Fourth Court of Appeals

San Antonio, Texas

MEMORANDUM OPINION

No. 04-18-00607-CV

IN THE INTEREST OF S.A.M., J.A.M. Jr., J.E.L.M., 

J.A.M., Z.A.M., I.A.M., and J.A.M., Children

From the 225th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas

Trial Court No. 2017-PA-02510

Honorable Susan D. Reed, Judge Presiding1

Opinion by: Beth Watkins, Justice

Sitting: Sandee Bryan Marion, Chief Justice

Luz Elena D. Chapa, Justice

Beth Watkins, Justice

Delivered and Filed: February 13, 2019

AFFIRMED

This is an appeal from an order terminating appellant mother’s (“Mother”) and appellant 

father’s (“Father”) parental rights to their seven children. On appeal, Mother and Father both 

contend the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to establish termination was in the 

children’s best interests. Father raises a second issue in which he contends the trial court erred in 

terminating his parental rights on the ground that he failed to complete his service plan. We affirm 

the order of termination.

 1 The Honorable Peter Sakai is the presiding judge of the 225th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas. 

However, the termination order in this case was signed by the Honorable Susan D. Reed, sitting by assignment. 
04-18-00607-CR

- 2 -

BACKGROUND

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (“the Department”) received a 

referral alleging substance abuse and physical neglect. The Department’s responding investigator

testified the children, who at the time of the August 2018 trial ranged in age from eleven to two, 

were removed and taken to the hospital. It was determined the children were suffering from 

scabies, lice, and pinworms. They were also severely underweight for their respective ages and 

had blisters on their feet in varying stages of healing. 

The home in which the children were found was described as an 18' x 5' shed with three 

plywood walls; the fourth wall was comprised of a bed sheet that acted as a door. There was 

neither electricity nor running water in the home and no bathroom facilities. According to the 

investigator, the home smelled of mildew and feces. 

When the Department visited the home, so did law enforcement. It was discovered Mother 

was in possession of controlled substances — marijuana and methamphetamine — and she was 

arrested. Father was also arrested based on the existence of eight outstanding traffic warrants. 

Because no suitable family placements were available, the children were placed first at The 

Children’s Shelter. Thereafter, they were separated and placed in three foster homes. However, 

by the time of the final hearing, five of the seven — the eleven, nine, seven, six, and four-year-old 

children, were living together in a single, foster-to-adopt home. The two youngest children —

ages two and three — were in a separate foster-to adopt home. 

The day after the children were removed, the Department filed a petition to terminate 

Mother’s and Father’s parental rights in the event reunification was unattainable. The Department 

created service plans for Mother and Father. Pursuant to their service plans, the parents were

required to, among other things: (1) obtain and maintain employment, demonstrating the ability to 

provide for themselves and the children; (2) obtain and maintain safe and stable housing for 
04-18-00607-CR

- 3 -

themselves and the children; (3) complete a drug assessment and abide by recommendations made 

as a result of the assessment; (4) attend Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous meetings;

(5) submit to random drug tests as requested by the Department; (6) attend classes on domestic 

violence and parenting; and (7) participate in a mental health assessment and in individual therapy. 

The trial court ordered the parents to comply with each requirement set out in the plan. During 

the course of this matter, the trial court held the statutorily required-status and permanency 

hearings, and ultimately, the matter moved to a final hearing. 

At the final hearing, the trial court heard testimony from three witnesses, including the 

Department investigator, the Department case worker, and Mother. At the conclusion of the 

hearing, the trial court rendered a termination order in which it found each parent: (1) knowingly 

placed or allowed their children to remain in conditions or surroundings that endangered their 

physical or emotional well-being; (2) engaged in conduct or knowingly placed their children with 

people who engaged in conduct that endangered their physical or emotional well-being; (3) failed 

to comply with a court order that established the actions necessary for them to obtain the return of 

their children, i.e., failed to complete the court-ordered service plan; and (4) used a controlled 

substance in a manner that endangered the health and safety of their children and failed to complete 

a court-ordered drug treatment program. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (O), 

(P). The trial court also found that Father constructively abandoned the children. See id.

§ 161.001(b)(1)(N). The trial court further found termination of Mother’s and Father’s parental 

rights would be in the best interests of the children. See id. § 161.001(b)(2). Mother and Father 

timely filed notices of appeal. 

ANALYSIS

On appeal, Mother and Father challenge the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence 

in support of the trial court’s findings that termination was in the best interests of the children. See 
04-18-00607-CR

- 4 -

id. § 161.001(b)(2). Father raises a second issue in which he contends the trial court erred in 

terminating his rights for failure to complete his service plan pursuant to section 161.001(b)(1)(O) 

of the Texas Family Code (“the Code”). See id. § 161.001(b)(1)(O). He argues he was not given 

nine months to complete the plan as required by the statute. See id. 

Mother and Father: Sufficiency of the Evidence — Best Interests

Standard of Review

A trial court may terminate a parent’s right to a child only if it finds by clear and convincing 

evidence that the parent committed an act prohibited by section 161.001(b)(1) of the Code and 

termination is in the best interest of the child. See id. § 161.001(b). “Clear and convincing 

evidence” is defined as “proof that will produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or 

conviction as to the truth of the allegations sought to be established.” Id. § 101.007. Courts require 

this heightened standard of review because termination of a parent’s rights to a child results in 

permanent and severe changes for both the parent and child, thus, implicating due process 

concerns. In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d 498, 502 (Tex. 2015). When reviewing the legal and factual 

sufficiency of the evidence, we apply the well-established standards of review. See TEX. FAM.

CODE §§ 101.007, 161.206(a); In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005) (legal sufficiency); 

In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 108 (Tex. 2006) (factual sufficiency). In sum, the standards require 

that we determine whether the evidence is such that the trier of fact could reasonably form a firm 

belief or conviction that termination was in the child’s best interest. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 

263 (Tex. 2002). 

In conducting a sufficiency review, we may not weigh a witness’s credibility because it 

depends on appearance and demeanor, and these are within the domain of the trier of fact. In re

J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573. Even when such issues are found in the appellate record, we must defer 

to the fact finder’s reasonable resolutions. Id. 
04-18-00607-CR

- 5 -

Best Interests

In a best interest analysis, we apply the non-exhaustive Holley factors. See Holley v. 

Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976). We recognize there is a strong presumption that 

keeping a child with a parent is in the child’s best interest. In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 

2006). However, promptly and permanently placing a child in a safe environment is also presumed 

to be in the child’s best interest. TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(a). Thus, to determine whether a 

child’s parent is willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment, we also consider 

the factors set forth in section 263.307(b) of the Code. Id. 

Additionally, evidence that proves one or more statutory grounds for termination may be 

probative to prove termination is in the child’s best interest. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 28 (Tex. 

2012) (holding same evidence may be probative of both section 161.001(1) grounds and best 

interest, but such evidence does not relieve State of burden to prove best interest). In conducting 

a best interest analysis, a court may consider in addition to direct evidence, circumstantial 

evidence, subjective factors, and the totality of the evidence. In re E.D., 419 S.W.3d 615, 620 

(Tex. App.—San Antonio 2013, pet. denied). Finally, a trier of fact may measure a parent’s future 

conduct by her past conduct in determining whether termination of parental rights is in the child’s 

best interest. Id. 

In analyzing the evidence within the Holley framework, we recognize that evidence of each 

Holley factor is not required before a court may find that termination is in a child’s best interest. 

C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27. In other words, the absence of evidence as to some of the Holley factors 

does not preclude a fact finder from reasonably forming a strong conviction or belief that 

termination is in a child’s best interest. Id. Moreover, in conducting our review of a trial court’s 

best interest determination, we focus on whether termination is in the best interest of the child —
04-18-00607-CR

- 6 -

not the best interest of the parent. In re D.M., 452 S.W.3d 462, 468–69 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 

2014, no pet.). 

1. Desires of the Child

Department case worker Rebecca Salinas testified she discussed conservatorship with only 

the oldest child, who was eleven at the time of the hearing. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. 

Based on her discussions with this child, she testified the five oldest children wanted to be reunited 

with their parents, but she admitted she had not spoken to any of the children, other than the oldest, 

about conservatorship. See id. With regard to the two youngest children, at the time of the final 

hearing, they were two and three years old, too young to express their desires regarding 

conservatorship. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(1) (child’s age and physical and mental 

vulnerabilities); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. However, courts, including this one, have held 

that when a child cannot express his or her desires, a fact finder may consider whether the child

has bonded with the foster family, is well cared for by them, and has spent minimal time with the 

parent. In the Interest of A.F.C., No. 04-17-00080-CV, 2017 WL 3159447, at *3 (Tex. App.—

San Antonio July 26, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.); In re J.D., 436 S.W.3d 105, 118 (Tex. App.—

Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, no pet.); In re J.M., 156 S.W.3d 696, 706 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, 

no pet.); In re U.P., 105 S.W.3d 222, 230 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied). 

According to Ms. Salinas, Mother was permitted supervised visits with the children for one 

hour, three times a month. The testimony showed Mother attended all but one of her court-ordered 

visits. However, Ms. Salinas testified Mother arrived fifteen to thirty minutes late at least once a 

month. Thus, Mother spent approximately twenty to twenty-four hours with her children over the 

course of the case. Mother explained her late arrivals were due to a lack of transportation; she had 

to rely on bus service to attend visitation. Ms. Salinas agreed the children were bonded with 

Mother and loved her. However, Ms. Salinas advised the visits raised concerns with Mother’s 
04-18-00607-CR

- 7 -

parenting skills. Specifically, during visitation Mother seemed unable to discipline the children. 

Ms. Salinas stated that either she, the CASA volunteer, or a third-party monitor would have to step 

in and control the children. When asked if she tried to “redirect” Mother with regard to discipline, 

Ms. Salinas testified she tried, but Mother “would just keep going with the visit.” 

Father did not obtain court-ordered visitation until January 9, 2018. The record suggests 

Father’s access to visitation was delayed based on his failure to appear as a result of incarceration. 

However, Father visited the children only twice over the course of the case — from January to 

August. Ms. Salinas testified Father appeared for a third visit but was “under the influence and he 

had to be escorted out.” Ms. Salinas said at this third attempted visit Father appeared “jittery, 

shaky, he had — his eyes were red.” She also advised there were no additional visits because 

father was incarcerated, off and on, three times during “the lifetime of the case.” 

The evidence shows that as of the time of the final hearing, the five oldest children had 

been living with their respective foster-to-adopt families for approximately eight months. The two 

youngest children had been living with their foster parents for approximately five months. Ms. 

Salinas testified all of the children are “doing great,” “adjusting well,” and “excelling” in their 

current placements. See A.F.C., 2017 WL 3159447, at *3; J.D., 436 S.W.3d at 118. 

2. Emotional & Physical Needs/Emotional & Physical Danger/Parenting Abilities

The evidence shows the five oldest children had been in therapy for approximately three 

months prior to the final hearing. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(1); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 

371–72. Ms. Salinas testified they are doing well, but the children “don’t want to talk ... much 

about their parents.” Additionally, the younger children have the emotional and physical needs 

associated with any young child. Several of the children, given their ages, are unable to care or 

provide for themselves at all and are dependent on the adults in their respective lives for all their

needs. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(1); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. This is particularly
04-18-00607-CR

- 8 -

true of the children who are between the ages of two and four. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 

263.307(b)(1); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. 

With regard to the emotional and physical danger to the children — now and in the future, 

as well as parenting abilities, the evidence shows both parents have issues with controlled 

substances. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8) (history of substance abuse by child’s family or 

others who have access to child’s home); id. § 263.307(b)(12) (whether child’s family 

demonstrates adequate parenting skills); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d 

195, 204 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016, pet. denied) (noting parent’s drug use supports 

finding that termination is in best interest of child). Department investigator Pamela Grover 

testified that upon initial contact with the parents, Mother was found to be in possession of 

marijuana and methamphetamine and was arrested. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id.

§ 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d at 204. When asked 

during the final hearing whether the arrest was for possession or distribution, Mother refused to 

answer. See In re M.L.C., NO. 04-17-00459-CV, 2017 WL 6597828, at *4 (Tex. App.—San 

Antonio Dec. 27, 2017, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (holding that in termination case, trier of fact may 

draw adverse inferences regarding drug possession based on parent’s refusal to answer questions 

relating to those issues). She also refused to answer when asked how often she used drugs. See 

id. She admitted her drug of choice is marijuana. 

Pursuant to her service plan, Mother was required to submit to drug testing upon request 

by the Department. Ms. Salinas testified Mother was requested to test a total of ten times, but 

failed to test six times. Mother was ordered by the court to take a drug test on May 1, 2018. That 

test showed she was positive for marijuana. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id.

§ 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d at 204. Mother tested 

positive despite having been previously discharged from outpatient drug treatment on April 3, 
04-18-00607-CR

- 9 -

2018. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(11) (willingness of child’s family to effect positive 

environmental and personal changes within reasonable period of time); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 

371–72. 

Mother disputed much of Ms. Salinas’s testimony, stating specifically the case worker was 

lying when she testified Mother had a positive drug test in May. Mother also claimed, contrary to 

Ms. Salinas’s testimony, that Mother continually requested drug tests, but the Department refused. 

Mother asserted she would be clean if tested because she is “on bond” in a pretrial drug diversion 

program that requires her to drug test every week and she has always “com[e] out clean.” Mother 

is in the pretrial diversion program as a result of her arrest for possession of controlled substances 

at the time the Department removed the children. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id.

§ 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d at 204. 

As for Father, Ms. Salinas testified he too has an ongoing issue with controlled substances. 

See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re 

L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d at 204. She noted that during the course of the case he was arrested for 

possession of a controlled substance. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id. § 263.307(b)(12); 

Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d at 204. When Father was ordered by the 

court to submit to drug testing on May 1, 2018, he tested positive for methamphetamine and 

marijuana. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); 

Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.G.R., 498 S.W.3d at 204. Ms. Salinas stated she requested 

that Father submit to drug testing several times during the case, but he failed to submit to any test 

other than the court-ordered, May 1 test. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(11); Holley, 544 

S.W.2d at 371–72. Ms. Salinas also testified that when she made an unannounced visit to the home 

in which Father was staying after the removal — his mother’s house — Father was intoxicated. 

See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id. § 263.307(b)(11); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. 
04-18-00607-CR

- 10 -

Moreover, as described above, he showed up for a visitation under the influence of something and 

had to be escorted out. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id.

§ 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. 

Additionally, Father was arrested three times during the course of the case and spent much 

of the time incarcerated. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. 

The record shows he was arrested at the time of removal for eight outstanding traffic warrants, was 

subsequently arrested for a probation violation — establishing he had some kind of prior offense 

for which he received probation, and was arrested a third time for possession of a controlled 

substance and evading arrest. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–

72. 

A parent’s criminal activities and history — here, possession and use of controlled 

substances, evading arrest, traffic violations resulting in arrest due to outstanding warrants — are 

relevant to a best interest analysis, specifically to the emotional and physical danger to the child. 

See In re K.L.P., No. 04-17-00253-CV, 2017 WL 4014613, at *5 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Sept. 

13, 2017, no pet.) (mem. op.); In re R.T., No. 09-15-00425-CV, 2016 WL 821844, at *8 (Tex. 

App.—Beaumont, Mar. 3, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) (citing In re D.M., 58 S.W.3d 801, 814 (Tex. 

App.—Fort Worth 2001, no pet.)). Drug use tends to establish a course of conduct endangering 

the emotional and physical well-being of the child. See In re K.L.P., 2017 WL 4014613, at *5 

(citing In re M.C., 482 S.W.3d 675, 685 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2016, pet. denied)). Additionally, 

criminal conduct and incarceration affects a parent’s life and the ability to parent, thereby 

subjecting a child to potential emotional and physical danger. Id. (citing In re B.C.S., 479 S.W.3d 

918, 926 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2015, no pet.)). These are considerations for the fact finder in 

making a best interest determination. 
04-18-00607-CR

- 11 -

There was also testimony regarding alleged domestic violence between Mother and Father. 

See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(7) (history of abusive or assaultive conduct by child’s family 

or others with access to home); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. Ms. Grover, 

the investigator, testified the Department felt it was necessary to conduct forensic interviews of 

the children because, among other things, the eleven-year-old child “made allegations of domestic 

violence.” See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(7); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–

72. Ms. Grover stated the violence was between Mother and Father. Evidence of domestic

violence in the home supports a trial court’s best-interest finding under the third Holley factor —

emotional and physical danger to the child now and in the future, as well as subsection E of section 

263.307(b)(12). See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; see also TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(12)(E) 

(stating courts may consider whether parent has adequate skills to protect child from repeated 

exposure to violence although violence may not be directed at child); In re J.I.T.P., 99 S.W.3d 

841, 846 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, no pet.) (stating domestic violence, even when 

child is not intended victim, supports finding that termination is in child’s best interest). Simply 

exposing a child to the other parent’s violence is a relevant consideration in determining a child’s

best interest. See In re O.N.H., 401 S.W.3d 681, 684–85 (Tex. App.–San Antonio 2013, no pet.). 

The evidence also showed the family has previous involvement with the Department

concerning the same issues. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(10) (willingness of parent to seek 

out, accept, and complete counseling services); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 

544 S.W.2d at 371–72. Ms. Salinas testified she believed termination was in the best interests of 

the children in part because the parents had continued prior patterns of concerning behavior 

exhibited in two other Department cases. And, despite the prior involvement with the Department, 

the parents failed to make changes, mandating Department legal intervention. 
04-18-00607-CR

- 12 -

A parent’s performance under a service plan is also relevant to several of the Holley factors, 

including the emotional and physical danger to the child now and in the future, parental abilities, 

and stability. Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. It is also relevant to some of the factors set out in 

section 263.307(b): (1) the willingness of the parent to seek out, accept, and complete counseling 

services; (2) the willingness and ability of the parent to effective positive changes within a 

reasonable time; and (3) whether the parent demonstrates adequate parenting skills. TEX. FAM.

CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12). Given the connection between 

a service plan and the Holley and statutory factors, a parent’s actions or inactions with regard to 

the service plan is relevant to a child’s best interest. In re A.C.B., 198 S.W.3d 294, 298 (Tex. 

App.—Amarillo 2006, no pet.); see In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d 877, 887–88 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 

2006, no pet.) (noting failure to comply with family service plan supports finding that termination

is in best interest of child). 

As previously noted, the Department prepared a service plan for both parents that required 

them to: (1) obtain and maintain employment; (2) obtain and maintain safe and stable housing; (3) 

complete a drug assessment and abide by any resulting recommendations; (4) attend Narcotics 

Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous meetings; (5) submit to random drug tests; (6) attend classes 

on domestic violence and parenting; and (7) participate in a mental health assessment and in 

individual therapy. According to Ms. Salinas, Father failed to complete or even engage in a single 

service. See TEX. FAM.CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 

544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. Admittedly, Father was incarcerated for 

a good portion of the case, and Ms. Salinas testified he was willing to work on his service plan. 

However, when he was not jailed — a total of three or four months during the course of the case, 

he never attempted to start any services. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 

263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 
04-18-00607-CR

- 13 -

887–88. Although Father claimed he was working when not incarcerated — construction and 

landscaping, he failed to provide Ms. Salinas with proof as required by the service plan. See TEX.

FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 

371–72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. As for a stable home, both parents apparently planned

to reside with the children in the home of Father’s mother in the event the children were returned. 

Father’s mother was investigated as a potential placement for the children, as were two of Father’s 

sisters, but all were determined to be unsuitable because they have prior history with the 

Department. See In re M.R., 243 S.W.3d 807, 821 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2007, no pet.) (noting 

parent’s inability to provide stable home supports finding that termination is in best interest of 

child). 

As for Mother, Ms. Salinas testified Mother engaged in services, but failed to complete 

therapy, failed to follow up “with her psychological,” and failed to complete her parenting and 

domestic violence classes. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id.

§ 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. Although she 

completed out-patient drug treatment, she tested positive for marijuana after doing so. See TEX.

FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(8); id. § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); 

Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.R.G., 498 S.W.3d at 204; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–

88. She also completed her psychological assessment, but failed to follow up as required. Mother 

also failed to complete her parenting and domestic violence classes. See TEX. FAM. CODE 

§ 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re 

S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. Mother also failed to demonstrate stable employment. See TEX. FAM.

CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–

72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. Mother testified she is employed, “cleaning college dorms.” 

However, she could not produce proof of employment, testifying she is paid in cash. Upon 
04-18-00607-CR

- 14 -

examination, Mother was unable to name her employer, her supervisor, or the location of her 

employer. 

According to Ms. Salinas, Mother first used employment as an excuse for her failure to 

engage in services. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72 (any excuse for acts or omissions of parent). 

Later, she claimed a lack of transportation. See id. Ms. Salinas testified she offered to assist 

Mother with transportation, but Mother failed to provide Ms. Salinas with information about her 

appointment. See id. Ms. Salinas stated it was only in July that Mother began to re-engage in 

services. See In re R.L.G., No. 04-14-00238-CV, 2014 WL 4922927, at *7 (Tex. App.—San 

Antonio Oct. 1, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) (noting mother’s delay in beginning services as 

consideration for best interest determination). 

The foregoing is evidence of a pattern of activity that a fact finder could have determined 

was detrimental to (1) the emotional and physical needs of the children now and in the future, and 

(2) the emotional and physical danger to the children now and in the future. See Holley, 544 

S.W.2d at 371–72. It also constitutes evidence from which the fact finder could have found a 

deficiency in Mother’s and Father’s ability to parent the children. See id. By far, however, the 

most concerning evidence with regard to these Holley factors related to the living conditions the 

children were subjected to and its effects on their health and well-being. See id. Ms. Grover 

testified the Department received a report of physical neglect. When the Department arrived to 

investigate, the family — Mother, Father, and all seven children — were living in a 18' x 5' shed 

with three plywood walls. See id. The fourth wall was a sheet through which animals ran in and 

out. The home had no electricity or running water. See id.; see also In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887 

(noting evidence that power and water in home had been shut off at least once was best interest 

consideration). There was no bathroom. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. There was no food 

in the home. See id. Ms. Grover testified there was clothing all over the floor and the place smelled 
04-18-00607-CR

- 15 -

of mildew and feces. See id. There was a single mattress on the floor that Ms. Grover described 

as “mildewy and smell[ing] of mildew.” See id. The floor was made of cement and had debris 

and trash randomly scattered about. See id. 

The evidence showed there was an actual home on the property, but it was occupied by a 

“family friend” who was attempting to help. The friend stated the family was living in the back 

shed and were being charged $200.00 per month to stay there. The friend advised Father was 

going to build-out the shed for his family. Mother testified they had all the materials necessary to 

add another room and a bathroom. She had expected it to be finished the very day the Department 

investigator arrived. However, the description by the investigator and the photographs admitted 

into evidence suggest this would have been impossible. 

Mother testified they had been living in the shed for three months. See id. She also stated 

that initially they had been sleeping in the house and the children would bathe inside the house. 

However, Ms. Grover testified that based on what the family friend and children told her, the 

family did not use the friend’s home daily or even weekly, but occasionally. See id. 

Ms. Grover opined the conditions under which the children were living constituted a 

physical danger to their well-being. See id. It appears her fears were borne out because when the 

children were taken to a hospital for examination, it was determined they were all suffering from 

scabies, lice, and pinworms. See id. Additionally, all of the children were underweight for their 

respective ages and had blisters on their feet — some worse than others. See id. Mother testified 

she had taken the children to the doctor for physicals and they were treated for scabies and lice. 

She claimed the doctor stated they did not have pinworms. However, upon further questioning, it 

appears Mother was addressing some previous time period. 
04-18-00607-CR

- 16 -

3. Available Programs to Assist Individual to Promote Best Interest

As detailed above, the Department created a service plan for the parents that included 

referrals to numerous programs to assist in completing the plan’s requirements. However, neither 

parent completed services. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id.

§ 263.307(b)(12); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. Father wholly 

failed to engage in or complete a single service, and Mother failed to complete many of her 

services. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 263.307(b)(10); id. § 263.307(b)(11); id. § 263.307(b)(12); 

Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d at 887–88. 

4. Plans for Children by Those Seeking Custody/Stability of Home or Proposed Placement

Mother’s initial plan was for the family to reside with Father’s mother. See Holley, 544 

S.W.2d at 371–72. However, the Department rejected Father’s mother as a placement for the 

children given her prior history with the Department. Moreover, the record shows that on occasion, 

other family members reside in the house. Mother said her desire was to obtain a place of her own, 

but stated she would need to get a job, which conflicts with her testimony that she had a job. See 

id. There was no mention of returning to the shed and completing construction. There was no 

testimony regarding Father’s plans for a stable home. 

The Department presented testimony that the children are doing well in their current 

placements and that termination is in their best interests. See id. The foster families desire to 

adopt the children in the event of parental termination. See id. The Department presented 

testimony that the foster parents intend to allow the siblings to maintain contact. See id. 

5. Act or Omissions Suggesting Parent-Child Relationship is Not Proper/Excuses

With regard to the final Holley factors, the trial court heard evidence of the following acts 

and omissions by the parents, establishing the existing relationship between the parents and the 

children is improper: (1) drug use; (2) criminal activity resulting in incarceration; (3) failure to 
04-18-00607-CR

- 17 -

complete their service plans; and (4) failure to provide proper housing and medical treatment for 

the children. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. As to evidence of any excuse for their conduct, 

Father’s excuse for his inability to provide housing and complete services was incarceration. See 

id. Mother had numerous excuses, which are set out above. She also simply contradicted much 

of the testimony provided by the Department. See id. 

Analyzing the evidence under the applicable law and appropriate standards of review, we 

hold the trial court could have reasonably determined termination of Mother’s and Father’s 

parental rights was in the children’s best interests. See J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573; H.R.M., 209 

S.W.3d at 108. 

Father: Error to Terminate for Failure to Complete Service Plan

Father raises a separate issue in which he contends termination on the ground he failed to 

complete his service plan was improper because he was not given sufficient time to do so. See

TEX. FAM. CODE § 161.001(b)(1)(O). However, only one predicate finding under section 

161.001(b)(1) is necessary to support a judgment of termination when there is also a finding that 

termination is in a child’s best interest. In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355, 362 (Tex. 2003); In re R.S.-

T., 522 S.W.3d 92, 111 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2017, no pet.); In re O.R.F., 417 S.W.3d 24, 37 

(Tex. App.—Texarkana 2013, pet. denied). If multiple predicate grounds are found by the trial 

court, we will affirm based on any one ground, assuming a proper best interest finding, because 

only one predicate ground is necessary for termination of parental rights. In re E.W., 494 S.W.3d 

287, 292 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015, no pet.); In re I.G., 383 S.W.3d 763, 768 (Tex. App.—

Amarillo 2012, no pet.); see In re A.A.T., 2016 WL 7448370, at *10 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 

Dec. 28, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.). 

Here, as set out above, the trial court found Father’s parental rights should be terminated 

on multiple grounds, specifically that he: (1) knowingly placed or allowed his children to remain 
04-18-00607-CR

- 18 -

in conditions or surroundings that endangered their physical or emotional well-being; (2) engaged 

in conduct or knowingly placed his children with people who engaged in conduct that endangered 

their physical or emotional well-being; (3) constructively abandoned his children; (4) failed to 

comply with a court order that established the actions necessary for him to obtain the return of his 

children; and (5) used a controlled substance in a manner that endangered the health and safety of 

his children and failed to complete a court-ordered drug treatment program. See TEX. FAM. CODE

§ 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (N), (O), (P). As noted, Father challenges only the trial court’s finding 

under subsection (O) — that he failed to complete his service plan, but does not challenge the 

findings made pursuant to subsection (D), (E), (N), or (P). Any one of these unchallenged findings 

— given our determination there was sufficient evidence to support a finding that termination was 

in the best interests of the children — was sufficient to support termination. See In re A.V., 113 

S.W.3d at 362; In re R.S.-T., 522 S.W.3d at 111. Accordingly, we need not address Father’s 

challenge to the termination order based on the trial court’s finding that Father failed to complete 

his service plan in accordance with subsection (O). See In re E.W., 494 S.W.3d at 292; In re 

A.A.T., 2016 WL 7448370, at *10. 

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing analysis, we hold the trial court could have reasonably determined 

termination of Mother’s and Father’s parental rights was in the children’s best interests. See J.P.B., 

180 S.W.3d at 573; H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at 108. We further hold we need not address Father’s 

challenge to the trial court’s finding pursuant to section 161.001(b)(1)(O) because the other 

grounds upon which termination was based have not been challenged and there is sufficient 

evidence that termination was in the children’s best interests. See In re E.W., 494 S.W.3d at 292; 
04-18-00607-CR

- 19 -

In re A.A.T., 2016 WL 7448370, at *10. Accordingly, we overrule Mother’s and Father’s 

complaints and affirm the trial court’s order of termination. 

Beth Watkins, Justice

DO NOT PUBLISJH