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CUSTODY DECISION STILL UP IN THE AIR

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CUSTODY DECISION STILL UP IN THE AIR

November 28, 1993

Katherine Ullmer

Dayton Daily News

       

Tim and Kathleen Carroll spent Saturday in a stuffy Greene County juvenile courtroom hoping to hear they could take home their two adopted children, Samuel, 5, and Isaiah, 11, now in foster care.

Instead, no decision was made by the end of the day. Judge Richard Cole, a retired Clark County Common Pleas judge, asked that closing arguments be submitted in writing by Wednesday in the case between the Carrolls and the Greene County Children Services Board.

Cole said he would be out of town, so he would not be able to look at the arguments until Friday. He said "it won't be long" before he renders a decision.

"I'm really disappointed that we have to wait at least a week for the decision. I really miss my kids," Tim Carroll said.

"I feel the judge has gotten everything that is there to be gotten from anybody," Greene County Prosecutor William F. Schenck said after the hearing, which lasted five days.

The two boys were put in foster care on Aug. 17, after four of the family's adopted children died within nine months.

Saturday's testimony centered on home education, the Carroll's finances, and their ability to care for their four adopted children. Hosea, 10, and James, 17, remain at the family's Cedarville home.

Some of those who testified included Kathleen Carroll, Gayle Back, who is on the board of directors for the Christian Home Educators of Ohio, and the Rev. Wesley Brubaker, Pastor of Ascension Life Center, the Carroll's church in West Alexandria.

"I'm glad this hearing's over," Schenck said. "It's been long and arduous and at times very bitter. I'm glad we fully litigated it and got it out there for all the world to see."

1993 Nov 28