footnote: 22
Mr. White declared to a family therapist at St. John's and
to a DHS caseworker that "'slapping Jeff around'" was his style of
disciplining the child. This Court notes, however, that the
allegation of physical abuse which surfaces periodically throughout
these proceedings was never alleged in the petition and never
formally addressed in any evidentiary proceeding, nor does it
appear to be a specific basis for the various rulings entered
throughout the years. Instead, the repeated negative references to
Wilbur White appear to be based on his negative influence and
effect on Jeffrey in general, as gleaned from the court summaries
and testimony of Mr. Nanny and the various DHS workers. Footnote: 23
As in 1981 at the time of the court's ruling, West Virginia
Code § 49-6-2(b) (1995) provides for one improvement period of
three to twelve months. Footnote: 24
In reviewing the order which reflects the status conference
proceedings, it appears that Appellant's daughter and her welfare
were more the focus of the proceeding than Jeffrey. Footnote: 25
The petition was dismissed as to Jeffrey's two brothers and
an improvement period of three months was ordered with regard to
his sister.Footnote: 26
Only Jeffrey's guardian ad litem objected to the court's
ruling that Jeffrey be permitted a trial home visit.Footnote: 27
Jeffrey was returned to foster care effective September 9,
1992. Footnote: 28
One specific explanation given by Appellant to the court was
that the police did not help her enforce the restraining order
entered against Mr. White.Footnote: 29
The order reflects that Mr. White was purportedly residing
in Cleveland, Ohio.Footnote: 30
Although the record and the transcript itself bear the date
of April 5, 1994, as opposed to 1993, this proceeding would not
have occurred post-termination and the parties themselves have
referred to the proceedings reflected by such transcript as having
occurred on April 5, 1993. Accordingly, we presume that an error
was made in transcription.Footnote: 31
The motion to continue filed by the West Virginia Attorney
General on behalf of the DHS reflects that there was a definite
lack of communication between the office of the attorney general
and the Ohio County Prosecutor's office with regard to who was
responsible for representation of the DHS in connection with this
case. The motion further states that the scheduling order prepared
by the clerk of this Court was not served on the Ohio County
Prosecuting Attorney, the DHS, or the attorney general's office.
The records of the clerk of this Court, however, reflect that two
notices were sent to Randy Dean Gossett, guardian ad litem; Greg
Gellner, Appellant's counsel; and Scott R. Smith, counsel for DHS
regarding the original scheduling of this matter for oral argument
on November 29, 1994. Additionally, it is alleged in the motion to
continue that Appellant's brief, filed on November 4, 1994, was not
served on the DHS or the attorney general's office. If this
allegation is true, this constitutes an obvious violation of Rule
15 of this Court's Rules of Appellate Procedure. Footnote: 32
See supra note 6.Footnote: 33
Counsel representing Appellant had been appointed only seven
days prior to the August 9, 1991, hearing. Footnote: 34
But see supra note 9. Footnote: 35
The DHS caseworker concurred in Mr. Tennant's recommendation
regarding a six-month improvement period.Footnote: 36
Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct requires that: "A
judge shall perform the duties of judicial office impartially and
diligently." Section B.(8) of that Canon provides that "[a] judge
shall dispose of all judicial matters promptly, efficiently, and
fairly." Footnote: 37
Rule 8 of the Rules on Time Standards for Circuit Courts,
addressing abuse and neglect proceedings, provides:
(a) Applicability. The time standards
set forth in this rule are not intended to
supersede, but to supplement, statutory
provisions applicable to civil abuse and
neglect proceedings.
(b) Pre-Adjudicatory Motions. An order
shall be entered on pre-adjudicatory motions
within one week of hearing on the motions.
(c) Preliminary Hearing. If a
preliminary hearing is held, it shall be
conducted within two weeks from the filing of
the petition.
(d) Adjudication. Unless continued for
good cause to a date certain or unless a pre-
adjudicatory improvement period is granted,
the adjudicatory order shall be entered within
one month of the filing of the petition if the
child is not in temporary custody. If a pre-
adjudicatory improvement period is granted,
the adjudicatory order shall be entered within
two weeks of the end of the pre-adjudicatory
improvement period.
(e) Disposition. If abuse or neglect is
found, the dispositional order placing the
child shall be entered within six weeks of the
adjudicatory order.
(f) Post-Adjudicatory Improvement
Period. A further dispositional
order shall be entered within two weeks of the
end of the post-adjudicatory improvement
period.
(g) Monitoring Improvement Period. An
assessment of the status of the child(ren) and
the progress of the parent(s) towards
satisfying the conditions of the improvement
period shall be conducted on a monthly basis.
(h) Modification. An order shall be
entered on a motion to modify within one month
of the filing of the motion.
(i) Foster Care Review. A further
dispositional order shall be entered within one
month of the filing of a petition for foster care
review.
(j) Reporting Standard. The reporting
standard from the filing of the petition to
disposition shall be twelve months.
Footnote: 38
Those four grounds are:
(1) The petition shows that grounds exist for
the arrest of an adult in identical
circumstances; (2) the health, safety and
welfare of the child demand such custody; (3)
the child is a fugitive from a lawful custody
or commitment order of a juvenile court; or
(4) the child has a record of willful failure
to appear at juvenile proceedings, and custody
is necessary to assure his or her presence
before the court.
W. Va. Code § 49-5-8(a).Footnote: 39
Only when this Court directed, by order dated January 27,
1995, that a home study was to be conducted and "[a] copy of any
permanency plan which has been prepared with regard to Jeffrey D.
. . . forwarded immediately to this Court[]" was such a plan first
formulated. Footnote: 40
In the home study that was submitted to this Court on
February 10, 1995, it is noted that: "The previous permanent plan
for Jeffrey had been for Jeffrey to remain with the Harrises
[foster parents], either in subsidized adoption or permanent foster
care. Jeffrey would have had input as to which type of care he
desired." This reference to a "previous permanent plan" is
bewildering to this Court as the parties have stated that no
previous plan had ever been prepared.Footnote: 41
The record does reflect that Jeffrey has made steady progress
during his years at St. John's and in foster care.Footnote: 42
Based on Appellant's comment that she would need time to get
reacquainted with Jeffrey when questioned in connection with the
home study that was prepared at the direction of this Court, even
she is cognizant of the need to gradually work towards any
reunification or extended visitation period.Footnote: 43
West Virginia Code § 49-6-1(b) states:
The petition and notice of the hearing
shall be served upon both parents and any
other custodian, giving to such parents or
custodian at least ten days' notice, and
notice shall be given to the state department.
In cases wherein personal service within West
Virginia cannot be obtained after due
diligence upon any parent or other custodian,
a copy of the petition and notice of the
hearing shall be mailed to such person by
certified mail, addressee only, return receipt
requested, to the last known address of such
person. If said person signs the certificate,
service shall be complete and said certificate
shall be filed as proof of said service with
the clerk of the circuit court. If service
cannot be obtained by personal service or by
certified mail, notice shall be by publication
as a Class II legal advertisement in
compliance with the provisions of article
three [§ 59-3-1 et seq.], chapter fifty-nine
of this code. A notice of hearing shall
specify the time and place of the hearing, the
right to counsel of the child and parents or
other custodians at every stage of the
proceedings and the fact that such proceedings
can result in the permanent termination of the
parental rights. Failure to object to defects
in the petition and notice shall not be
construed as a waiver.Footnote: 44
As we pointed out in syllabus point two of James M.:
"Abandonment of a child by a parent(s) constitutes compelling
circumstances sufficient to justify the denial of an improvement
period." 185 W. Va. at 649, 408 S.E.2d at 401. And as we further
pointed out in Christina L., it also constitutes grounds for
termination of parental rights. However, such abandonment must be
alleged and proven.
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