In Re : L., Christina and Kenneth
Annotate this Case
January 1995 Term
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NOS. 22803 and 22084
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IN RE: CHRISTINA L. AND KENNETH J.L.
__________________________________________________________
Appeal from the Circuit Court of Wood County
Honorable George W. Hill, Judge
Civil Action No. 93-J-206
AFFIRMED, IN PART, REVERSED, IN PART,
AND REMANDED WITH DIRECTIONS
____________________________________________________________
Submitted: May 30, 1995
Filed: July 11, 1995
Jeffrey A. Elder Barbara H. Allen
Albright, Bradley & Ellison Allen & Allen
Parkersburg, West Virginia Charleston, West Virginia
Guardian Ad Litem and Attorney Attorney for Bonita L.
for Kenneth J.L.
C. Scott Durig Ernest M. Douglass
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Douglass, Douglass & Douglass
for Wood County Parkersburg, West Virginia
Parkersburg, West Virginia Guardian Ad Litem and
Attorney for West Virginia Attorney for Christina L.
Department of Health
and Human Resources
JUSTICE CLECKLEY delivered the Opinion of the Court.
JUSTICE BROTHERTON did not participate.
JUDGE FOX sitting by temporary assignment.
SYLLABUS BY THE COURT
1. "'"W. Va. Code, 49-1-3(a) (1984), in part, defines
an abused child to include one whose parent knowingly allows
another person to commit the abuse. Under this standard,
termination of parental rights is usually upheld only where the
parent takes no action in the face of knowledge of the abuse or
actually aids or protects the abusing parent." Syl. pt. 3, In re
Betty J.W., 179 W. Va. 605, 371 S.E.2d 326 (1988).' Syllabus Point
2, In re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W. Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162 (1993)."
Syllabus Point 1, In re Jonathan Michael D., __ W. Va. __, __
S.E.2d __ (No. 22732 5/18/95).
2. Where there is clear and convincing evidence that a
child has suffered physical and/or sexual abuse while in the
custody of his or her parent(s), guardian, or custodian, another
child residing in the home when the abuse took place who is not a
direct victim of the physical and/or sexual abuse but is at risk of
being abused is an abused child under W. Va. Code, 49-1-3(a)
(1994).
3. "'"W. Va. Code, 49-6-2(c) [1980], requires the State
Department of Welfare [now the Department of Human Services], in a
child abuse or neglect case, to prove 'conditions existing at the
time of the filing of the petition . . . by clear and convincing
proof.' The statute, however, does not specify any particular
manner or mode of testimony or evidence by which the State Department of Welfare is obligated to meet this burden." Syllabus
Point 1, In Interest of S.C., 168 W. Va. 366, 284 S.E.2d 867
(1981).' Syllabus Point 1, West Virginia Department of Human
Services v. Peggy F., 184 W. Va. 60, 399 S.E.2d 460 (1990)."
Syllabus Point 1, In re Beth, ___ W. Va. ___, 453 S.E.2d 639
(1994).
4. "Each child in an abuse and neglect case is entitled
to effective representation of counsel. To further that goal,
W. Va. Code, 49-6-2(a) [1992] mandates that a child has a right to
be represented by counsel in every stage of abuse and neglect
proceedings. Furthermore, Rule XIII of the West Virginia Rules for
Trial Courts of Record provides that a guardian ad litem shall make
a full and independent investigation of the facts involved in the
proceeding, and shall make his or her recommendations known to the
court. Rules 1.1 and 1.3 of the West Virginia Rules of
Professional Conduct, respectively, require an attorney to provide
competent representation to a client, and to act with reasonable
diligence and promptness in representing a client." Syllabus Point
5, in part, In re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W. Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162
(1993).
5. 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.
6. 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).
Cleckley, Justice:
In this child abuse and neglect case, the Circuit Court
of Wood County terminated the parental rights of Bonita L.See footnote 1 to her
children, Christina L. and Kenneth J.L., and authorized their
adoption. The parental termination was based on evidence that
Bonita L.'s live-in boyfriend, James R., sexually abused Christina
L. for many years. Furthermore, Bonita L. knew of such abuse and
aided James R. in performing some of the acts. Bonita L. and the
guardian ad litem for Kenneth J.L. join in this appealSee footnote 2 and cite as
error: (1) the circuit court's refusal to allow the mother's
counsel and the guardian ad litem for the children the opportunity
to submit their proposed dispositional alternatives; and (2) the
authorization for the children's adoption since the children's
father is not a respondent to the proceedings. Bonita L. raises an
additional assignment of error that her parental rights should not
be terminated because she had no knowledge the abuse was occurring.See footnote 3 For reasons discussed below, we remand this case to
the circuit court for action consistent with this opinion.
I.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Bonita L. and Paul David L. are the natural parents of
Christina L., who was born October 9, 1981, and Kenneth J.L., who
was born January 12, 1983. Mr. and Mrs. L. divorced shortly after
Kenneth's birth, and Bonita L. was awarded custody of the children.
Christina and Kenneth have had very little contact with their
natural father since the divorce. Bonita L. has lived as husband
and wife with her boyfriend, James R., for more than a decade. The
children refer to James R. as their father.
The investigation into this matter began after twelve-
year-old Christina told a friend at school and a teacher that James
R. had sexual contact with her. The evidence shows the sexual
abuse began at approximately the time Christina was in the third
grade and continued to the time it was reported. She stated James
R. touched her breasts, vagina, and anus with his hands and penis.
Furthermore, he attempted to penetrate her vagina and anus with his
penis. Christina testified the abuse usually occurred in her
parents' bedroom in the middle of the night or before school began.
Karol Payne, a child protective services worker with the
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
(Department), testified at the November 10, 1993, hearing that
Christina told her that her mother knew the abuse was occurring
because Bonita L. would sometimes hold her arms and tell her to be
quiet. Christina testified that Bonita L. would tell her to hold
still and not to "squirm." Christina also stated that Bonita L.
and James R., on occasion, took Polaroid pictures of these sex
acts.
Based on this evidence, the circuit court ordered the
removal of Christina and Kenneth from their home. Temporary
custody was vested in the Department.
Dr. Joan Phillips, a pediatrician, performed an
examination on Christina at the Sexual Assault Clinic of Women and
Children's Hospital in Charleston. Dr. Phillips testified at the
February 25, 1994, hearing that her findings supported Christina's
disclosure of sexual abuse. Upon examination, she noticed a notch
in the vagina indicative of a penetration-type forced trauma. Dr.
Phillips described the old injury as
"an indentation or V-ed area into the tissue
of the hymen. That is significant in that it
was deep which would indicate that it had
perhaps been a healed tear. It was also at
the 8:00 position. We look at the vaginal
opening as we would a clock from 12:00 all of
the way around. Any notch between the 3:00
and 9:00 position is strongly indicative of
trauma or healed trauma."
Dr. Phillips stated a straddle-type injury would not produce this
result. Furthermore, it was highly unlikely the injury was caused
by masturbation or tampon use.
Bonita L. and James R. vehemently denied any sexual abuse
occurred. They speculated that Christina conjured up this story
because she was jealous of the attention James R. began paying to
his grandson. Furthermore, James R. stated that Christina's
allegations were physically impossible because medical problems had
prevented him from maintaining an erection for approximately three
years. However, no medical evidence was submitted to support his
claim.
Kenneth testified he was never sexually abused and no
evidence was submitted to show he was abused or exposed to
Christina's abuse. He testified he wanted to return to his
mother's custody.See footnote 4 Kenneth also testified his mother and other
family members did not believe Christina and put pressure on her to
rescind the allegations.
By order entered May 23, 1994, the circuit court found
by clear and convincing evidence that Christina was sexually abused
by James R. and that her mother failed to protect her from the
abuse even though she was aware that the abuse occurred. No findings were made in regard to Kenneth. The matter was set for a
dispositional hearing.
At the dispositional hearing held May 31, 1994, Cynthia
Beck, a psychologist, testified that she had conducted therapy for
both Christina and Kenneth on a weekly basis for over a five-month
period. Ms. Beck stated she originally diagnosed Christina as
having a post-traumatic stress disorder. Christina had made
progress in decreasing her anxiety level and was doing well in
foster care. She recommended that Christina not return to her
mother's custody because James R. was still in the home and Bonita
L. never acknowledged the abuse occurred. Ms. Beck testified that
it made Christina very angry and frustrated that her mother did not
support her.
Ms. Beck diagnosed Kenneth as suffering from depression,
although she admitted the depression may have been due to his
placement in foster care. She stated that Kenneth wavers back and
forth in deciding whether he believes Christina was sexually
abused. He wants to believe his parents, but he also has a close
bond to Christina and does not want to conclude she is lying.
During one therapy session, he remembered two incidents that led
him to believe the sexual abuse allegations may have been true.
When Kenneth was getting something to eat one night, he remembered
seeing James R. going towards Christina's bedroom. Also, he could
remember walking into the house on one occasion and encountering James R. running through the house naked. Ms. Beck recommended
that Kenneth remain in foster care. She testified that research
indicates whenever one child is sexually abused, other children in
the home are also at risk of being sexually abused. Furthermore,
Kenneth was just beginning to work through the issues of sexual
abuse and Ms. Beck was afraid a return to the home would undermine
his therapy.
Joan George, a child protective services worker for the
Department, testified that Bonita L. never acknowledged that
Christina was sexually abused by James R. and was emphatic that she
did not assist him. Ms. George testified that, during a visit,
Bonita L. told Kenneth, directly in front of Christina, that she
did not believe Christina. Ms. George recommended that all
parental rights be terminated. She testified that Christina would
like to stay in foster care until she reaches the age of eighteen,
and then she would visit her mother and not have to see James R.
Ms. George stated that due to Bonita L.'s refusal to accept
responsibility for what happened to Christina, she was unable to
work with the mother to help solve the family's problems. Ms.
George felt that both children should be permanently removed from
the home.
By order entered June 21, 1994, the circuit court found
no reasonable likelihood that Bonita L. would substantially correct
the conditions of abuse in the near future. Accordingly, Bonita L.'s parental rights were terminated to both Christina and Kenneth.
The circuit court specifically authorized the Department to consent
to the adoption of both children.
Bonita L. and the guardian ad litem for Kenneth join in
this appeal. Bonita L. concedes that "any attempt to reunite
mother and daughter would be futile" because Christina does not
want to return home. Therefore, Bonita L. does not appeal the
circuit court's decision in regard to Christina.
II.
TERMINATION
A. Christina
We first address Bonita L.'s assertion that only a
"scintilla of evidence" supports the circuit court's finding that
she was aware James R. was sexually abusing Christina. This
assignment of error is without merit. Karol Payne testified that
Christina told her Bonita L. was aware of the abuse because she was
there and participated in at least some of the acts by holding
Christina's arms. Furthermore, Christina testified that her mother
told her not to "squirm" and to be quiet when James R. sexually
abused her. There was also evidence that Bonita L. took Polaroid
pictures of the incidents or was at least aware of the existence of
the pictures. Using the standard reiterated in Syllabus Point 1 of
In re Jonathan Michael D., __ W. Va. __, __ S.E.2d __ (No. 22732
5/18/95), Bonita L.'s actions constitute child abuse:
"'"W. Va. Code, 49-1-3(a) (1984), in
part, defines an abused child to include one
whose parent knowingly allows another person
to commit the abuse. Under this standard,
termination of parental rights is usually
upheld only where the parent takes no action
in the face of knowledge of the abuse or
actually aids or protects the abusing parent."
Syl. pt. 3, In re Betty J.W., 179 W. Va. 605,
371 S.E.2d 326 (1988).' Syllabus Point 2, In
re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W. Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162
(1993)."
Furthermore, the circuit court found Bonita L. was aware
the abuse was occurring and did nothing to prevent it. This Court
accords deference to the findings of the circuit court and will not
set aside its findings "unless clearly erroneous[.]" W.Va.R.Civ.P.
52(a). "[A] reviewing court may not overturn a finding simply
because it would have decided the case differently, and it must
affirm '[i]f the [circuit] court's account of the evidence is
plausible in light of the record viewed in its entirety[.]'" In re
Jonathan Michael D., __ W. Va. at __, __ S.E.2d at __ (Slip op. at
12), quoting Anderson v. City of Bessemer City, N.C., 470 U.S. 564,
573, 105 S. Ct. 1504, 1511, 84 L. Ed. 2d 518, 528 (1985). The
circuit court's decision to terminate Bonita L.'s parental rights
to Christina is substantially supported by the record.
Accordingly, we affirm that portion of the circuit court's order.
B. Kenneth
Although Bonita L. does not appeal the circuit court's
decision regarding Christina, the circuit court's finding of
Kenneth's abuse stems from her actions in abusing Christina. No evidence was presented that Kenneth was sexually abused by James R.
However, the Department alleged he was an abused child under W. Va.
Code, 49-1-3(a) (1994), which states, in part:
"'Abused child' means a child whose
health or welfare is harmed or threatened by:
"(1) A parent, guardian or custodian
who knowingly or intentionally inflicts,
attempts to inflict or knowingly allows
another person to inflict, physical injury or
mental or emotional injury, upon the child or
another child in the home; or
"(2) Sexual abuse or sexual
exploitation[.]" (Emphasis added).
We find that the language of the statute is clear on its
face.See footnote 5 The West Virginia Legislature plainly articulated its
intention that "an 'abused child' means a child whose health or
welfare is harmed or threatened by" the abuse inflicted upon
"another child in the home." Under the statute, there need not be
a showing by the Department that each child in the home is directly
abused, either sexually or physically, before termination of
parental rights is sought.
Accordingly, we hold that where there is clear and
convincing evidence that a child has suffered physical and/or
sexual abuse while in the custody of his or her parent(s),
guardian, or custodian, another child residing in the home when the
abuse took place who is not a direct victim of the physical and/or
sexual abuse but is at risk of being abused is an abused child
under W. Va. Code, 49-1-3(a) (1994).
We decline, however, to adopt a blanket rule that
parental rights must be terminated to all the children residing in
the home based merely on the finding that one child is abused. We
do not believe this result was intended under the statute. Under
W. Va. Code, 49-1-3(a), the Department must present clear and
convincing evidence that the child's "health or welfare is harmed
or threatened." Syllabus Point 1 of In re Beth, ___ W. Va. ___,
453 S.E.2d 639 (1994), states:
"'"W. Va. Code, 49-6-2(c) [1980],
requires the State Department of Welfare [now
the Department of Human Services], in a child
abuse or neglect case, to prove 'conditions
existing at the time of the filing of the
petition . . . by clear and convincing proof.'
The statute, however, does not specify any
particular manner or mode of testimony or
evidence by which the State Department of
Welfare is obligated to meet this burden."
Syllabus Point 1, In Interest of S.C., 168
W. Va. 366, 284 S.E.2d 867 (1981).' Syllabus
Point 1, West Virginia Department of Human
Services v. Peggy F., 184 W. Va. 60, 399 S.E.2d 460 (1990)."
Our review of the record reveals that very little
reference is made by Ms. Beck and Ms. George to any potential risk that Kenneth may be harmed or threatened by James R. or Bonita L.
Ms. Beck made a vague reference to some unidentified studies that
she relied upon indicating that if one child in the home is
sexually abused then other children in the home suffer a higher
risk of being sexually abused. Ms. George was concerned that
Bonita L.'s denial of the abuse charges relating to Christina would
somehow affect her ability to protect Kenneth. Apart from this
testimony, the Department failed to put on additional evidence
directly dealing with Kenneth's well being.See footnote 6
Moreover, the circuit court did not make a specific and
independent finding of fact or conclusion of law that Kenneth
either was abused or would be at risk of being abused if returned
to his mother's custody. More specific findings are required in
cases of this nature. Under W. Va. Code, 49-6-2(c) (1992), the
circuit court is required to "make findings of fact and conclusions
of law as to whether such child is abused or neglected, which shall be incorporated into the order of the court." See State v. T.C.,
172 W. Va. 47, 303 S.E.2d 685 (1983).
The evidence of Christina's abuse is certainly relevant
and probative to the issue of Bonita L.'s capacity to protect
Kenneth from any abuse should James R. begin abusing Kenneth, as
the circuit court apparently feared would happen. Of particular
concern to this Court is the possibility that should Kenneth be
returned to the home, he may now be all the more reluctant to
notify anyone should he be abused. He has experienced the ordeals
of this case in which Bonita L. chose not to defend her daughter,
but instead chose to defend her boyfriend even in the face of the
evidence of sexual abuse. Kenneth may conclude that Bonita L.
would likewise not support him should she be confronted with this
issue again. In making its ultimate determination as to the
disposition of Kenneth, the circuit court should take into
consideration these concerns.
Because this issue was not specifically resolved below,
we remand this case and direct the Department to conduct a further
investigation as to any harm Kenneth may have suffered while
residing with Bonita L. and James R. and the risk of being abused
or further harmed if he is returned to their home. After hearing
this evidence, the circuit court should make specific findings of
fact and conclusions of law directly addressing the charges against
Bonita L. as they relate to Kenneth. See Kincaid v. Morgan, 188 W. Va. 452, 425 S.E.2d 128 (1992) (this Court will remand case for
further development if record has not been adequately developed).
III.
DISPOSITIONAL HEARING
Bonita L. and Kenneth's guardian ad litem contend the
circuit court wrongfully refused to allow them the opportunity to
submit their proposed dispositional plans during the May 31, 1994,
dispositional hearing. We agree. At the close of Ms. George's
testimony, the circuit court ruled that the only remedy would be to
terminate parental rights. The guardian ad litem interrupted and
requested the court to allow him to submit his dispositional plan
into the record. The circuit court refused:
"A plan would be irrelevant. Any plan other
than termination would be irrelevant so I
would not allow you to encumber the record
with the plan. The only plan would be where
the department puts the custody of the
children. So another plan would not only be
irrelevant, it would be of no consequence and
would encumber the record unnecessarily."
The State concedes the circuit court should have allowed
counsel for Bonita L. and the guardian ad litem to present their
alternative dispositional plans at the hearing. However, it claims
the failure to do so is not reversible error because the circuit
court was aware that the guardian ad litem would recommend
returning Kenneth to the home because of Kenneth's earlier
testimony. We disagree.
There is no dispute the circuit court found the
alternative plans irrelevant and prevented the guardian ad litem
from submitting his proposal into the record. Two witnesses for
the State, Ms. Beck and Ms. George, were the only persons to
testify at the dispositional hearing. At the conclusion of their
testimony, the circuit court articulated its findings without
allowing counsel on either side to argue the appropriateness of
their dispositional plans. There is a clear legislative directive
that guardians ad litem and counsel for both sides be given an
opportunity to advocate for their clients in child abuse or neglect
proceedings. W. Va. Code, 49-6-5 (1992), states that the circuit
court shall give "both the petitioner and respondents an
opportunity to be heard" when proceeding to the disposition of the
case. The essence of effective representation is an opportunity to
make a summation and recommendation before the rendition of
judgment in these nonjury proceedings. See Herring v. New York,
422 U.S. 853, 95 S. Ct. 2550, 45 L. Ed. 2d 593 (1975). This right
must be understood to mean that the circuit court may not impose
unreasonable limitations upon the function of guardians ad litem in
representing their clients in accord with the traditions of the
adversarial fact-finding process. In Syllabus Point 5, in part, of
In re Jeffrey R.L., 190 W. Va. 24, 435 S.E.2d 162 (1993), we
stated:
"Each child in an abuse and neglect
case is entitled to effective representation
of counsel. To further that goal, W. Va.
Code, 49-6-2(a) [1992] mandates that a child
has a right to be represented by counsel in
every stage of abuse and neglect proceedings. Furthermore, Rule XIII of the West Virginia
Rules for Trial Courts of Record provides that
a guardian ad litem shall make a full and
independent investigation of the facts
involved in the proceeding, and shall make his
or her recommendations known to the court.
Rules 1.1 and 1.3 of the West Virginia Rules
of Professional Conduct, respectively, require
an attorney to provide competent
representation to a client, and to act with
reasonable diligence and promptness in
representing a client."
In child abuse and neglect cases, the best interests of the child
are the paramount concern. In re Jeffrey R.L., supra. Therefore,
error of substantial proportion was committed when the guardian ad
litem was not provided the opportunity to orally articulate his
client's best interests. We cannot state that such constitutional
error was harmless. This Court will not speculate as to what the
arguments of counsel would have been or as to their potential
effect on the circuit court.See footnote 7
Two issues should have been addressed below by the
parties. First, the record reflects that Kenneth and Christina
have a close bond and wish to keep in contact with one another. At
the time of the dispositional hearing, they resided in separate
foster homes. The parties should have addressed what steps could
be taken to preserve their sibling bond--such as visitation rights
with each other. In James M. v. Maynard, 185 W. Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d 400 (1991), we stated the Department and the court must make
diligent efforts to promote children's continued association with
one another. On remand, the circuit court should hear the
parties' proposals on this issue.
Second, even though the circuit court decided to
terminate Bonita L.'s parental rights, the lower court may still
consider whether it is in Kenneth's best interest to have continued
visitation with his mother. Concededly, Kenneth does not have a
clear right to object to the termination of his mother's parental rights because he has not yet reached the age of fourteen.See footnote 8
However, at the time of the dispositional hearing, Kenneth was
approaching eleven years of age. He had earlier stated that he
loved his mother and wished to be with her. Kenneth appears to be
a bright young man who misses his mother very much and would be
devastated at the prospect of never seeing her again. After
considering the arguments of the guardian ad litem, the circuit
court must determine whether Kenneth is "of an age of discretion"
to object to the termination or to seek continued contact with his
mother. See W. Va. Code, 49-6-5.
We find that 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.See footnote 9
On remand, the circuit court should hear arguments from
both sides on this issue if it decides to terminate Bonita L.'s
parental rights to Kenneth.
IV.
CONSENT TO ADOPT
Bonita L. and Kenneth also argue the circuit court erred
in authorizing the adoption of Christina and Kenneth without
including their natural father, Paul David L., in the proceedings.
We agree. W. Va. Code, 49-6-1 (1992), sets forth specific notice
requirements in abuse and neglect cases.See footnote 10
The petition filed by the Department states "the father
of the above-named children is Paul David [L.] who resides
somewhere in Parkersburg, but whose exact address is currently
unknown; he has had no contact with the above-named children for a
number of years." Nothing in the record below indicates the
Department attempted to locate the father and notify him pursuant
to W. Va. Code, 49-6-1. The circuit court's order authorizing the
Department to consent to the children's adoption without addressing
the natural father's parental rights strips him of any parental
rights without affording him due process. See Chrystal R.M. v.
Charlie A.L., ___ W. Va. ___, ___ S.E.2d ___ (No. 22507 6/21/95);
In re Willis, 157 W. Va. 225, 207 S.E.2d 129 (1973). See also
Stanley v. Illinois, 405 U.S. 645, 92 S. Ct. 1208, 31 L. Ed. 2d 551
(1972). Perhaps even more importantly, it leaves the status of the
children dangling, and the validity of a future adoption subject to
challenge. It seems to be a general practice of the Department not
to include allegations of abandonment in petitions for abuse and neglect, thus leaving the children in "No Man's Land" with regard
to any resolution in their lives.
As we said in Syllabus Point 2 of James M. v. Maynard,
supra, abandonment of a child by a parent constitutes compelling
circumstances sufficient to justify the denial of an improvement
period. Obviously, it also constitutes grounds for termination of
parental rights.
Thus, when the Department 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).
The failure to give reasonable notice is particularly
troubling when we consider the fact that the Department believed
Paul David L. also resided in Parkersburg and did nothing to notify
him. We found such failure to notify reversible error in In re
Sutton, 132 W. Va. 875, 880, 53 S.E.2d 839, 842 (1949):
"Inasmuch as the record discloses
that both parents were within the jurisdiction
of the court, and that the welfare agency had
knowledge of the marriage of the parents and
the fact that the father recognized the child
as his, we are of opinion that notice should
have been given to the parents of the
presentation of the petition to the juvenile
court seeking the custody of the child on the
ground that it was at the time a dependent and
neglected child within the meaning of the
statute. A parent, in our opinion, cannot be divested of parental rights without notice and
opportunity for hearing."
The State argues the natural father can move to protect
his rights when and if the Department finds persons to adopt the
children. However, we find this argument unpersuasive. It would
be ludicrous for this Court to allow this matter to linger while
Christina and Kenneth are in foster care. Should they be fortunate
enough to form a bond with their foster parents and the foster
parents move for adoption, it would be all the more devastating to
the children to have to go back into court to litigate whatever
rights the natural father may possess. Dangling, unresolved
parental rights also have a chilling effect on potential adoptive
parents. We choose to resolve this issue in a timely manner rather
than to leave this potential timebomb unresolved. Accordingly,
based on the above evidence, we find it was reversible error for
the circuit court to authorize the Department to consent to the
children's adoption without first giving notice to their natural
father and attempting to ascertain his rights and intentions.
V.
CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing, we remand this case with
directions to the Department to more fully investigate the abuse
charges against Bonita L. as they relate to Kenneth. The circuit
court should consider this evidence along with the alternative
dispositional plans of the parties and set forth specific findings of fact and conclusions of law in its order. Proper notice of
these proceedings must be given to Paul David L. before the
Department may be authorized to consent to the adoption of the
children.
Affirmed, in part,
reversed, in part,
and remanded with
directions.
Footnote: 1
We follow our past practice in domestic and juvenile cases
which involve sensitive facts and do not utilize the last names
of the parties. See State ex rel. W. Va. Dep't of Human Servs.
v. Cheryl M., 177 W. Va. 688, 356 S.E.2d 181 (1987); W. Va. Dep't
of Human Servs. v. La Rea Ann C.L., 175 W. Va. 330, 332 S.E.2d 632 (1985).Footnote: 2
Both Bonita L. and the guardian ad litem for Kenneth
petitioned for appeal following the circuit court's decision.
The appeals were consolidated. While the brief of Bonita L.
appears on its face to have been submitted jointly, the guardian
ad litem failed to sign the brief and failed to appear before
this Court. It is ironic that one assignment of error revolves
around the circuit court's refusal to accord the guardian ad
litem an independent role in the proceedings when he failed to
exercise that role on appeal. Footnote: 3
Bonita L. does not appeal the circuit court's decision to
terminate her parental rights to Christina.Footnote: 4
There was evidence that Kenneth had been moved to two or
three different homes while in foster care and was having a
difficult time adjusting. Footnote: 5
In Donley v. Bracken, 192 W. Va. 383, ___, 452 S.E.2d 699,
703 (1994), we stated:
"If the statutory language is plain and
admits of no more than one meaning, and
within the constitutional authority of the
law-making body which passed it, the duty of
interpretation does not arise, and the rules
which are to aid ambiguous language need no
discussion. State ex rel. Estes v. Egnor,
191 W. Va. 36, 443 S.E.2d 193 (1994)[.]" Footnote: 6
We agree with the circuit court that the facts of this case
are most egregious. Bonita L. allowed the repeated sexual abuse
of her minor daughter and did nothing to stop James R. She was
aware such abuse was occurring for years and aided her boyfriend
in performing some of the acts. Kenneth was living in the home
when Bonita L. and James R. committed these atrocities. However,
there still must be sufficient record evidence demonstrating that
his "health or welfare is harmed or threatened" by the conditions
existing in the home. Evidence as egregious as that in the
instant case may support a finding that a parent is so deficient
in the basic parental instinct to protect his or her child(ren)
that termination of rights to siblings can be justified on that
basis alone. However, this is an issue which the circuit court
should examine and make specific findings of fact and conclusions
of law.Footnote: 7
We take this opportunity to state that we are troubled by
the fact that the guardian ad litem for Kenneth failed to appear
before this Court during the scheduled argument in this case.
Clearly, it would have been to Kenneth's advantage had his
attorney represented him during oral argument and been available
to answer the questions of this Court. In Matter of Scottie D.,
185 W. Va. 191, 198, 406 S.E.2d 214, 221 (1991), we stated that
guardians ad litem have the duty to exercise the child's
appellate rights if an appeal is deemed necessary:
"It is well established that
'[a]fter judgment adverse to his ward, the
guardian ad litem has the right to appeal and
the duty to do so if it reasonably appears to
be to the advantage of the minor[.]'
Robinson v. Gatch, 85 Ohio App. 484, 487, 87 N.E.2d 904, 906 (1949). This is based upon
the principle that a guardian ad litem has a
duty to represent the child(ren) to whom he
or she has been appointed, as effectively as
if the guardian ad litem were in a normal
lawyer-client relationship."
We note that the guardian ad litem appears to have been diligent
in protecting his client's interests below. While we are unaware
of the reason this particular attorney did not attend the
argument, this Court is disturbed by the cavalier attitude taken
by some guardians ad litem in failing to appear before this Court
to represent their clients and failing to notify the Court of the
reason they cannot attend. We again admonish guardians ad litem
that it is their responsibility to represent their clients in
every stage of the abuse and/or neglect proceedings. This duty
includes appearing before this Court to represent the child
during oral arguments. In fact, the guardian ad litem's role to
represent the child does not cease until permanent placement of
the child is achieved. Syl. pt. 5, James M. v. Maynard, 185 W.
Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d 400 (1991). Footnote: 8
See W. Va. Code, 49-6-5(6) (1992), which states, in part:
"Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the
permanent parental rights shall not be terminated if a child
fourteen years of age or older or otherwise of an age of
discretion as determined by the court, objects to such
termination."Footnote: 9
Such post-termination visitation or other continued contact
where determined to be in the best interest of the child could be
ordered not as a right of the parent, but rather as a right of
the child. See Honaker v. Burnside, 182 W. Va. 448, 388 S.E.2d 322 (1989), and James M. v. Maynard, supra, enunciating right of
the child to continued association with those with whom he or she
shares an emotional bond. Footnote: 10
W. Va. Code, 49-6-1, states, in part:
"(b) 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."
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