The Ohio Court of Appeals has upheld a decision to terminate the parental rights of R.M. and T.F. regarding their child, R.F., born on February 11, 2024. This ruling, issued on November 12, 2026, by Judge Scott Stevenson, is significant as it emphasizes the importance of parental responsibility and the welfare of children in custody cases.

The case, filed under docket numbers 31915 and 31918, involved serious allegations against both parents, including substance abuse and failure to comply with court-ordered requirements. The ruling affects not only the parents but also the child, who will now be placed in the permanent custody of the Summit County Children Services Board (CSB).

Background

R.M. (Mother) and T.F. (Father) are the biological parents of R.F. Shortly after R.F.'s birth, the CSB filed a complaint alleging that R.F. was an abused and dependent child due to the Mother’s ongoing substance abuse, which included the use of fentanyl and methamphetamine during and after her pregnancy. The child also required extensive treatment for withdrawal symptoms, including breathing and feeding issues.

The CSB's complaint was further supported by the parents' extensive criminal histories and ongoing legal troubles. Following the complaint, the juvenile court adjudicated R.F. as abused and dependent, leading to her temporary custody being granted to CSB. R.F. was placed in a foster home where she developed a bond with her foster family, who expressed interest in providing a permanent home for her.

Despite the court's efforts to facilitate reunification, neither parent complied with the requirements of the case plan. They failed to engage in recommended treatment for their substance abuse issues and had inconsistent contact with caseworkers. After a prolonged period of non-compliance, CSB sought permanent custody of R.F., citing the parents' lack of progress and the child's need for stability.

The Ruling

The court ruled in favor of CSB, terminating the parental rights of both R.M. and T.F. The judge noted, "the parents had made no progress on the case plan and continued to struggle with the same problems that brought R.F. into CSB’s custody two years earlier." This ruling was based on the fact that R.F. had been in temporary custody for more than 12 months of a consecutive 22-month period, and both parents had failed to remedy the conditions that led to the child's removal.

Mother raised concerns regarding due process, claiming she did not receive proper service of the custody motion. However, the court found that she had received adequate notice and had the opportunity to participate in the hearing. The court stated, "Mother has failed to demonstrate that any alleged defect in service of the permanent custody motion affected her due process rights or caused her to suffer any prejudice."

Father also challenged the ruling, arguing that the decision to deny legal custody to the paternal grandmother was based on undisclosed information from Alabama. However, the court clarified that the decision was not solely based on the grandmother's ICPC assessment but also on the overall best interest of R.F.

Impact

This ruling underscores the court's commitment to prioritizing the best interests of children in custody disputes. By affirming the termination of parental rights, the court has paved the way for R.F. to find a permanent and stable home, which is crucial for her development and well-being. The decision also serves as a reminder to parents about the importance of complying with court-ordered requirements in custody cases.

The impact of this ruling extends beyond R.F. It highlights the legal system's role in addressing parental substance abuse and ensuring that children are not placed in harmful situations. The court's decision may influence similar cases in the future, reinforcing the need for parents to take responsibility for their actions and prioritize their children's welfare.

What's Next

Following this ruling, R.M. and T.F. may seek further legal recourse, including a potential appeal to a higher court. However, details regarding any pending appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing. For now, R.F. will remain in the permanent custody of CSB, with the possibility of adoption by her foster family.