In re Schaefer

Factual and Procedural Background

{¶ 1} Damian Xavier Schaefer (“Damian”) was born on July 5, 2003. Ten days later, Geauga County Job and Family Services (“GCJFS”) filed a complaint in Geauga County Juvenile Court alleging that Damian was abused and dependent. Damian had been born premature and tested positive for cocaine; GCJFS alleged that his mother, appellee Amy Schaefer, used cocaine while pregnant with Damian.

{¶ 2} There is no dispute that at the initial hearing on July 24, 2003, Schaefer and Doug Morris, Damian’s father, entered pleas of “true” to GCJFS’s amended complaint, admitting…