In re B.S., 2024 Ohio 509

Minor child "Beth" was removed from her mother's ("Mother") custody in October 2021 after allegations of sexual abuse by Mother's boyfriend, Suddarth.
Despite removal and the abuse allegations, Mother continued living with and contacting Suddarth, even after his arrest.
Beth was found neglected and dependent; temporary custody was awarded to the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services (the Agency), and a reunification case plan was developed for Mother.
Mother's compliance with the case plan was minimal: she struggled with consistent mental health treatment, failed to address Beth's special medical needs, and demonstrated poor engagement in parenting education and medical care for her daughter.
Beth had significant educational and developmental delays, and required specialized medical treatment for Townes-Brocks Syndrome, which was not addressed by Mother but was attended to in foster care.
After nearly two years in foster care and little improvement by Mother, the Agency moved for—and was granted—permanent custody of Beth; Mother appealed, arguing the decision was against the manifest weight of the evidence.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether permanent custody to the Agency was in Beth's best interest	Mother says the bond with Beth weighed against custody transfer and argued her progress should count more.	Agency highlighted unhealthy relationship and insufficient progress by Mother.	Court found best interest factors favored permanent custody with Agency.
Whether trial court gave sufficient weight to Mother’s progress	Mother argued her progress on mental health, housing, and income was undervalued by the court.	Agency pointed to ongoing, serious inconsistencies and lack of meaningful improvement.	Court held Mother's progress was too minimal and outweighed by her ongoing issues.
Whether Beth’s wishes were properly considered	Mother said the court did not adequately consider Beth’s expressed desire to be with her mother.	Agency noted Beth’s in camera interview showed her understanding of her mother’s limitations.	Court found Beth's wishes were considered but supported permanent custody decision.
Whether 12/22-month custody standard was met	Not contested on appeal by Mother.	Agency confirmed Beth had been in care over 12 of 22 months.	Court confirmed standard clearly met; no review necessary.

None with official reporter citations (all cited cases are Ohio appellate decisions or statutory references, not included per instructions).