[Cite as In re B.P., 2013-Ohio-2714.]
COURT OF APPEALS
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
IN THE MATTER OF: : JUDGES:
: Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
B.P. : Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, J.
: Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
:
: Case No. 13-CA-17
:
: OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Court of Common
Pleas, Juvenile Division, Case No.
2011-AB-0069
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT: June 26, 2013
APPEARANCES:
For Appellant For Appellee
GILBERTO J. CHARRIEZ JULIE S. BLAISDELL
P.O. Box 1091 239 West Main Street
Lancaster, OH 43130 Suite 101
Lancaster, OH 43130
For Roberta Prevette
Guardian ad Litem
ADRIENNE LARIMER
118 West Chestnut Street KRISTI McANAUL
Lancaster, OH 43130 660 Hill Road North
Pickerington, OH 43147
For Sherry Oiler
For B.P.
MICHELLE L. EDGAR
414 East Main Street JAMES DYE
Suite 200 P.O. Box 161
Lancaster, OH 43130 Pickerington, OH 43147
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 2
Farmer, J.
{¶1} On May 3, 2011, B.P., born January 19, 2011, was found to be an abused
child and placed in the temporary custody of appellee, Fairfield County Child Protective
Services. Mother of the child is Roberta Prevette; father is appellant, Christopher Oiler.
{¶2} On August 1, 2011, appellee filed a motion for permanent custody of the
child. Hearings were held on August 21, and November 20, 2012. By entry filed
January 8, 2013, the trial court granted permanent custody of the child to appellee.
Findings of fact and conclusions of law were attached to the entry.
{¶3} Appellant filed an appeal and this matter is now before this court for
consideration. Assignment of error is as follows:
I
{¶4} "THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN AWARDING PERMANENT CUSTODY
TO FAIRFIELD COUNTY CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES BECAUSE SAID
DECISION WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE AND
WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE."
I
{¶5} Appellant claims the trial court erred in granting permanent custody of B.P.
to appellee as the decision was not supported by clear and convincing evidence and
was against the manifest weight of the evidence. We disagree.
{¶6} As an appellate court, we neither weigh the evidence nor judge the
credibility of the witnesses. Our role is to determine whether there is relevant,
competent and credible evidence upon which the fact finder could base its judgment.
Cross Truck v. Jeffries, 5th Dist. No. CA–5758, (February 10, 1982). Accordingly,
judgments supported by some competent, credible evidence going to all the essential
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 3
elements of the case will not be reversed as being against the manifest weight of the
evidence. C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Construction, 54 Ohio St.2d 279 (1978).
{¶7} R.C. 2151.414(E) sets out the factors relevant to determining permanent
custody. Said section states the following in pertinent part:
(E) In determining at a hearing held pursuant to division (A) of this
section or for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section 2151.353 of the
Revised Code whether a child cannot be placed with either parent within a
reasonable period of time or should not be placed with the parents, the
court shall consider all relevant evidence. If the court determines, by clear
and convincing evidence, at a hearing held pursuant to division (A) of this
section or for the purposes of division (A)(4) of section 2151.353 of the
Revised Code that one or more of the following exist as to each of the
child's parents, the court shall enter a finding that the child cannot be
placed with either parent within a reasonable time or should not be placed
with either parent:
(1) Following the placement of the child outside the child's home
and notwithstanding reasonable case planning and diligent efforts by the
agency to assist the parents to remedy the problems that initially caused
the child to be placed outside the home, the parent has failed continuously
and repeatedly to substantially remedy the conditions causing the child to
be placed outside the child's home. In determining whether the parents
have substantially remedied those conditions, the court shall consider
parental utilization of medical, psychiatric, psychological, and other social
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 4
and rehabilitative services and material resources that were made
available to the parents for the purpose of changing parental conduct to
allow them to resume and maintain parental duties.
(4) The parent has demonstrated a lack of commitment toward the
child by failing to regularly support, visit, or communicate with the child
when able to do so, or by other actions showing an unwillingness to
provide an adequate permanent home for the child;
(16) Any other factor the court considers relevant.
{¶8} R.C. 2151.414(B) enables a trial court to grant permanent custody of a
child if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best
interests of the child. Clear and convincing evidence is that evidence "which will provide
in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be
established." Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469 (1954), paragraph three of the
syllabus. See also, In re Adoption of Holcomb, 18 Ohio St.3d 361 (1985). "Where the
degree of proof required to sustain an issue must be clear and convincing, a reviewing
court will examine the record to determine whether the trier of facts had sufficient
evidence before it to satisfy the requisite degree of proof." Cross, at 477.
{¶9} R.C. 2151.414(D)(1) sets forth the factors a trial court shall consider in
determining the best interests of a child:
(D)(1) In determining the best interest of a child at a hearing held
pursuant to division (A) of this section or for the purposes of division (A)(4)
or (5) of section 2151.353 or division (C) of section 2151.415 of the
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 5
Revised Code, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but
not limited to, the following:
(a) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's
parents, siblings, relatives, foster caregivers and out-of-home providers,
and any other person who may significantly affect the child;
(b) The wishes of the child, as expressed directly by the child or
through the child's guardian ad litem, with due regard for the maturity of
the child;
(c) The custodial history of the child, including whether the child has
been in the temporary custody of one or more public children services
agencies or private child placing agencies for twelve or more months of a
consecutive twenty-two-month period, or the child has been in the
temporary custody of one or more public children services agencies or
private child placing agencies for twelve or more months of a consecutive
twenty-two-month period and, as described in division (D)(1) of section
2151.413 of the Revised Code, the child was previously in the temporary
custody of an equivalent agency in another state;
(d) The child's need for a legally secure permanent placement and
whether that type of placement can be achieved without a grant of
permanent custody to the agency;
(e) Whether any of the factors in divisions (E)(7) to (11) of this
section apply in relation to the parents and child.
For the purposes of division (D)(1) of this section, a child shall be
considered to have entered the temporary custody of an agency on the
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 6
earlier of the date the child is adjudicated pursuant to section 2151.28 of
the Revised Code or the date that is sixty days after the removal of the
child from home.
{¶10} B.P. has been in appellee's temporary custody for twelve of the last
consecutive twenty-two months. In its findings of fact filed January 8, 2013, the trial
court found the following:
Fairfield County Child Protective services wanted Christopher Oiler
to engage in mental health and parenting counseling. Christopher Oiler
did not have insurance, so Fairfield County Child Protective Services
investigated Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, New Horizons, and other
counseling agencies to determine if any agency would accept Christopher
Oiler with a sliding fee scale. Fairfield County Child Protective Services
was unable to locate any agency to perform the counseling on a sliding
fee scale. If Christopher Oiler had obtained employment where he could
obtain insurance, Fairfield County Child Protective Services could have
facilitated mental health and parenting counseling.
Christopher Oiler has been steadily employed since approximately
February, 2012. Christopher Oiler has chosen to accept employment that
has not offered insurance. Christopher Oiler has not exerted diligent
efforts to investigate his insurance options within his employment, nor has
he sought out a clear explanation as to when he would be eligible for
insurance within his employment.
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 7
Fairfield County Child Protective Services wanted Christopher Oiler
to provide safe, stable housing for [B.P.]. Since becoming involved with
Roberta Prevette, mother of [B.P.], Christopher Oiler has moved five (5)
times. Christopher Oiler has lived with Roberta Prevette, Roberta
Prevette's parents, his mother, and now, his girlfriend. Christopher Oiler
agrees that it is not a good idea for children to move that many times.
Christopher Oiler believed that there was no reason for him to have a
stable home until he would obtain custody of [B.P.]. Christopher Oiler has
not obtained independent, stable housing.
Following the placement of [B.P.] outside his home and
notwithstanding reasonable case planning and diligent efforts by Fairfield
County Child Protective Services to assist Christopher Oiler to remedy the
problems that initially caused the child to be placed outside the home,
Christopher Oiler has failed continuously and repeatedly to substantially
remedy the condition causing [B.P.] to be placed outside the child's home.
Christopher Oiler has not utilized services and resources that were made
available to him for the purpose of changing parental conduct to allow him
to resume and maintain parental duties.
Christopher Oiler has demonstrated a lack of commitment toward
[B.P.] by failing to regularly support, visit, or communicate with [B.P.] when
able to do so, or by other actions showing an unwillingness to provide an
adequate permanent home for [B.P.].
***
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 8
The lack of communication with a significant other appears to be a
pattern for Christopher Oiler. At the beginning of his relationship with
Roberta Prevette, he knew that she did not have custody of her children,
but did not ask her why she did not have custody of her children.
Christopher Oiler also claims not to have known that Roberta Prevette had
issues with drugs and/or alcohol until prior to her pregnancy with [B.P.].
Although he lived with Roberta Prevette throughout most of the pregnancy
with [B.P.], Christopher Oiler claims to not have known that Roberta
Prevette used drugs throughout the pregnancy. At birth, [B.P.] tested
positive for opiates. Christopher Oiler claims that he did not ask Roberta
Prevette if she had used opiates during the pregnancy. This is relevant to
the Court.
[B.P.] and her siblings were placed with Roberta Prevette on
February 20, 2011, on a visit status with Christopher Oiler as the
protective capacity for the children. From February 20, 2011 to February
28, 2011, Christopher Oiler allowed people who are known drug users,
specifically Ronda Prevette and Lucas Davis, to be in the presence of the
children on two (2) occasions. Christopher Oiler failed in his role as the
protective capacity for [B.P.] or her half siblings, as Christopher Oiler left
all of the children alone with Roberta Prevette for at least two (2) hours.
Christopher Oiler claims not to have known whether Roberta Prevette was
using drugs during this period. On February 28, 2011, it was discovered
that [B.P.], date of birth: January 19, 2011, suffered significant injuries,
including but not limited to, six (6) fractured ribs and a fractured left wrist.
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 9
No criminal charges concerning these injuries have been filed.
Christopher Oiler was a suspect. This information is relevant to the Court.
After [B.P.]'s release from the hospital due to her injuries,
Christopher Oiler maintained his relationship with Roberta Prevette, and
was dishonest with Fairfield County Child Protective Service and his
mother about his contact with Roberta Prevette. This information is
relevant to the Court.
Christopher Oiler continues to demonstrate that he does not have
the ability to ensure [B.P.]'s safety. If she were to be placed in the legal
custody of Christopher Oiler, history indicates that she could be at risk for
physical harm, and at risk of contact with individuals who abuse drugs
and/or alcohol. Given these circumstances, the Court cannot find that it is
in the best interest of [B.P.] for her to be placed in the legal custody of
Christopher Oiler.
{¶11} Appellant argues the following specific findings of the trial court are in
error: appellee made diligent efforts to remedy the issues, appellant failed to obtain
insurance to provide assistance for his counseling, appellant failed to regularly support
and visit [B.P.], appellant's live-in girlfriend failed to care for her own child, appellant
failed to communicate and ensure the safety and protection of [B.P.], and appellant or
his family could not serve as permanent placement.
{¶12} The evidence established appellant lived in numerous different residences
and he basically lived with others, never in his own place. Day 1 T. at 136, 141, 142-
148. He readily admitted to unstable housing conditions. Id. at 147, 151. While the
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 10
mother of [B.P.] was pregnant, appellant disregarded her drug abuse and thereby failed
to protect his unborn child. Id. at 163-164. B.P. was born addicted to opiates and
suffered withdrawal symptoms and appellant failed to discuss the issue with B.P.'s
mother because "I didn't want to know." Id. While B.P. was in his exclusive custody, he
was never to leave the child unsupervised with the child's mother. Day 2 T. at 38. He
failed to follow this condition of custody. Id. at 38-39. B.P. suffered six fractured ribs
and a fractured left wrist which were identified as child abuse. Appellant, his mother,
and the child's mother were all considered suspects, although no one was charged.
Day 1 T. at 178, 186, 211; Day 2 T. at 37. It was not refuted that the injuries occurred
on appellant's watch while he had custody and supervision of B.P. Appellant had
virtually no plan for the care of B.P. but to raise the child with his new girlfriend. Day 1
T. at 196. Appellant did not provide child support. Id. at 202.
{¶13} We find these facts support the trial court's findings of appellant's lack of
communication, failure to support and ensure the safety and protection of B.P., and
failure to provide a secure placement.
{¶14} The record contains evidence concerning appellant's need to obtain
counseling and lack of financial ability to fulfill this case plan requirement. Medical
insurance was needed in order to secure counseling. Day 2 T. at 28, 30. Appellant quit
a job at Anchor just prior to being eligible for insurance, and he failed to fully investigate
the availability of medical insurance at Anchor or at his new place of employment. Day
1 T. at 192-195, Day 2 T. at 30. Appellant never sought outside assistance to receive
counseling. Day 1 T. at 195, 213. For over one and one-half years, appellant failed to
obtain counseling, and failed to support B.P. Day 2 T. at 41. We find these facts
Fairfield County, Case No. 13-CA-17 11
support the trial court's conclusion that due diligence by appellee was made and
appellant failed to fulfill the case plan.
{¶15} Appellant's sole plan for B.P. was to raise the child with his live-in
girlfriend. Day 1 T. at 196. However, the girlfriend did not have custody of her own
child and the reasons were unknown. Day 2 T. at 32-33. Appellant's attitude about
continued contact with B.P.'s mother, who freely relinquished her rights to parent, also
was of concern. Id. at 39-40.
{¶16} Lastly, appellant argues his mother, Sherry Oiler, should have been
granted legal custody of the child as a relative placement. Ms. Oiler's appeal in Case
No. 13-CA-12 assigned the same error which we denied. We hereby adopt our opinion
therein by reference.
{¶17} The sole assignment of error is denied.
{¶18} The judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Fairfield County, Ohio,
Juvenile Division is hereby affirmed.
By Farmer, J.
Gwin, P.J. and
Delaney, J. concur.
_______________________________
_______________________________
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SGF/sg 522 JUDGES
[Cite as In re B.P., 2013-Ohio-2714.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
IN THE MATTER OF: :
:
B.P. : JUDGMENT ENTRY
:
:
:
: CASE NO. 13-CA-17
For the reasons stated in our accompanying Memorandum-Opinion, the
judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Fairfield County, Ohio, Juvenile Division is
affirmed. Costs to appellant.
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JUDGES