In re Ja.B.

Citations

• 2024 Ohio 453

Syllabus

Permanent custody legal custody extension of temporary custody. Judgment affirmed. The weight of the evidence supports the trial court's finding that clear and convincing evidence demonstrates that (1) the children cannot be placed with either of their parents within a reasonable time or should not be placed with either of their parents (2) reasonable efforts were made to prevent the children's removal and for reunification and (3) permanent custody to the agency would be in the children's best interest. In consideration of all the best interest factors, along with the GAL's opinion that permanent custody to the agency would be in the children's best interest, a preponderance of the evidence supports the trial court's denial of alleged Father's request for legal custody to one of two paternal aunts. The trial court did not abuse its discretion by not extending the temporary custody order. The children were approximately 16 months old at the time of trial and Mother and alleged Father had not made significant progress on their case plans. The children had been with their foster family since birth and were bonded to them and doing well. The record demonstrates that permanent custody was in the children's best interest.