The Ohio Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of parental rights for Robert Eiben, a father whose three children were removed from his custody due to neglect and unsafe living conditions. This ruling affects Eiben and the children, R.E.A., H.F.A., and E.R.A., who were placed in the permanent custody of the Portage County Department of Job and Family Services (PCJFS). The court's decision emphasizes the importance of child welfare in custody disputes.

The case, filed under docket numbers 2026-P-0017, 2026-P-0018, and 2026-P-0019, arose from a series of events that led to the children being taken from their parents in May 2023. The court's ruling on June 25, 2026, reflects a thorough examination of the evidence presented during the custody hearings.

Background

Robert Eiben and Crystal Ables are the natural parents of R.E.A., born October 7, 2015; H.F.A., born May 10, 2018; and E.R.A., born August 20, 2020. The children were removed from their parents' custody on May 25, 2023, after allegations of abuse, neglect, and dependency were filed by PCJFS. The trial court adjudicated the children as dependent on June 30, 2023, leading to the development of case plans for both parents.

The case plans required both parents to complete various tasks, including mental health evaluations, drug screenings, and securing stable housing. The children were placed in temporary custody of PCJFS, where they reportedly thrived in foster care. Despite some progress made by the parents, PCJFS filed a motion for permanent custody on April 23, 2025, arguing that the parents had not sufficiently remedied the conditions that led to the children's removal.

The Ruling

The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge John J. Eklund, reviewed the case and ultimately affirmed the trial court's decision to terminate Eiben's parental rights. The court ruled that the evidence supported the trial court's judgment, stating, "The evidence at the permanent custody hearing supports the trial court’s judgment entry granting the Portage County Department of Job and Family Services permanent custody of the children."

The court found that both parents had failed to complete their respective case plans and had not provided a safe environment for the children. The trial court highlighted the parents' ongoing issues, including Eiben's criminal history and the unsafe living conditions reported at their residence, which included clutter and the presence of drug paraphernalia.

Impact

This ruling sets a significant precedent regarding the termination of parental rights in Ohio, particularly in cases involving neglect and unsafe living conditions. The court's decision underscores the necessity of prioritizing the welfare of children in custody disputes. The ruling may influence future cases where parental rights are contested due to similar circumstances, emphasizing the importance of meeting court-ordered requirements for reunification.

The termination of parental rights is a serious matter, often described as the family law equivalent of the death penalty. The court's decision reflects its commitment to ensuring that children are placed in safe and stable environments, which is crucial for their development and well-being.

What's Next

While Eiben has the option to appeal the decision, the court noted that the trial court's findings were supported by substantial evidence. Details regarding any potential appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing. The children will remain in the custody of PCJFS, with plans for adoption likely to follow.