Affirmed and Memorandum Opinion filed April 26, 2016.

In The

Fourteenth Court of Appeals

NO. 14-15-01012-CV

IN THE INTEREST OF A.O.M. AND J.X.M., CHILDREN

On Appeal from the 314th District Court

Harris County, Texas

Trial Court Cause No. 2014-06157J

M E M O R A N D U M O P I N I O N

This appeal is brought by J.M., III (“Jerry”) and A.M. (“Audrey”) from an 

order terminating their parental rights to their children, A.O.M. (“Alex”) and

J.X.M. (“Joyce”).

1

See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001 (West, Westlaw through 

2015 R.S.).

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (“the 

Department”) petitioned the trial court to terminate both parents’ parental rights, 

 

1 We use pseudonyms to refer to appellants and their children in this case. See Tex. Fam.

Code Ann. § 109.002(d) (West, Westlaw through 2015 R.S.); Tex. R. App. P. 9.8.
2

citing several grounds for termination. The trial court heard evidence and 

subsequently terminated Jerry’s and Audrey’s parental rights on the grounds that

they (1) knowingly placed or allowed Alex and Joyce to remain in conditions or 

surroundings that endangered the children’s physical or emotional well-being 

(section 161.001(b)(1)(D)); (2) engaged in conduct or knowingly placed Alex and 

Joyce with persons who engaged in conduct that endangered the children’s 

physical or emotional well-being (section 161.001(b)(1)(E)); (3) have been the 

major cause of the failure of the children to be enrolled in school (section 

161.001(b)(1)(J)); and (4) failed to comply with the provisions of a court order that 

specifically established the actions necessary for the return of Alex and Joyce 

(section 161.001(b)(1)(O)). The trial court also determined that it is in the best 

interest of Alex and Joyce to terminate Jerry’s and Audrey’s parental rights 

(section 161.001(b)(2)). Id. §§ 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (J) & (O); 161.001(2). Jerry

challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support the trial court’s judgment 

under subsections (D), (E), and (O) but not (J). Audrey concedes the evidence is 

legally and factually sufficient to support the trial court’s judgment under 

subsection (O) but challenges the sufficiency of the evidence as to subsections (D), 

(E) and (J). Both parents challenge the trial court’s decision that termination is in 

the best interest of Alex and Joyce. See id. § 161.001(b)(2).

A. Burden of Proof and Standards of Review

Parental rights can be terminated upon proof by clear and convincing 

evidence that (1) the parent has committed an act prohibited by section 

161.001(b)(1) of the Family Code, and (2) termination is in the best interest of the 

child. Id. § 161.001(b)(1), (2); In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 344 (Tex. 2009). 

Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree of proof that will produce 

in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the truth of the 
3

allegations sought to be established. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 101.007 (West, 

Westlaw through 2015 R.S.); In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 25–26 (Tex. 2002). This 

heightened burden of proof results in a heightened standard of review. In re C.H., 

89 S.W.3d at 26 (“[T]he appellate standard for reviewing termination findings is 

whether the evidence is such that a factfinder could reasonably form a firm belief 

or conviction about the truth of the State’s allegations.”); see also In re C.M.C.,

273 S.W.3d 862, 873 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, no pet.). 

In a legal-sufficiency review, we consider all the evidence in the light most 

favorable to the finding to determine whether a reasonable trier of fact could have 

formed a firm belief or conviction that its finding was true. In re J.F.C., 96 

S.W.3d 256, 266 (Tex. 2002). This means we must assume the factfinder resolved 

disputed facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable factfinder could do so. Id. We 

disregard all evidence that a reasonable factfinder could have disbelieved or found 

to have been incredible, but we do not disregard undisputed facts, regardless of 

whether they support the finding. Id. If we determine no reasonable factfinder 

could form a firm belief or conviction the matter to be proven is true, we must 

conclude the evidence is legally insufficient. Id.

In a factual-sufficiency review, we give due consideration to evidence the 

factfinder reasonably could have found to be clear and convincing. Id. Our inquiry 

is whether the evidence is such that a factfinder reasonably could form a firm 

belief or conviction about the truth of the Department’s allegations. Id. We 

consider whether disputed evidence is such that a reasonable factfinder could not 

have resolved that evidence in favor of its finding. Id. If, in light of the entire 

record, the disputed evidence is so significant that the factfinder could not 

reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction, we must find the evidence is 

factually insufficient. Id.
4

B. The Evidence

Detective David Nettles of the Webster Police Department testified the 

investigation began with a cyber-tip alleging possible child sexual assault by Jerry 

and Audrey against their children, Alex and Joyce. At the time of trial, Alex was 

eleven years old and Joyce was seven years old. The investigation revealed there 

was no physical evidence of child sexual assault. Still, Nettles was concerned by 

comments found in a joint internet “chat” account belonging to Jerry and Audrey.

A witness, “Ike,” described by Nettles as credible, was interviewed and Ike

stated that Jerry had asked him to have sexual contact with Joyce, who was six 

years old at the time. When Nettles questioned Jerry, he denied the allegation but 

admitted to knowing Ike. Jerry said he met Ike online and they agreed to meet so 

that Jerry could bring Ike to Jerry’s residence. Jerry claimed that Ike had made 

advances toward Joyce. Jerry then brought Ike into his home for the purpose of Ike 

having sex with Audrey.

The police obtained a search warrant for the internet history of Jerry and 

Audrey. The resulting search revealed that many of the messages regarded child 

abuse, sexual child abuse, bestiality, or incest. Jerry claimed it was “fantasy” and 

he was interested in helping people. Nettles learned that many men were brought 

into the home to engage in sexual activities with Jerry and Audrey. Jerry told 

Nettles that normally he did not have his children in the car with him when he 

picked up these men.

The home had two bedrooms and, according to Jerry and Audrey, the sexual 

contact always occurred in their bedroom. They said the children were “typically” 

asleep in the children’s room. 
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The police executed a search warrant on the home and found what appeared 

to be a marijuana joint on the kitchen table. In the parents’ bathroom, they found a 

box containing a powdery substance that Jerry confirmed was methamphetamine.

The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The bathroom was in an 

area of the home to which Nettles believed the children had access. Audrey 

admitted to using marijuana and methamphetamines. Jerry told Nettles that he did 

not use drugs.

The trial court admitted into evidence the court-ordered family plans of 

service for Jerry and Audrey that detailed the encounter with Ike. Also admitted 

into evidence were “conversations” between Jerry and Audrey and another 

individual from the internet account. Jerry admitted to Nettles that the 

communications were from Jerry’s account. The exchanges contain references to

incest, child sexual abuse, and bestiality. The search of the home revealed 

“copious” amount of adult pornography. The covers of the videos uncovered in the 

search showed pictures of adults engaging in sexual activity and the covers were 

visible upon entering the parents’ bedroom.

Nettles testified that based on his investigation and his discoveries at the 

home and in the internet account, the parents had not provided a safe and stable 

home for the children. Further, Nettles believed the children were in danger.

Nettles admitted the police found no evidence of incest, bestiality, or sexual assault

in the home or any evidence the children were harmed by Jerry’s actions in 

bringing strange men to the home.

Bruce Jefferies, the custodian of records for National Screening Center, 

testified regarding the results of drug tests performed on Jerry and Audrey. Jerry 

tested positive for methamphetamines, cocaine, cocaethylene, and marijuana in

December 2014. Jefferies testified the amount of methamphetamines was 
6

“extremely high” and had to “be in his body within the last three days” of the test. 

The amount was indicative of an all-day affair, not just a one-time use. The other 

positive results indicated more than a one-time use, but not every day. Jerry also 

tested positive for a high level of alcohol. Several months later, in April 2015, 

Jerry had no body hair and the only test that could be run was a urine test, which 

was clean. In September 2015, Jerry was to be tested again but walked out, which 

the screening center views as a positive drug test.

Audrey tested positive for methamphetamines and marijuana in December 

2014. The results were indicative of more than one use of methamphetamines. 

Tests showed Audrey had not ingested marijuana; the positive read was based on 

the marijuana environmental exposure, meaning Audrey was in a closed 

environment with someone who was smoking marijuana. Audrey tested “clean” in 

January, April, and September 2015.

Laurisha Carroll, the caseworker, testified the children came to the 

Department’s attention following the police investigation. There were concerns the 

children were being sexually abused and exposed to illegal drugs, and were not 

attending school.

Ostensibly, Jerry was home-schooling the children. However, when asked 

for lesson plans or curriculum, Jerry did not provide anything valid. Once the 

children were placed in the Department’s care, they were enrolled in school. 

Initially, their grades were very poor and they struggled to catch up to grade level. 

At the time of trial, after being in school for a year, their performance was average. 

Audrey was offered a service plan and asked to complete a psychosocial 

assessment and a psychosexual assessment, and follow any recommendations from

the assessments, including getting therapy. The service plan required Audrey to 

complete parenting classes, a substance and alcohol abuse assessment, domestic 
7

violence counseling, and random drug testing. Carroll testified that Audrey did not 

complete her substance-abuse assessment. Audrey did complete her psychosocial 

and psychosexual assessments and it was recommended that she complete 

individual therapy and participate in the Boundary Group. As of trial, Audrey had 

not completed those services; she stopped attending classes in September. Audrey 

was not successfully discharged from individual therapy or the Boundary Group. 

Audrey completed her parenting classes.

Though employed, Audrey did not have stable housing at the time of trial. 

She complied with requests to submit to random drug and alcohol tests. Audrey 

has not provided any financial assistance for the children. The Department asked 

the court to terminate Audrey’s parental rights.

Carroll testified that Jerry’s service plan called for him to complete

psychosexual assessment and follow any resulting recommendations, including 

therapy. The service plane also called for Jerry to complete a psychiatric 

evaluation, parenting classes, a substance abuse assessment, release of information,

and a Battering Intervention and Protection Program (“BIPP”).

According to Carroll, Jerry never enrolled in a BIPP program. He did not 

complete the parenting classes or the psychiatric evaluation. Jerry did complete the 

psychosexual assessment and it was recommended that he complete psychosexual 

therapy but he never began it. Jerry was not employed and did not have a stable 

place to live. Jerry had not provided any financial assistance for the children. Jerry 

failed to comply with court orders for drug testing. The Department asked the court 

to terminate Jerry’s parental rights.

Carroll testified the children were currently placed with Audrey’s mother 

and stepfather. The children were doing very well. Their grades were A’s and B’s,

and they were participating in extracurricular activities, tutoring, and after-school 
8

programs. Carroll had visited the children in their placement and testified they 

have a very strong bond with their grandparents. According to Carroll, the 

grandparents were very loving and protective, and were doing everything they 

could to provide for the children’s needs. Carroll testified it was her belief that it 

would be in the children’s best interest for the parents’ rights to be terminated.

When the children came into the Department’s care, they were sent to the 

Children’s Assessment Center for therapy and psychological evaluation. It was 

recommended they remain with their maternal grandmother, be placed in therapy, 

and be referred to the Boys and Girls Club and long-term therapy. It was also 

recommended there be no visitation with the parents. The children were discharged 

from therapy and referred to another therapist for long-term therapy. 

Carroll did not believe the parents have done all they could to alleviate the 

Department’s concerns and agreed the father has “basically done nothing.” Carroll 

did not believe the parents were able to provide a safe or stable environment. The 

maternal grandmother was providing such an environment, and it was in the best 

interest of the children to remain in her home. Both parents had been charged with 

endangering the welfare of a child. Carroll testified the Department was seeking 

termination of the parents’ parental rights based on their failure to complete 

services and the current endangerment charges.

Neither Jerry nor Audrey testified. The children’s maternal grandmother, 

“Alicia,” testified that she and her husband had been caring for the children during 

the pendency of the case. When the children came to her home, they were enrolled 

in school without having to be withdrawn from another school. The children were 

behind in school. Alicia had not ever had concerns regarding sexual abuse of the 

children. The children were doing well in her home, and she wanted to provide 

long-term care for them. Alicia understood the court had ordered no contact 
9

between the children and their parents; she had abided by that court order and 

intended to continue to do so. Alicia testified that she would protect Alex and 

Joyce from their parents if the children were placed with her permanently. It was 

Alicia desire to adopt the children. Alicia further stated the children loved their 

parents and missed them.

Leslie Powell, the child advocate, recommended the rights of both parents be 

terminated. She, too, testified that termination of parental rights was in the 

children’s best interest because the parents had not done enough to alleviate the 

concerns that brought the children into the Department’s care. Powell had visited 

with the children in their current placement and they were doing very well. Powell 

did not discuss with the children how they came into care or their parents; the 

children never mentioned their parents to Powell and Powell never discussed the 

children’s parents with the children. Powell testified the children did not seem 

“closed off” about any subjects and were open about school, their activities, and 

how they liked their living environment. 

Lisa McCartney was appointed by the court to assist the ad litem attorneys. 

She had reviewed all the records and interviewed the grandparents and the 

children. It was her recommendation that the rights of both parents be terminated.

C. Statutory Grounds for Termination

Audrey concedes the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence to support 

termination of her parental rights under subsection (O). Because the judgment 

could be upheld on this unchallenged ground, we uphold the judgment concerning 

the statutory grounds for termination and do not address Audrey’s arguments as to 

(D), (E) or (J). See In the Interest of N.S., 14-15-00601-CV, 2015 WL 9240920, at 

*3 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Dec. 15, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.).

Accordingly, we overrule Audrey’s first and second issues.
10

Jerry does not challenge the sufficiency of the evidence to support 

termination of his parental rights pursuant to subsection (J). Accordingly, we 

uphold the judgment concerning the statutory grounds for termination on this 

unchallenged ground and we do not address Jerry’s arguments regarding (D), (E), 

or (O). See id. We overrule Jerry’s first and second issues.

D. Best Interest of the Children

Both Audrey and Jerry challenge the legal and factual sufficiency of the 

evidence to support the trial court’s finding that termination of their parental rights 

is in the best interest of Alex and Joyce. The factors the trier of fact may use to 

determine the best interest of each child include: (1) the desires of the child, (2) the 

present and future physical and emotional needs of the child, (3) the present and 

future emotional and physical danger to the child, (4) the parental abilities of the 

persons seeking custody, (5) the programs available to assist those persons seeking 

custody in promoting the best interest of the child, (6) the plans for the child by the 

individuals or agency seeking custody, (7) the stability of the home or proposed 

placement, (8) acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate the existing parentchild relationship is not appropriate, and (9) any excuse for the parents’ acts or 

omissions. Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976). See also In re 

U.P., 105 S.W.3d 222, 230 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied), 

and Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307(b) (West, Westlaw through 2015 R.S.) (listing 

factors to consider in evaluating parents’ willingness and ability to provide the 

child with a safe environment). A finding in support of “best interest” does not 

require proof of any unique set of factors, nor does it limit proof to any specific 

factors. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72.

We begin with the presumption that the best interest of the child is served by 

keeping the child with the child’s natural parent. See In re D.R.A., 374 S.W.3d 
11

528, 533 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.). The burden is on the 

Department to rebut that presumption. See In re U.P., 105 S.W.3d at 230. We also 

presume that prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe environment is 

in the child’s best interest. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307(a) (West, Westlaw 

through 2015 R.S.).

1. Needs of and Danger to the Children

With regard to the present and future emotional and physical needs of Alex 

and Joyce, and the present and future emotional and physical danger to them, the

record contains evidence that Jerry offered an adult male the opportunity to have 

sex with Joyce, pornography in the home was accessible to the children, and Jerry 

and Audrey “chatted” repeatedly about engaging in sexual conduct with their 

children. At the time Alex and Joyce came into the Department’s care, both Jerry 

and Audrey tested positive for drugs, and drugs were discovered in the home,

accessible to the children. The children were not enrolled in school when they 

came into the Department’s care. Accordingly, this factor weighs in favor of the 

trial court’s finding.

2. Stability and Compliance with Court-Ordered Service Plans

In determining the best interest of the child in proceedings for termination of 

parental rights, the trial court properly may consider that the parent did not comply 

with the court-ordered service plan for reunification with the child. See In re 

E.C.R., 402 S.W.3d 239, 249 (Tex. 2013). The record shows neither Jerry nor 

Audrey complied with their respective service plans. Jerry failed to enroll in a 

BIPP program, did not complete the parenting classes or the psychiatric evaluation,

and never began psychosexual therapy. Jerry was not employed and had no stable 

home. Jerry failed to comply with court orders for drug testing. Audrey failed to 

complete her substance-abuse assessment, individual therapy, and the Boundary 
12

Group. Audrey was employed but did not have stable housing. Neither Jerry nor 

Audrey provided any financial assistance for their children. We therefore conclude 

this factor weighs in favor of the trial court’s finding.

3. Children’s Desires and Proposed Placement

Alicia testified the children loved their parents and missed them. There was 

no other evidence as to the children’s desires.

The stability of the proposed home environment is an important 

consideration in determining whether termination of parental rights is in the child’s 

best interest. See In re J.N.R., 982 S.W.2d 137, 143 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st 

Dist.] 1998, no pet.). A child’s need for permanence through the establishment of 

a “stable, permanent home” has been recognized as the paramount consideration in 

the best-interest determination. See In re K.C., 219 S.W.3d 924, 931 (Tex. App.—

Dallas 2007, no pet.). Therefore, evidence about the present and future placement 

of the child is relevant to the best-interest determination. See In re C.H., 89 

S.W.3d at 28. The record reflects the children were doing well in their placement 

with their grandparents, Alicia and their step-grandfather. The children were 

making good grades and were involved in extracurricular activities, as well as 

tutoring and other after-school programs. Carroll testified the children had a very 

strong bond with their grandparents. Alicia testified that she desires to adopt the 

children. We conclude this factor weighs in favor of the trial court’s finding.

4. Parenting Abilities and Family Support

The record reflects Jerry and Audrey failed to ensure the children were 

enrolled in school. Both parents were using drugs and had drugs present in the 

home. The parents’ internet account reveals numerous discussions of sexual 

contact with children, including their own. Neither parent had a stable home nor 
13

provided any financial assistance for the children. Accordingly, this factor also 

weighs in favor of the trial court’s finding.

Applying the applicable Holley factors to the evidence, we conclude that 

legally and factually sufficient evidence supports the trial court’s finding that 

termination of the parental rights of Audrey and Jerry is in the best interest of Alex 

and Joyce. See In re S.B., 207 S.W.3d 877, 887–88 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 2006, 

no pet.) (considering the parent’s drug use, inability to provide a stable home, and 

failure to comply with a family service plan in holding the evidence supported the 

best-interest finding). Based on the evidence presented, the trial court reasonably 

could have formed a firm belief or conviction that terminating the rights of Audrey 

and Jerry was in the best interest of Alex and Joyce so that they could promptly 

achieve permanency through adoption by a family member. See In re T.G.R.–M., 

404 S.W.3d 7, 17 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2013, no pet.); In re M.G.D., 

108 S.W.3d 508, 513–14 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied). 

Therefore, we overrule Audrey’s third issue and Jerry’s third issue. 

Having overruled the appellate issues presented, we affirm the trial court’s 

judgment terminating the parental rights of Audrey and Jerry to their children Alex 

and Joyce.

/s/ Kem Thompson Frost

Chief Justice

Panel consists of Chief Justice Frost and Justices Boyce and Wise.