Davis, J., concurring, in part, and dissenting, in part:
I agree with the majority's decision insofar as it concluded that family case
plans are an integral and necessary part of a parent's improvement period in abuse and
neglect cases. However, I dissent from the majority's ultimate conclusion that the failure to
develop a formal family case plan in this case was reversible error insofar as the conditions
of the appellant mother's improvement period were clearly communicated to her; she
nevertheless failed to achieve those goals; and there is no evidence that, during this
additional improvement period, she will be likely to successfully correct the conditions of
abuse and neglect with which she has been charged.
(See footnote 1)
I am most troubled, however, by the potentially devastating effect that the
majority's Opinion will have on the most important parties to this proceeding-the children
of the appellant for whose benefit and safety the underlying abuse and neglect proceedings
were initiated. Time and again we have reiterated that abuse and neglect cases must be given
the utmost attention to ensure their prompt resolution in order to provide permanency for the
children involved therein. “Child abuse and neglect cases must be recognized as being
among the highest priority for the courts' attention. Unjustified procedural delays wreak
havoc on a child's development, stability and security.” Syl. pt. 1, in part, In re Carlita B.,
185 W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (1991). Accord In re Stephen Tyler R., 213 W. Va. 725, 733
n.11, 584 S.E.2d 581, 589 n.11 (2003); In re Daniel D., 211 W. Va. 79, 95, 562 S.E.2d 147,
163 (2002) (Davis, C.J., dissenting); In re Edward B., 210 W. Va. 621, 635 n.20, 558 S.E.2d
620, 634 n.20 (2001); Syl. pt. 4, In re Emily, 208 W. Va. 325, 540 S.E.2d 542 (2000); Syl.
pt. 2, In re Michael Ray T., 206 W. Va. 434, 525 S.E.2d 315 (1999); State v. Michael M., 202
W. Va. 350, 356 n.14, 504 S.E.2d 177, 183 n.14 (1998); Syl. pt. 3, In re Jonathan G., 198
W. Va. 716, 482 S.E.2d 893 (1996); Syl. pt. 5, In re Brian D., 194 W. Va. 623, 461 S.E.2d
129 (1995); State ex rel. S.C. v. Chafin, 191 W. Va. 184, 191, 444 S.E.2d 62, 69 (1994); Syl.
pt. 3, Boarman v. Boarman, 190 W. Va. 533, 438 S.E.2d 876 (1993); Mary D. v. Watt, 190
W. Va. 341, 346, 438 S.E.2d 521, 526 (1992). See also State v. Michael M., 202 W. Va. at
356 n.14, 504 S.E.2d at 183 n.14 (“[W]e reemphasize that decisions about the permanent
placement of a child should not be delayed unnecessarily.”); Syl. pt. 5, In re Carlita B., 185
W. Va. 613, 408 S.E.2d 365 (“The clear import of the statute [West Virginia Code § 49-6-
2(d)] is that matters involving the abuse and neglect of children shall take precedence over
almost every other matter with which a court deals on a daily basis, and it clearly reflects the
goal that such proceedings must be resolved as expeditiously as possible.”).
We have recognized this need
for immediate disposition in an attempt to shield the children subject to such
proceedings from the extreme trauma they face when they are
first removed from their parents' home, then shuttled to numerous foster placements,
and finally are placed into a permanent home or returned to their parents upon
the conclusion of
such proceedings. See Syl. pt. 3, in part, James M. v. Maynard, 185 W. Va. 648, 408 S.E.2d
400 (1991) (“It is a traumatic experience for children to undergo sudden and dramatic
changes in their permanent custodians.”). See also David M. v. Margaret M., 182 W. Va. 57,
64, 385 S.E.2d 912, 919 (1989) (observing that “[c]hildren under six years of age are called
'children of tender years'” because “[t]hey are the most dependent on their parents”).
Had there been any indication that the appellant herein was a fit and suitable
mother for her children or that she could correct the conditions of abuse and neglect with
which she has been charged, I would wholeheartedly agree with the majority's attempt to
protect and preserve her parental rights. See Syl. pt. 6, State ex rel. Jeanette H. v. Pancake,
207 W. Va. 154, 529 S.E.2d 865 (2000) (“'“In the law concerning custody of minor children,
no rule is more firmly established than that the right of a natural parent to the custody [of]
his or her infant child is paramount to that of any other person; it is a fundamental personal
liberty protected and guaranteed by the Due Process Clauses of the West Virginia and United
States Constitutions.” Syllabus Point 1, In Re Willis, 157 W. Va. 225, 207 S.E.2d 129
(1973).' Syllabus point 1, In Interest of Betty J.W., 179 W. Va. 605, 371 S.E.2d 326
(1998).”); Syl. pt. 6, State ex rel. Diva P. v. Kaufman, 200 W. Va. 555, 490 S.E.2d 642
(1997) (same). See generally Kessel v. Leavitt, 204 W. Va. 95, 511 S.E.2d 720 (1998)
(protecting biological father's parental rights through recognition of cause of action for
tortious interference with parental relationship).
Sadly, though, such evidence is not before us, and the majority has even
conceded that “the record of the adjudicatory hearing is totally supportive of the findings of
abuse and neglect . . . . It is beyond doubt that the children who are the subject of this case
are abused and neglected children.” Maj. op. at 8. Despite this recognition, however, the
majority has blatantly refused to acknowledge the paramount consideration at issue in this
case: the best interests of the appellant's minor children. “Although parents have substantial
rights that must be protected, the primary goal in cases involving abuse and neglect, as in all
family law matters, must be the health and welfare of the children.” Syl. pt. 3, In re Katie
S., 198 W. Va. 79, 479 S.E.2d 589 (1996). See also Syl. pt. 7, In re Brian D., 194 W. Va.
623, 461 S.E.2d 129 (“Cases involving children must be decided not just in the context of
competing sets of adults' rights, but also with a regard for the rights of the child(ren).”);
Michael K.T. v. Tina L.T., 182 W. Va. 399, 405, 387 S.E.2d 866, 872 (1989) (“[T]he best
interests of the child is the polar star by which decisions must be made which affect
children.”); David M. v. Margaret M., 182 W. Va. at 60, 385 S.E.2d at 916 (“[A]ll parental
rights in child custody matters are subordinate to the interests of the innocent child.”).
Mindful of the best interests of Desarae, Destiny, and Britney and the need to
provide them with the safe and secure home which they so rightfully deserve, I respectfully
dissent from the majority's decision to grant the appellant an additional improvement period.
Such an award can serve no purpose other than to prolong the dangerous and uncertain living
conditions these three little girls have far too long already endured.
For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully concur, in part, with and dissent, in
part, from the Opinion of the Court.