In re R.K.

Citations

• 2025 Ohio 2670

Syllabus

PARENTAL TERMINATION — R.C. 2151.414(D) — CUSTODY PETITION — R.C. 2151.353(A)(3) — BEST INTEREST — R.C. 3109.04(F): The juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in denying maternal grandmother's petition for legal custody of the children where the court properly considered the appropriate statutory factors, see R.C. 3109.04(F)(1), to determine that a legally secure placement could not be achieved without a grant of permanent custody, and considered the appropriate statutory factors, see R.C. 2151.414(D), to determine that an award of legal custody to maternal grandmother would not be in the children's best interest where: (1) the children were strongly bonded to their respective foster families and the guardian ad litem (\GAL\) supported the grant of permanent custody to the agency; (2) the children lacked a strong bond to maternal grandmother and did not wish to be placed with her; (3) the children were in the custody of the agency for more than 12 months out of a consecutive 22-month period; and (4) the children were in need of a legally secure placement due to mother's inconsistent engagement in case-plan services, each father's failure to engage in services, maternal grandmother's refusal to engage in therapy, and the denial of grandmother's home study.