In re Welfare of A.W. ( 2015 )

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~ Ronald R. Carpen er
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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
In the Matter of the Welfare of A.W. and )
M.W. )
)
State of Washington, Department of Social )
and Health Services, ) No. 90393-0
)
Respondent, )
)
v. ) En Bane
)
T.P., )
)
Appellant. ) Filed FEB 1 9 2015
)
FAIRHURST, J.-In 2010, the legislature enacted a new guardianship statute,
chapter 13.36 RCW (new statute), to create permanency for children in foster care
through the dismissal of dependency and the appointment of a guardian. RCW
13.36.010. This case involves whether the preponderance of the evidence standard
of proof satisfies due process and whether the record supports the trial court's
decision to appoint guardians. We answer both questions yes and affirm.
In re Welfare ofA. W and M W, No. 90393-0
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) petitioned for an order
appointing a guardian for A.W. and M.W. pursuant to the new statute, and the
children's mother, T.P., 1 contested guardianship.
In 2009, both A.W. and M.W. came to the attention of DSHS after an
investigation showed that T.P.'s then 13 year old son, W.W., had sexually abused
M.W. and A.W. as well as a third sibling. 2 The abuse occurred while all three
children were in T.P.'s care. DSHS obtained a court order removing A.W., M.W.,
and the third sibling from T.P.'s home on September 17, 2009.
On September 21, 2009, DSHS filed a dependency petition on behalf of A.W.
and M.W based on former RCW 13.34.030(5)(c) (2003), which states that the child
"[h]as no parent, guardian, or custodian capable of adequately caring for the child,
such that the child is in circumstances which constitute a danger of substantial
damage to the child's psychological or physical development." In December 2009,
T .P. agreed to the dependency.
1
T.P. is the mother of six children. None of T.P. 's children are currently in her care. Two
of T.P.'s children are now adults. A.W. was born on December 6, 2002, and M.W. was born on
October 21,2000. The whereabouts of the father is unknown, and he defaulted at the guardianship
trial.
2
DSHS' involvement with M.W. began when he tested positive for methamphetamine at
birth. DSHS removed M.W. from his mother's care and established dependency. M.W. was
returned to T.P.'s home in October 2001, and the dependency was dismissed in April2002.
2
In re Welfare of A. Wand M W, No. 90393-0
As part of dependency, DSHS identified several of T.P.'s parental
deficiencies: inadequate parenting skills, lack of awareness of sexual abuse issues,
possible substance abuse issues, and mental health issues. The court entered
dispositional orders placing the children in out of home care, and requiring T.P. to
engage in services including parenting evaluation, mental health counseling,
services through the Sexual Assault Response Center, substance abuse assessment,
and random urine analysis (UA). A.W.'s and M.W.'s dependencies were reviewed
at the required six month intervals. 3 See RCW 13.34.138.
In March 2010, the court approved transitioning the children to T.P.'s home
contingent on T.P.' s compliance with court ordered services and a DSHS safety plan
that continued until the guardianship. The court ordered services were similar to
those required as part of dependency and included a parenting evaluation, mental
health counseling, Family Preservation Services (FPS), submitting to random UAs,
and obtaining and maintaining a safe place to live. A safety plan outlines the
conditions for the children to be returned home and is created once a parent engages
in FPS. Dr. Michelle Leifheit provided FPS to T.P., and T.P. agreed to the safety
plan developed by Dr. Leifheit and DSHS. A term in the safety plan prohibited T.P.
3
The dependencies were reviewed on March 9, 2010, July 13, 2010, September 27, 2010,
January 24,2011, June 21,2011, October 11, 2011, April2, 2012, and October 1, 2012.
3
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from allowing her significant other, S.B., to have unsupervised access to the children
because S.B. did not pass DSHS' background check.
In December 2010, the transition to T.P.'s home was terminated because a
DSHS social worker making a home visit discovered S.B. alone with the children.
Additionally, despite the past abuse inflicted by W.W., T.P. permitted him to have
frequent visits with the children.
Dr. Naughne Boyd, a psychologist, performed a psychological evaluation on
T .P. in March 2011, diagnosing her with polysubstance dependence, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression.
Dr. Boyd determined that if T.P. tested positive for methamphetamine again, it
would not be in the best interests ofthe children to return them to T.P.'s custody.
T.P. was charged with possession of methamphetamine in May 2012.
According to T.P., her relationship with S.B. 4 along with the passing of her father in
September 2012 led to increased stress that created difficulties completing DSHS
services and drug treatment.
At the guardianship hearing in March 2013, A.W. was 10 years old and M.W.
was 12 years old. T.P. admitted that her parental deficiencies were not adequately
4
T.P.'s relationship with S.B. fell apart after he physically assaulted her, and she obtained
a no contact order against him. Despite the no contact order, T.P. had contact with S.B. in
November 2012.
4
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
remedied and that she was not capable of parenting a child. Nonetheless, T.P.
asserted that she was improving and the children could be returned to her care in the
near future. T.P. stated that she needed more time to adjust to her medication and
learn about her mental health issues and that she could do this within the next three
months. 5 T.P. also noted that throughout the proceedings there was no doubt that she
loved and was bonded with her children and that A.W. and M.W. loved her as well.
The trial court found that based on T.P.'s substance abuse, poor judgment,
incarcerations, chaotic lifestyle, failure to remedy parental deficiencies, and the
length of time of this case, there was little likelihood that conditions could be
remedied such that the children could be returned to T.P. in the near future. The trial
court entered findings and conclusions and an order appointing guardians for A.W.
and M.W. pursuant to the new statute.
T.P. appealed and argued that (1) establishing a guardianship under the new
statute using the preponderance of the evidence standard is unconstitutional because
it violates due process and (2) even if preponderance of the evidence is the correct
standard, the trial court's factual findings were not supported by substantial
5
Dr. Leifheit testified that T.P. missed several appointments and demonstrated a lack of
follow-through during FPS. Dr. Leifheit also testified that T.P. began to stabilize when she was on
the proper medication.
5
In re Welfare ofA. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
evidence. The Court of Appeals certified this case for direct review, and the Supreme
Court Commissioner accepted direct review.
STATUTORY BACKGROUND
In 2010, the Washington State Legislature enacted Substitute House Bill
2680, "GUARDIANSHIP-FOSTER CARE." LAWS OF 2010, ch. 272. This chapter
created a new process to establish, modify, and terminate guardianships for
dependent children in foster care. H.B. REP. ON S.H.B. 2680, 61st Leg., Reg. Sess.
(Wash. 2010) (hereinafter H.B. REP.). The legislature enacted the new statute to
"create a separate guardianship chapter to establish permanency for children in foster
care through the appointment of a guardian and dismissal of the dependency." RCW
13.36.010.
Under the old guardianship statute, former RCW 13.34.231 (2000), repealed
by LAws OF 2010, ch. 272, § 16 (old statute), DSHS had three options for the
placement of dependent children: continue dependency, establish a dependency
guardianship, or terminate parental rights. When DSHS continues dependency, it
provides services to the parent in an attempt to reunify the parent and the child. See
RCW 13.34.020-.025. A dependency is reviewed every six months to determine if
agency involvement is still necessary. RCW 13.34.138. Dependency guardianships
established under the old statute were used as a permanency option for children who
were in foster care and for whom reunification with parents or adoption was not
6
In re Welfare of A. Wand M W, No. 90393-0
promising. H.B. REP. at 1. Under the old statute, a dependency guardianship was
established when there was little chance that conditions would be remedied to return
the child to the parent in the near future, and when guardianship, rather than
termination of parental rights, was in the best interests of the child.
While dependency guardianships were considered a permanency option and
the dependency guardian had many of the same rights and responsibilities as the
parent, the underlying dependency was not dismissed. !d. As such, the court could
order continued involvement by DSHS. RCW 13.34.235. 6 In addition, when a
dependency guardianship was established, parents maintained several rights. See
former RCW 13.34.232 (1994). In contrast, termination completely severs the
parent and child relationship, as well as DSHS' services and involvement for the
parent. A court can order termination if it finds "[t]hat continuation of the parent and
child relationship clearly diminishes the child's prospects for early integration into
a stable and permanent home." RCW 13.34.180(1)(£).
The enactment of the new statute removed dependency guardianships as a
permanency option for children in foster care. 7 To establish guardianship under the
new statute the court must find by a preponderance of the evidence
6
"A dependency guardianship is not subject to the review hearing requirements of RCW
13.34.138 unless ordered by the court under RCW 13.34.232(l)(e)." RCW 13.34.235.
7
Existing dependency guardianships may continue or may be converted to guardianships
under the new statute upon the request of the dependency guardian and DSHS or supervising
agency. H.B. REP. at 2; RCW 13.34.237.
7
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(a) ... that it is in the child's best interests to establish a
guardianship, rather than terminate the parent-child relationship and
proceed with adoption, or to continue efforts to return custody of the
child to the parent; and
(b) All parties agree to entry of the guardianship order and the
proposed guardian is qualified, appropriate, and capable of performing
the duties of a guardian under RCW 13.36.050; or
(c)(i) The child has been found to be a dependent under RCW
13.34.030;
(ii) A dispositional order has been entered pursuant to RCW
13.34.130;
(iii) At the time of the hearing on the guardianship petition, the
child has or will have been removed from the custody of the parent for
at least six consecutive months following a finding of dependency
under RCW 13.34.030;
(iv) The services ordered under RCW 13.34.130 and 13.34.136
have been offered or provided and all necessary services, reasonably
available, capable of correcting parental deficiencies within the
foreseeable future have been offered or provided;
(v) There is little likelihood that conditions will be remedied so
that the child can be returned to the parent in the near future; and
(vi) The proposed guardian has signed a statement
aclmowledging the guardian's rights and responsibilities toward the
child and affirming the guardian's understanding and acceptance that
the guardianship is a commitment to provide care for the child until
the child reaches age eighteen.
RCW 13.36.040(2). 8
8
The old statute, former RCW 13.34.231, provided:
8
In re Welfare ofA. W: and M W:, No. 90393-0
Once a guardianship is established under RCW 13.36.040(2), the guardian
maintains physical and legal custody of the child and has several legal rights and
duties regarding the child's health, education, and care. See RCW 13.36.050(2)(a)-
(e). The parent continues to have visitation, inheritance, and the right to consent to
adoption. See RCW 13.36.050. A guardianship ends once the child becomes 18 years
old. !d. Guardianship is considered a statutory alternative to the termination of
parental rights. In re Guardianship of D.S., 178 Wn. App. 681, 682, 317 P.3d 489(2013).
The new statute gives DSHS three options to pursue with dependent children:
( 1) continue the dependency, (2) establish a guardianship pursuant to the new statute,
or (3) terminate parental rights. Under the second option, once guardianship is
A guardianship shall be established if the court fl ound] by a preponderance of the
evidence that:
(1) The child has been found to be a dependent child under 13.34.030;
(2) A dispositional order has been entered pursuant to RCW 13.34.130;
(3)The child has been removed or will, at the time of the hearing, have been
removed from the custody of the parent for a period of at least six months pursuant
to a finding of dependency under RCW 13.34.030;
(4) The services order under RCW 13.34.130 and 13.34.136 have been
offered or provided and all necessary services, reasonably available, capable of
correcting the parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future have been offered
or provided;
(5) There is little likelihood that conditions will be remedied so that the
child can be returned to the parent in the near future; and
(6) A guardianship rather than termination of the parent-child relationship
or continuation of efforts to return the child to the custody of the parent, would be
in the best interest of the child.
9
In re Welfare ofA. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
established, the underlying dependency is dismissed, 9 the supervising agency is no
longer involved, a parent's rights are limited, and permanency for the child rather
than reunification is the priority. RCW 13.34.237(3); RCW 13.36.050(5), 010.
ISSUES
A. Whether the preponderance of the evidence standard in the new statute
satisfies due process? 10
B. If so, whether substantial evidence supports the trial court's
establishment of a guardianship for A.W. and M.W.?
9
Compare RCW 13.34.050(5) (providing that once dependency is dismissed the court shall
not order DSHS or supervising agency to provide case management services to the guardian or
child), with former RCW 13.34.232(4) ("The child shall remain dependent for the duration of the
guardianship.").
10
While this issue was not raised during the guardianship hearing, the general rule that an
assignment of error needs to be preserved at the trial court for it to be addressed on appeal includes
an exception when the claimed error is a '"manifest error affecting a constitutional right."' State
v. O'Hara, 167 Wn.2d 91, 98,217 P.3d 756 (2009) (quoting RAP 2.5(a)). To raise an error for the
first time on appeal under RAP 2.5(a), the appellant must show (1) the error is manifest and (2)
the error is truly of constitutional dimension. !d. To determine if the error is of constitutional
magnitude, we look to see whether, if correct, the claim would implicate a constitutional interest.
!d. An error is manifest ifthere is actual prejudice. !d. at 99. There is actual prejudice if the asserted
error had practical effect on the trial of the case. !d. Examples of manifest constitutional errors
include failing to define the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard and shifting the burden of proof
to the defendant. !d. at 101. Here, T.P. satisfies RAP 2.5(a) because T.P. alleges that the standard
of proof used to establish guardianship was unconstitutional. Ifthis standard were used in error, it
would have implicated her constitutional right to procedural due process and, like failing to define
the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard, would have affected the result of her guardianship
hearing. I d. Therefore, we correctly accepted review of this issue.
10
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ANALYSIS
A. Establishing a guardianship under the new statute by a preponderance of the
evidence satisfies due process
We review constitutional challenges de novo. City ofRedmond v. Moore, 151
Wn.2d 664, 668, 91 P.3d 875 (2004). Statutes are presumed constitutional, and the
challenger of a statute must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the statute is
unconstitutional. Sch. Dist. 's Alliance for Adequate Funding of Special Educ. v.
State, 170 Wn.2d 599, 605, 244 P.3d 1 (2010). 11 The beyond a reasonable doubt
standard when used in this context describes, not an evidentiary burden, but rather a
requirement that the challenger convince the court that there is no reasonable doubt
that the statute violates the constitution. Island County v. State, 135 Wn.2d 141, 147,
955 P.2d 377 (1998).
Procedural due process imposes limits on governmental decisions that affect
an individual's liberty or property interests. Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 332,
96 S. Ct. 893, 47 L. Ed. 2d 18 (1976). Due process is a flexible concept, but at a
11 "This standard, that we will not declare a statute unconstitutional 'unless its conflict with
the constitution is plain beyond a reasonable doubt,' stretches all the way back to our holding in
Parrott & Co. v. Benson, 114 Wash. 117, 122, 194 P. 986 (1921). This standard has appeared
throughout our jurisprudence." Sch. Dist. 's Alliance, 170 Wn.2d at 605. This burden is imposed
on the challenger of the statute because of'" our respect for the legislative branch of government
as a co-equal branch of government, which, like the court, is sworn to uphold the constitution."'
!d. at 605-06 (quoting Island County v. State, 135 Wn.2d 141, 147, 955 P.2d 377 (1998)). The
standard also stems from the premise that the legislature speaks for the people and we are hesitant
to strike a duly enacted statute unless we are fully convinced, after searching legal analysis, that
the statute violates the constitution. !d. at 606.
11
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minimum it requires the right to notice and an opportunity to be heard. Cleveland
Bd. of Educ. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 542, 105 S. Ct. 1487, 84 L. Ed. 2d 494(1985). The Washington Constitution, article I, section 3, does not afford greater
due process protection than the United States Constitution. 12 See State v. Ortiz, 119
Wn.2d 294,304, 831 P.2d 1060 (1992).
Parents have a fundamental liberty interest in the right to the care, custody,
and management of their children, and they do not lose this right simply because
they have not been model parents. Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 753, 102 S.
Ct. 1388, 71 L. Ed. 2d 599 (1982); In re Dependency of Schermer, 161 Wn.2d 927,
941, 169 P.3d 452 (2007). A parent's right and desire to '"companionship, care,
custody, and management of his or her children' is an interest far more precious than
any property right." Santosky, 455 U.S. at 758-59 (internal quotation marks omitted)
(quotingLassiterv. Dep'tofSoc. Servs., 452 U.S. 18, 27,101 S. Ct. 2153,68 L. Ed.
2d 640 (1981)). If the State seeks to interfere with this right, it must provide the
parent with fundamentally fair procedures. Id. at 754.
"'The function of a standard of proof . . . is to instruct the factfinder
concerning the degree of confidence our society thinks he should have in the
12
The Washington and United States Constitutions contain nearly identical due process
clauses. Article I, section 3 of the Washington Constitution states, "No person shall be deprived
of life, liberty, or property, without due process oflaw." The Fourteenth Amendment to the United
States Constitution provides that no state shall "deprive any person of life, liberty, or property,
without due process of law."
12
In re Welfare ofA. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
correctness of factual conclusions for a particular type of adjudication."' Hardee v.
Dep 't of Soc. & Health Servs., 172 Wn.2d 1, 7-8, 256 P.3d 339 (2011) (alteration in
original) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Addington v. Texas, 441 U.S.
418, 423, 99 S. Ct. 1804, 60 L. Ed. 2d 323 (1979)). A higher burden of proof has
"both practical and symbolic consequences." Santosky, 455 U.S. at 764.
We have not previously addressed whether establishing a guardianship under
the new statute by a preponderance of the evidence satisfies due process. We have
noted that preponderance of the evidence was constitutionally sufficient under the
old statute. In re Dependency ofK.S.C., 137 Wn.2d 918,931,976 P.2d 113 (1999).
However, we and the United States Supreme Court have noted that to terminate
parental rights requires a greater standard of proof than preponderance of the
evidence.Id.; In re Welfare ofSego, 82 Wn.2d 736, 738, 513 P.2d 831 (1973); see
also Santosky, 455 U.S. at 754. 13 In this case, we must determine whether a
guardianship established under the new statute requires a heightened standard of
proof because its effect is similar to the termination of parental rights or whether the
preponderance of the evidence standard is sufficient because the effect of a
13
The United States Supreme Court in Santosky noted that a majority of the states at the
time used the clear and convincing standard of proof for termination proceedings, and the Court
found that such a standard adequately balanced the rights of the natural parents and the state's
legitimate concerns. However, the Court stated that the "determination of the precise burden equal
to or greater than that standard is a matter of state law properly left to state legislatures and state
courts." Santoslcy, 455 U.S. at 769-70.
13
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
guardianship under the new statute 1s the same or similar to guardianships
established under the old statute.
T.P. alleges three important differences in the new statute that should afford
parents the same constitutional safeguards and due process as in a termination
proceeding. First, once guardianship is established, dependency is dismissed.
Second, once dependency is dismissed, neither the State nor DSHS has continuing
involvement. RCW 13.36.050(5). Third, the new statute creates a presumption in
favor of continuing the guardianship and narrows the circumstances on which a
parent can petition to terminate a guardianship.
To determine whether the standards for a proceeding are fundamentally fair
and satisfy procedural due process requirements, we consider three factors: (1) the
private interests at stake, (2) the risk of error created by the State's chosen procedure,
and (3) the countervailing governmental interest supporting the use of the challenged
procedure, including the fiscal and administrative burdens that additional or
substitute procedural requirements would entail. Santosky, 455 U.S. at 754; see also
Hardee, 172 Wn.2d at 10.
1. The private interest at stake
The significance of the private interest at stake directly corresponds to the
burden the State must meet before it can interfere with such an interest. Hardee, 172
Wn.2d at 7. The private interest affected in a guardianship proceeding and a
14
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
termination proceeding is the relationship between the parent and the child. See
Santosky, 455 U.S. at 758-59; In re Dependency ofF.S., 81 Wn. App. 264,268, 913
P.3d 844 (1996).
T.P. argues under the new statute that the parent and child relationship is
affected more like a termination and so the burden of proof should be beyond a
reasonable doubt. The State argues that the effect of the new statute is not permanent
and is more like the old statute and therefore the burden of preponderance of the
evidence is sufficient.
In F.S., Division One, reviewing the old statute, found that the potential
impact on a parent's right to the care and custody of his or her child is significantly
less in a guardianship proceeding than in a termination proceeding. 81 Wn. App. at
269. The court reasoned that guardianship is not permanent and does not completely
sever the parent's rights. Id. Once guardianship is established, the parent has the
right to seek modification of or terminate the guardianship and request return of the
child. !d. As such, guardianship is an inherently temporary situation. Id.
Termination, on the other hand, completely denies the parent a fundamental
right by removing physical custody, as well as the right to visit, communicate with,
or regain custody of the child. Santosky, 455 U.S. at 759. The private interest weighs
heavily against the use of the preponderance standard in termination proceedings,
and the Santosky Court held that New York's use of the preponderance of the
15
In re Welfare ofA. Wand M W, No. 90393-0
evidence standard to terminate parental rights was not fundamentally fair and
violated parents' due process rights. !d. at 769.
Guardianships under the new statute continue to be an option for dependent
children that is short of termination and many parental rights remain unaltered. Like
under the old statute, parents continue to possess important rights. See RCW
13.36.050. Parents can be granted visitation and maintain the right to consent to
adoption and provide financial or medical support. !d. A guardianship order remains
inherently temporary because parents maintain the ability to have the guardianship
order modified or terminated. RCW 13.36.060. In contrast, when a parent's rights
are terminated, it results in "all rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties, and
obligations, including any rights to custody, control, visitation, or support existing
between the child and parent" being severed and terminated. RCW 13 .34.200(1 ).
T.P. asserts that the new statute significantly curtails the opportunities
available to modify and terminate a guardianship order, which in turn creates a
greater impact on the private interest at stake and should result in a higher burden.
While under the new statute, some provisions, such as a guardian's authority
to invest and expend funds, benefits, or property belonging to the child, cannot be
modified. See RCW 13.36.050(1)(c). Other provisions of the guardianship order can
still be modified and terminated.
16
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Under the new statute, a parent can still have visitation and can modify the
visitation granted in the initial guardianship order. RCW 13.36.060. Visitation is an
important right that distinguishes a guardianship from termination. See Santosky,
455 U.S. at 749. To modify visitation, the party seeking visitation must file an
affidavit setting forth facts supporting the motion for modification. RCW
13 .36.060(1 )(a). The court will deny modification unless it finds adequate cause for
a hearing on the motion. RCW 13.36.060(2). If the court finds that adequate cause
exists, it will set a date for a hearing on an order to show cause why the modification
should not be granted. !d.
Under the new statute, termination of the guardianship can still be sought.
The court should not terminate a guardianship unless it finds that subsequent to the
establishment of the guardianship a substantial change has occurred in the
circumstances of the child or the guardian and that termination is necessary to serve
the best interests of the child. RCW 13.36.070(2). 14
14
Alternatively, a guardianship can be terminated if there is an agreement between the
guardian, the child, and the parent seeking to regain custody. Such an agreement will terminate
guardianship only if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that:
(a) The parent has successfully corrected the parenting deficiencies
identified by the court in the dependency action, and the circumstances of the parent
have changed to such a degree that returning the child to the custody of the parent
no longer creates a risk of harm to the child's health, welfare, and safety;
(b) The child, if age twelve years or older, agrees to termination of the
guardianship and the return of custody to the parent; and
(c) Termination of the guardianship and return of custody of the child to the
parent is in the child's best interests.
RCW 13.36.070(3).
17
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Under the old statute, courts found that guardianships were temporary and did
not irrevocably eliminate parental rights in part because the parent, or any party,
could petition the court for termination of the guardianship based on any party's
changed circumstances. 15 In re Dependency of A. VD., 62 Wn. App. 562, 570, 815
P.2d 277 (1991); K.S.C., 137 Wn.2d at 930 n.7. This gave a parent the opportunity
to demonstrate that he or she had taken the steps necessary to regain custody. A. VD.,
62 Wn. App. at 570; K.S.C., 137 Wn.2d at 930 n.7. However, providing a parent
with an opportunity to regain custody was not the purpose of the old statute, and it
is not the intent or purpose of the new statute. In re Dependency of A. C., 123 Wn.
App. 244,251,98 P.3d 89 (2004); see RCW 13.36.010. Guardianships are intended
to offer sufficient permanency to be a viable alternative to termination of parental
rights. F.S., 81 Wn. App. at 270.
Furthermore, the new statute does provide a way for a parent to seek
termination of a guardianship based on a change in his or her circumstances. See
RCW 13.36.070(3). The parent must show that he or she remedied parental
15 Terminationof guardianships under the old statute could be sought by any party, DSHS,
or the supervising agency. Former RCW 13.34.233(2) (2000). If the court found a substantial
change in circumstances of any party since the establishment of guardianship and that termination
would be in the child's best interest, a guardianship was terminated. Id.; In re Dependency of
A. VD., 62 Wn. App. 562, 570, 815 P.2d 277 (1991); F.S., 81 Wn. App. at 269; In re Dependency
ofA. C., 123 Wn. App. 244,251, 98 P.3d 89 (2004).
18
In re Welfare ofA. Wand M W, No. 90393-0
deficiencies and that the appointed guardian and the child, if age 12 or older, agree
to termination ofthe guardianship. RCW 13.36.070(3)(a)-(b).
We hold the new statute's impact on the private interest at stake does not merit
an increased burden on the State to establish a guardianship.
2. Risk of error created by the State's chosen procedure
"The relevant question is whether a preponderance [of the evidence] standard
fairly allocates the risk of an erroneous factfinding between [the] two parties." 16
Santosky, 455 U.S. at 761.
In F. S., the court found that the risk of error is not as great in guardianship
proceedings as in termination proceedings. 81 Wn. App. at 270. The court reasoned
that there is less risk associated with erroneous deprivation because guardianships
are a temporary intrusion into the parent and child relationship and are reviewable,
modifiable, and terminable. !d.
In Santosky, the Court noted that erroneous termination unnecessarily
destroys the natural family and the parent and the child share an interest in avoiding
such a result. 455 U.S. at 765. The Court also found that there is a significant risk of
error in termination proceedings because the "State's ability to assemble its case
16
The two parties in a guardianship proceeding, like a termination proceeding, are the State
and the parent. Santosky, 455 U.S. at 761. The State must assume that the interests of the parent
and the child converge until the State proves by the requisite standard that there is parental
unfitness. Id.19
In re Welfare ofA. W and M W, No. 90393-0
almost inevitably dwarfs the parent's ability to mount a defense." Id. at 763. In
termination proceedings, judicial discretion and the difference in the adversarial
resources coupled with the preponderance of the evidence standard create a
significant risk of erroneous deprivation. Id. at 764.
T.P. argues that guardianships under the new statute create a greater risk of
erroneous deprivation than guardianships under the old statute because
guardianships are now more difficult to modify or terminate. Therefore, according
to T.P., guardianships now have a more permanent effect on the parent and child
relationship. In addition, T.P. asserts that the dismissal of dependency eliminates the
opportunity for continued monitoring and State services.
Increasing the burden of proof will not curtail the establishment of erroneous
guardianships. The changes noted by T.P. do not alter the nature of a guardianship
such that it increases the risk of an erroneous deprivation. When a guardianship is
established under the new statute, parental rights are not completely severed and the
guardianship order can be modified or terminated.
The new statute, like the old statute, provides significant procedural
safeguards for parents to ensure that the hearing is fair and accurate. Parents are
entitled to notice, to counsel, to the State's records, and to present and cross-examine
witnesses. RCW 13.36.040(1); RCW 13.34.090(1). Cases are heard by an unbiased
fact finder. RCW 13.34.090(1). To establish a guardianship under the new statute,
20
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
there must be a judicial fact-finding that the child is a dependent and that a
dispositional order was entered. RCW 13.36.040(2)(c)(i)-(ii). The hearing for the
dispositional order also affords parents significant procedural protections. See RCW
13.34.090, .130. A guardianship is established only if the child has been out of the
house for six months and the guardianship is judicially determined to be in the
child's best interest. See RCW 13.36.040(2). Moreover, the dismissal of dependency
reduces the risk of error for a parent at future hearings because DSHS is no longer a
party that can contest motions for visitation or petitions to terminate the
guardianship. See Santosky, 455 U.S. at 763 (noting that the State has a superior
ability to prepare its case).
Because parents are provided significant procedural safeguards and a
guardianship order is terminable and modifiable, the preponderance of the evidence
standard fairly allocates the risk of an erroneous fact-finding between the State and
the parent.
3. Countervailing State interest
The State's primary interest is providing for the health and safety of children.
See Hardee, 172 Wn.2d at 12 ("The State holds the highest interest in the protection
of children.").
When considering whether to pursue a guardianship or terminate parental
rights, the State must balance various and conflicting interests. The State interest
21
In re Welfare ofA. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
under the new and old statutes is providing permanence for the child without
terminating parental rights. F.S., 81 Wn. App. at 270. Additionally, the State has an
interest in conserving resources by not continuing dependency when guardianship is
in the best interest of the child and the parent has failed to improve despite access to
services. In termination proceedings, the State has an interest in "preserving and
promoting the welfare of the child and a fiscal and administrative interest in reducing
the cost and burden of such proceedings." Santosky, 455 U.S. at 766.
The old statute facilitated visitation between parent and child, as well as
continued involvement by state agencies, and this required a measure of flexibility.
F.S., 81 Wn. App. at 270. Flexibility was provided by a lower standard of proof to
establish a guardianship. Id. Because dependency ends under the new statute, the
State is no longer involved after the establishment of guardianship. T.P. asserts that
the lack ofDSHS' involvement under the new statute diminishes the countervailing
State interest because DSHS is not involved to supervise or provide case
management services to the guardian or child. RCW 13.36.050(5).
Nonetheless, like the old statute, guardianships under the new statute present
a middle ground between dependency and termination. The preponderance of the
evidence standard provides a measure of flexibility for DSHS to balance the various
and conflicting interests involved in the establishment of a guardianship. See F.S.,
22
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
81 Wn. App. at 270. The State's interest in the health and welfare of children weighs
toward using the preponderance of the evidence standard.
The new statute is presumed constitutional, and after applying the
fundamental fairness factors, T.P. has not presented sufficient evidence to
demonstrate that the preponderance of the evidence standard violates her right to due
process. The differences in the new statute do not increase the invasion to the private
interest or the risk of error. The new statute is not akin to termination because parents
retain important rights, like visitation and the ability to modify or terminate the
guardianship. Guardianships under the new statute are more akin to guardianships
under the old statute and do not require a higher burden of proof than preponderance
of the evidence. 17 We hold that the preponderance of the evidence standard
promulgated by the legislature satisfies due process.
B. Substantial evidence supports the trial court's findings and the appointment
of a guardian for A.W. and M.W.
We review challenges to factual findings for substantial evidence. K. S.C., 13 7
Wn.2d at 925. Substantial evidence exists so long as a rational trier of fact could find
17
In a recent case, Division Two stated that in applying the new guardianship statute the
courts should look to termination cases for guidance. In re Guardianship of K.B.F., 175 Wn. App.
140, 146 n.IO, 304 P.3d 909 (2013). Yet, in this same footnote, the court noted that a
preponderance of the evidence standard should be applied. !d. In another recent case, Division
Two noted that the constitutional differences at stake in terminations require parents to receive
greater due process protections than when guardianship is established under the new statute. In re
Welfare ofR.H, 176 Wn. App. 419,425,309 P.3d 620 (2013).
23
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
the necessary facts were shown by a preponderance of the evidence. Id.Unchallenged findings of fact are verities on appeal. Merriman v. Cokeley, 168
Wn.2d 627,631,230 P.3d 162 (2010).
We give deference to the trial judge's advantage in having the witnesses
before him or her, which is particularly important in proceedings affecting the parent
and child relationship. K.C.S., 137 Wn.2d at 925; see In re Welfare of Aschauer, 93
Wn.2d 689, 695, 611 P.2d 1245 (1980). The reviewing court should not decide the
credibility of witnesses or weigh the evidence. A. V.D., 62 Wn. App. at 568. We will
uphold the trial court's finding that guardianship is in the child's best interest so long
as such a finding is supported by substantial evidence.I(.S.C., 137 Wn.2d at 925.
To establish a guardianship under the new statute, the court must find by a
preponderance of the evidence that guardianship is in the child's best interest rather
than termination or continued efforts to reunify with the parent through dependency.
RCW 13.36.040(1). In addition, the court must find that the requirements described
in RCW 13.36.040(2)(c)(i)-(vi) are satisfied.
1. Substantial evidence supports the trial court's finding that guardianship
was in the best interests of A.W. and M.W.
Courts look to several factors to determine the best interest of the child. A. C.,
123 Wn. App. at 254. There is not an exclusive list of factors to consider but instead
the court must decide each case on its own facts and circumstances. Aschauer, 93
24
In re Welfare of A. W and M W, No. 90393-0
Wn.2d at 695. In A. C., Division One listed some factors to consider when making
the best interest determination: the strength and nature of the parent and child bond,
the benefit of continued contact with the parent or the extended family, the need for
continued State involvement and services, and the likelihood that the child may be
adopted if parental rights are terminated. 123 Wn. App. at 255. Where the parent's
interests conflict with the child's rights to basic nurturing, physical health, and
safety, the rights of the child prevail. Sego, 82 Wn.2d at 738. Based on the testimony
and exhibits presented at trial, the trial court found this factor was met.
A.W. and M.W. have been dependents since December 2009 18 and have
remained out of the home by court order since 2010. The DSHS social worker
testified that guardianship would be in the children's best interests and that the
mother failed for over three years to demonstrate that she could safely parent and
provide the children with needed stability. In addition, Dr. Boyd expressed
apprehension about placing the children with T.P. Dr. Boyd testified that T.P.'s
failure to consistently attend drug and alcohol treatment demonstrated a lack of
commitment to her sobriety and effective parenting. T.P. admitted to being primarily
out of compliance with her drug and alcohol treatment for the last year.
18
M.W. was also a dependent from October 2000 to April2002.
25
In re Welfare of A. Wand M W, No. 90393-0
T .P. argues that there is undisputed evidence that she and her children are
bonded and that she loves her children dearly. She also asserts that the trial court
based its conclusion on antiquated facts instead of those existing at the time of the
guardianship trial. 19
T.P. also contends that DSHS did not present evidence as to why it would be
in the children's best interests to enter guardianship with their current placement.
The trial court is not required to determine that the specific guardianship placement
would be in a child's best interest. RCW 13.36.040(2). Instead, the statute requires
a finding that a guardianship is in the child's best interest rather than adoption or
continued reunification efforts with the parent. See id. Even so, the trial court found
that the appointed guardians were qualified, appropriate, and capable of being A.W.
and M.W.'s guardians. T.P. did not contest this finding. The proposed guardians
signed a statement acknowledging their willingness to care for the children.
We hold substantial evidence supports the trial court's finding that
guardianship was in the best interest of A.W. and M.W.
19
According to T.P., at the time of trial she was in the process of turning her life around,
was in compliance with drug treatment, and was making strides with her mental illness treatment.
T.P. relied on Dr. Leifheit's testimony that she no longer needed crisis management and T.P. was
back on track.
26
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
2. Substantial evidence supports the trial court's finding that there is little
likelihood that conditions will be remedied so that the children can be
returned to the parent in the near future
RCW 13.36.040(2)(c)(v) requires the State to prove that there is little
likelihood that the conditions will be remedied so that the children can be returned
to the parent in the near future. 20 Based on the testimony and exhibits presented at
trial, the trial court found this factor was met.
T.P. challenges this finding by arguing that she was in the process of turning
her life around and DSHS should have continued to pursue reunification efforts. She
specifically challenges the finding that she failed to maintain sobriety since 2009
and that her lifestyle was chaotic causing her to miss appointments for herself and
her children.
The dependency reviews demonstrated that T.P. was offered and provided
with several services including substance abuse prevention, counseling services, and
parenting awareness classes. Even though T.P. knew that she could initiate the
offered services by contacting her social worker, and despite taking part in some
2
°Courts interpreting this factor under the old statute found that the focus of this factor is
whether parental deficiencies have been corrected. In re Dependency ofT.R., 108 Wn. App. 149,
165, 29 P.3d 1275 (2001).
27
In re Welfare of A. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
services, she was unable to improve. 21 In May 2012, T.P. tested positive for
methamphetamine.
Although T.P. had a no contact order against S.B. because of domestic
violence, she had contact with S.B. the month of trial. Leaving the children with
S.B., which was a violation of the safety plan, had ended the children's transition
back to T.P. during the dependency. T.P. also admitted that she was not ready to be
a parent. We hold substantial evidence supports the trial court's decision that there
was little likelihood T.P. would remedy conditions so the children can be returned
to T.P. in the near future.
Substantial evidence in the record supports the trial court's determination that
guardianship was in the best interest of the children and that the elements of
guardianship were satisfied. See RCW 13.36.040(2)(c)(i)-(vi).
CONCLUSION
We hold that establishing a guardianship by a preponderance of the evidence
under the new statute satisfies due process. Considering the impact a guardianship
has on the parent and child relationship, the use of the preponderance of the evidence
standard places a sufficient burden on the State. Under the new statute, parents retain
21
T.P. was arrested on several occasions throughout dependency. When A.W. and M.W.
lived with T.P. during dependency, her arrests caused A.W. and M.W. to stay with her sister, and
when they did not live with T.P., her arrests caused her to miss visits with them.
28
In re Welfare ofA. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
substantial rights regarding the care and custody of their children once guardianship
is established. Since guardianships under the new statute do not rise to the level of
terminations, proceedings to establish guardianships do not warrant the same
standard of proof as termination proceedings.
In addition, we affirm the trial court's establishment of guardianship for A.W.
and M. W. Substantial evidence supports the trial court's findings that guardianship
was in the children's best interests and that T.P. would not be able to resume
parenting within the near future.
29
In re Welfare ofA. W. and M W., No. 90393-0
WE CONCUR:
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30