The Ohio Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that grants permanent custody of four children to Stark County Job & Family Services. The decision, made on June 24, 2026, affects Eboni G., the children's mother, who had been fighting to regain custody. The court found that the children could not be safely returned to her care.
This ruling is significant as it emphasizes the court's commitment to child welfare and the importance of stable and safe environments for children. The case involved serious concerns about the children's safety and the mother's ability to provide adequate care.
Background
The case involves Eboni G. and her four children: A.W., M.W., Z.W., and J.W. The children were initially removed from their home due to allegations of abuse and unsafe living conditions. The Ohio Court of Appeals reviewed the case after Eboni appealed the Stark County Family Court's decision to award permanent custody to the Agency.
The removal of the children began in February 2024 when law enforcement was alerted to their unsafe situation. The children's father, Derouis W., was found in a confused state at a gas station with the children, who had visible burn marks on their bodies. Eboni was living in Florida at the time, and the children were placed in the Agency's temporary custody.
As the case progressed, Eboni was given a case plan to follow in order to reunite with her children. However, her lack of participation and failure to make progress on the required steps led to the Agency's motion for permanent custody in July 2025. The trial court held a hearing in September 2025, where it ultimately decided to grant permanent custody to the Agency.
The Ruling
The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge David M. Gormley, affirmed the trial court's decision. The court ruled that Eboni had not demonstrated that her youngest child could be returned to her within a reasonable time. The judges found that the trial court had sufficient evidence to support its conclusion.
The court ruled, "Eboni repeatedly failed to participate in the required parenting evaluation...despite her claim that she had made progress on her case plan."
Additionally, the court noted that the trial court had determined it was in the best interest of the children to award permanent custody to the Agency. The judges emphasized that the children had been in temporary custody for over 12 months, which satisfied one of the statutory requirements for permanent custody.
Impact
This ruling sets a significant precedent in Ohio family law, particularly regarding the standards for determining parental fitness and the welfare of children in custody cases. The decision underscores the importance of a stable environment for children and the necessity for parents to engage in case plans to regain custody.
The ruling affects not only Eboni and her children but also establishes guidelines for future cases involving child welfare and custody. It highlights the court's responsibility to prioritize the children's best interests, especially in situations involving allegations of abuse and neglect.
What's Next
While Eboni has the option to appeal the ruling, the court's decision is a significant hurdle in her efforts to regain custody of her children. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the court filing. The focus will now likely shift to the children's continued care and stability in their current placements.