Court changes permanency goal to adoption, directs filing of termination petition

Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court on the record Oct. 25, 2025, changed the permanency goal for a child removed from the home April 29, 2025, from reunification to adoption, appointed a court‑appointed attorney to represent the child and directed the Department of Health and Human Services to file a petition for termination of parental rights.

The decision followed testimony from Sarah Harvey, a DHHS caseworker, who told the court that neither parent had completed services during the reporting period and that parenting time had been sporadic and then stopped. "No. I don't believe that there's been any progress," Harvey said when asked whether progress toward reunification had occurred.

Nicole Underwood, counsel for the department, asked the court to change the goal to adoption, saying, "we would just ask for goal change to adoption at this time." The judge agreed and ordered the department to file a termination petition, stating, "I will also direct the department to file the petition for termination of parental rights." The court set a consolidated review and termination trial for Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m., with an hour-and-a-half block reserved in case the petition is timely filed and served.

The child, identified in court records as living with a brother who is willing to provide permanency, is reported by placement and school staff to be doing well in the current placement. Harvey said the child has shown academic engagement and that medical and dental needs had been addressed; the child has completed eight of 10 books required to earn a promised reward and has had dental work including removal of one tooth. Placement staff told the court they are willing to pursue adoption if the court changes the goal.

Attorneys for both parents were present; neither parent appeared in person or by Zoom, and the court noted notice had been served. The judge said the parents had appeared at prior reviews but had not engaged in the services or communications required during the current reporting period. The court cited concerns including past substance use, criminality and domestic‑violence dynamics in the home as continuing risks that justified the goal change.

The court also found the child needs a separate attorney to ensure the child's wishes are represented and ordered that a guardian ad litem and attorneys and service providers be included in the court's follow‑up filings and reports. The next review hearing and, if timely filed, a consolidated termination trial are scheduled for Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Court documents admitted into evidence included the court report, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) documentation, a Parkside letter and the child's trauma assessment. No party objected to admitting those documents.