1

 T.S.C. was born on 9/27/91. T.K.C. and T.J.C. were born on 6/05/95. C.B.W. was born on 5/15/98. Mr.

Barry Williams and Mr. Rudolph Cooper are believed to be the fathers of C.B.W. and T.S.W. respectively. Neither Mr.

Williams nor Mr. Cooper made an appearance in this matter and both were found to have abandoned their children under

T.C.A. §§ 36-1-113 (g)(1) and 36-1-102 (1)(A). Mr. Hugh Crawford is the father of T.J.C., T.S.C. and T.K.C.. At the

time of the hearing, Mr. Crawford was incarcerated for aggravated assault. Prior to the hearing, he had ne ither had

contact with nor provided support for his children. 

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF TENNESSEE

AT JACKSON

On-Briefs October 31, 2002

STATE OF TENNESSEE, DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES,

IN THE MATTER OF: T.K.C., T.J.C., C.B.W., T.S.W.,and T.S.C., Children

Under 18 years of age

A Direct Appeal from the Juvenile Court for Shelby County

No. J6524 The Honorable Harold Horne, Special Judge

No. W2001-03017-COA-R3-JV - Filed December 30, 2002

This is a termination of parental rights case. The mother, Tonza Williams, appeals the order

of the juvenile court terminating parental rights to her five children. For the reasons hereinafter

stated, we affirm the juvenile court order.

Tenn. R. App. P. 3; Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Juvenile Court Affirmed

W. FRANK CRAWFORD, P.J., W.S., delivered the opinion of the court, in which ALAN E. HIGHERS,

J. and DAVID R. FARMER, J., joined.

Joree G. Brownlow, Cordova, For Appellant, Tonza Williams Crawford

Paul G. Summers, Attorney General, Elizabeth C. Driver, Assistant Attorney General, For Appellee,

State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Services

OPINION

This is a termination of parental rights case. On May 22, 1998, Tonza Williams’ (“Ms.

Williams,” or “Appellant”) four children, T.S.C., T.K.C., T.J.C., and C.B.W.,1 were removed from

her custody based upon allegations that she had used an extension cord to spank one of the children.

At that time, custody was given to Ms. Williams’ brother and the Department of Childrens’ Services

(“DCS,” or “Appellee”) was ordered to supervise the case. On the petition of Ms. Williams and the
2

 Although the children were removed from Ms. Williams’ home in March of 2000, an order was not entered

until April 14, 2000.

3

 Only one of the revised Plans, dated January 18, 2001 was entered into the record. That is the Plan of T.J.C..

Counsel for both sides stipulated that the Plans for the other children were identical to that admitted into evidence.

4

 On or about July 6, 2001, the Plans were revised again and a dual goal of adoption and reunification was

listed. The court, however, did not ratify these Plans because of the dual goal. According to Ms. Miller’s testimony,

the dual goal was established because of DCS’ belief that Ms. Williams “had made so much progress” and because DCS

wished to “continue working with the mother to see if she would progress [further].”

5

 According to Ms. Miller’s testimony, DCS filed this petition for continuance in order to “give the mother

additional time [in order for her to] get her act together.”

-2-

recommendation of DCS, the children were returned to Ms. Williams’ custody on May 21, 1999, but

remained under DCS’ protective supervision. The report filed with the court by DCS provided that,

as of May 21, 1999, Ms. Williams had completed a parenting class and that her parenting skills had

improved to the point that the children could be returned to her custody. On May 31, 1999, Ms.

Williams gave birth to her fifth child, T.S.W.. All five of the children were returned to DCS custody

on March 1, 2000 after police responded to a call and found two-year-old C.BW. with two black

eyes, and a hemorrhage in the right eye.

On March 22, 2000, DCS created a permanency plan (“Plans”) for each child. The Plans for

each child were identical in terms of Ms. Williams’ responsibilities under them. Ms. Williams’

responsibilities were to: (1) contact DCS and request phone contact and visits; (2) obtain a

psychological evaluation and follow all recommendations; (3) gain insight into appropriate disciple

for children; (4) acquire positive anger management, self-control, and coping skills; (5) participate

in an intensive program of drug and alcohol classes; and (6) submit to random drug screens. The

Plans were signed by Ms. Williams on April 18, 2000. 

Ms. Williams began visitation with her children after they were ordered into State custody.2

However, from June 28, 2000 until December 21, 2000, she made no effort to contact DCS or her

children. On December 22, 2000, Ms. Williams contacted DCS to arrange a visit with her children.

She was allowed that visit on January 11, 2001. Additionally, the Plans were revised and signed by

Ms. Williams on January 18, 2001 but the responsibilities of Ms. Williams remained unchanged

except that the requirement for psychological evaluation was omitted in the revised Plans.3 The goal

of both the March 2000 Plans and the January 2001 Plans was adoption.4

On February 22, 2001, a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights (the “Petition”) was

filed. The Petition named Tonza (Williams) Crawford, Hugh Crawford, Barry Cox, and Rudolph

Cooper as Respondents.

An Order for Continuance was entered on May 2, 20015 and an Order of Publication was

subsequently filed in order to notify the putative fathers. A guardian ad litem was appointed to
-3-

represent the children on May 9, 2001. The guardian ad litem filed her Answer on July 10, 2001.

The Answer of the Guardian Ad Litem reads in pertinent part as follows:

1. All of the children are thriving in foster care. Although [T.S.C,

T.J.C., and T.K.C.] have suffered from some disciplinary problems

which may have resulted from living with their mother, they are all

recovering and, for the most part, well adjusted to their present

homes.

2. The only child who exhibited concern about having the family

reunited was [T.S.C.], who cried when she spoke to your Guardian ad

litem and stated that she wanted her family back together...

3. [There is some indication] that the children’s behavior worsens

after exposure to their mother. Apparently, her influence is disruptive

to their recovery. [T.J.C. and T.K.C.’s] grades suffer and they have

behavioral problems; [T.S.C.] has similar reactions...

* * *

5. There is no one in the mother’s family who is able to provide a

home for the children.

* * *

7. ...[Ms. Williams] stated that she wanted her children with her, and

that she is attending rehab sessions everyday. She states that she has

been drug free for seven months and that her past drug problems and

abuse of her children are related to depression. She did not deny

abuse and stated that depression was no excuse for abusing children.

She does not currently have a job, although she stated that she did

apply at Wonder Bread. Her past job experience has been in

cashiering and warehousing. She is presently living with her mother.

She appears to love her children and really be sorry for what has

happened to her family. She admitted that the stress of trying to care

for five children may have contributed to her substance abuse and loss

of patience which resulted in violence to her children.

[Ms. Williams] has no support system of friends other than those at

the rehab center. She does not appear to have awareness of how to

care for children and did not interact with her children in the manner

one would expect for a mother who had not seen her children in

months...
6

 Rosetta Watkins is the sister of Hugh Crawford.

-4-

The Findings and Recommendation of Referee were filed on July 31, 2001 and the recommendation

was for the children to remain in foster care. On October 5, 2001, the children’s paternal aunt,

Rosetta Watkins6 filed a Petition to Modify Order, seeking custody and guardianship of [T.S.C.,

T.J.C., and T.K.C.]. On October 9, 2001, the guardian ad litem filed a Supplemental Answer, which

stated that:

...Ms. Watkins lives in a three bedroom home and advises that she is

unable to care for the children without the help of state funds. Your

Guardian does not believe that full disclosure of the children’s

behavioral problems has been made to Ms. Watkins and that granting

custody to her without additional investigation would be premature...

* * *

[Ms. Williams] is now employed at Saint Frances [sic] Hospital and

will be moving into a new two bedroom apartment with her mother

and wants custody of [C.B.W. and T.S.W.]. Your Guardian notes

that [Ms. Williams] refused to go into the program at Moriah House

because she did not want to give up her freedom...

This case was set for hearing on October 11, 2001. On that date, the Court allowed an Amended

Petition for Termination of Parental Rights (the “Amended Petition”) to be filed. The Amended

Petition added the following ground for termination of Ms. Williams’ parental rights:

18. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-1-113(g)(4) the mother has committed

severe child abuse as defined in T.C.A. § 37-1-102, whether by prior

order of the court or to be found by this Court when hearing the

petition for termination of parental rights. Said abuse was committed

against a child who is subject of this petition and/or against a sibling

or half-sibling of such child.

This matter was heard by the Juvenile Court, Shelby County, between October 16, 2001 and October

17, 2001. 

Concerning requests for visitation, Ms. Senetra Miller, the DCS case manager assigned to

this matter, testified that Ms. Williams partially complied with the requirements of the Plans.

Beginning in March of 2000 and continuing through July 2000, Ms. Williams made several visits

to DCS and was also in contact with them by phone. According to Ms. Miller’s testimony, the dates

of these visits were April 18, 2000, May 15, 2000, May 31, 2000, June 14, 2000 and June 28, 2000.

Ms. Williams failed to attend scheduled visits on July 18, 2000 and July 25, 2000. From that point,
7

 Ms. Williams was incarcerated after being arrested for contempt of court for failing to appear for her court

hearing on charges of public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released after being given a

sentence of time served. The date of the arrest is not in record. 

-5-

Ms. Williams made no further contact with DCS or the children until December 22, 2000. A visit

was arranged for January 11, 2001. From January 11, 2001, Ms. Williams visited on February 8,

2001, March 21, 2001, and April 28, 2001. Ms. Williams cancelled May 24, 2001 and May 30,

2001 visits because of conflicts with her work schedule. After working out a schedule compliant

with her work hours, Ms. Williams resumed visitation on June 14, 2001. A visit scheduled for June

21, 2001 was cancelled because Ms. Williams was incarcerated.7

 On July 6, 2001, July 12, 2001,

and July 17, 2001 visits occurred. Ms. Williams visited once in August on the 31st and also on

September 7, 14, and 28 2001. Ms. Williams cancelled a visit scheduled for September 28, 2001

and the record reflects no more visits prior to the October hearing.

Turning to the requirement that Ms. Williams obtain a psychological evaluation and adhere

to any recommendations made during the course of that evaluation, the record indicates that Ms.

Williams was referred by DCS to LeBonheur Center for Children and Parents (“CCP”). On June 21,

2000, Ms. Williams met with a case worker at CCP, at which time a physical examination of all of

the children was conducted. Ms. Williams was scheduled for a second meeting with CCP, which

was to include a psychological evaluation. Ms. Williams failed to keep this second appointment.

Ms. Williams also failed to keep a rescheduled appointment. On July 26, 2000, the CCP case worker

and child psychologist assigned to Ms. Williams’ sent their findings to DCS. In pertinent part, this

report reads as follows:

During the initial interview [June 21, 2000] Ms. Williams initially

denied that she had injured [C.B.W.], maintaining that he fell down

some steps, thus injuring both eyes. This report conflicted with the

reports of her older three children, who all reported their mother had

caused the injuries to [C.B.W.]. Throughout the interview, Ms.

Williams minimized and rationalized her abusive behavior toward her

children, Ms. Williams blaming her drug use, her depression, and her

children’s behavior for her abuse.... 

* * *

[Ms. Williams has] little knowledge of the emotional needs of her

children and [uses] abusive methods for punishment. Ms. Williams

obviously has very poor anger management skills. Despite her past

involvement in a drug treatment program, and despite her

acknowledging that her alcohol and crack use present a significant

problem, she continues to use both. While Ms. Williams maintained,

during the Initial Interview, that she would do whatever was

necessary to regain custody of her children, she did not complete this
8

 Ms. Williams contacted CCP to cancel the October 5, 2001 because she had a conflict with her work schedule.

Ms. Williams also cancelled a rescheduled appointment on October 10, 2001.

-6-

evaluation, Ms. Williams missing two appointments for her

psychological evaluation.

After Ms. Williams instigated contact with DCS on December 22, 2000, Ms. Williams was

re-referred to CCP for completion of her psychological evaluation. This re-referral was made on or

about July 30, 2001. On September 28, Ms. Williams met with a case worker at CCP and the

following report was sent to DCS that same day. In pertinent part, the report reads as follows:

Summary and Impressions:

Ms. Williams appears to be genuine in her intentions to maintain a

sober, drug-free lifestyle. However, she has yet to establish a stable

home in which she can rear her children and a stable source of

income, despite her reported ten months of sobriety. She does appear

to be taking steps toward those goals, but her two younger children

have already spent the majority of their lives in foster care.

Throughout this interview, Ms. Williams expressed concerns about

her ability to have the patience needed to parent five children. She

also spoke of her tendency to “snap” at times. While she seems to

have the desire to be a better mother, she seems to be expressing

reservations about her ability to manage the stress of caring for her

children. A further concern is that there is still a degree of role

reversal in Ms. Williams’ view of her children. She speaks of how

her children meet her needs and the effect their removal had on her,

rather than of how she can meet their needs and the impact of her

abuse on them. The severity of the abuse she inflicted in the past

remains another reason for concern.

A major factor that still needs to be considered is the degree of

attachment each of the children has to their mother. At the time of

the previous evaluation, in June 2000, only [T.S.C.] expressed any

strong attachment to Ms. Williams or any desire to eventually be

returned to [the] mother’s custody....

Ms. Miller testifies that the September 28, 2001 meeting with CCP resulted in a “social history” and

that Ms. Williams was required to go back for a second appointment to complete the psychological

evaluation. Ms. Miller testified that Ms. Williams failed to return to CCP for that second

appointment on October 5, 2001, which resulted in her noncompliance with this requirement of the

Plans.8 However, as noted above, only the original Plans of March 2000 contained a requirement
9

 The attendance forms for Freedom Road indicate that Ms. Williams did not attend meetings on January 5, 6,

8, 13, 14, 17, 21, and 26 of 2001. When asked why there are no signatures for these dates, Marie Williams stated that

Ms. Williams sometimes forgot her forms.

-7-

for psychological evaluation. That requirement was dropped from the January 18, 2001 Plans, which

were in place at the time Ms. Williams missed her appointments with CCP.

Under the Plans, Ms. Williams was also required to gain insight into proper discipline for her

children. Ms. Williams was also scheduled to attend classes at the Exchange Club from March 28

until May 16, 2001. According to a report from the Exchange Club, dated April 27, 2001, Ms.

Williams had “attended 5 out of 8 classes and should complete on 5/16/01 if she continues to have

good attendance and passes the final exam. Ms. Williams has been actively participating in her

classes so far.”

According to Ms. Miller’s testimony, Ms. Williams never participated in any educational

workshops concerning anger management, self-control, or coping skills.

The record reflects that, when Ms. Williams made contact with DCS in December 2000, she

had begun an alcohol recovery program of her own volition. Specifically, Ms. Williams was

attending Freedom Road, a type of AA program. Ms. Williams’ sponsor at Freedom Road, Marie

Williams (no relation) testified in pertinent part as follows:

A: ...when I [Marie Williams] first met [Tonza Williams] upon her

first main days, it was required that she attend 90 meetings in 90 days.

I think Tonza attended probably 180 within the first 90 days.9

Q: She [Tonza Williams] was serious?

* * *

Q: Do you believe that Tonza’s recovery is the most important thing

in her life today?

A: Exactly.

On March 8, 2001, Ms. Williams was enrolled, by referral from DCS, in the Memphis Alcohol and

Drug Council Program. At that time, Ms. Williams signed a Memphis Alcohol and Drug Council

form, which outlined the rules for attendance and Ms. Williams’ rights as a client of the program.

The form also indicated that Ms. Williams could be discharged for noncompliance for three

absences. Attached to this form was a Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, which Ms. Williams
10 Both tests consist of a series of yes or no questions. Ms. Williams score was 33 on the Michigan Alcoholism

Screening Test and 13 on the Drug Screening Test.

11 Ms. Williams’ individual sign-in sheet for 2001 shows that she attended meetings on March 14, 21, 28, April

4, 11, 18. On April 25, she had an unexcused absence. She resumed attendance on May 2, 9, 16, 23 and had a second

unexcused absence on May 30. She attended on June 6 and 13 then failed to attend on June 20, 27 and July 4. The sign

in sheet notes that Ms. Williams had a work schedule conflict on June 20 and 27 (although these absences are listed as

unexcused) and was excused for the July 4 holiday. On July 11, Ms. Williams also had an unexcused absence, which

was listed as a work conflict. Ms. Williams attended on July 24.

-8-

completed and a Drug Abuse Screening Test, which was also completed.10 On June 25, 2001, Ms.

Miller received a progress letter from the Memphis Alcohol and Drug Council, which stated in

pertinent part that:

[Ms. Williams] has attended twelve of her thirteen groups and is

scheduled for her final drug screen and completion on Wednesday,

June 27th. She is actively participating in group activities and is

showing insight into resolving her conflicts as they present without

the benefit of alcohol and/or other drugs. She has shared her

experiences with using her conflict/resolution tools and is effectively

using her “9 Second Timeout” technique to allow herself time to

process before taking action. 

Ms. Williams’ record indicates that she was fairly steady in her attendance at the Memphis Alcohol

and Drug Council meetings.11 On August 1, 2001, Ms. Williams received a Certificate of

Completion from the Memphis Alcohol and Drug Council for Low Intensive Outpatient Level II

participation.

When asked at the hearing whether she was continuing to attend AA meetings, Ms. Williams

testified as follows:

Q: Let’s talk about since you started with St. Francis. How many AA

meetings do you go to a week?

A: The last meeting that I went [to] was last Friday, noon. Prior to

that I had been at work?

Q: So you haven’t been to an AA Meeting since you started–you have

only been to one since you’ve started working at St. Francis?

A: Last Friday I went to a noon meeting.

Q: That was it?
-9-

A: Uh-huh, because I have been working. I can’t work and make

meetings at the same time.

Q: Okay.

A: Because the first meeting is at 8:00 in the morning, then noon, and

then 7:00 at night and I’m at work.

THE COURT: At 8:00 in the morning you’re at work?

THE WITNESS: No, but just as soon as I can get my, balance myself

out, I will start back picking up going to my meetings, because I don’t

want to let my meetings go, you know. My meetings are very

important to me.

Q: [by Ms. Hardaway] But it’s your testimony that you don’t feel you

can do both at the same time; is that right?

A: Yes, I did say that.

According to the record, Ms. Williams received four drug screens from Memphis Alcohol

and Drug Council. No drug screens were requested prior to January 23, 2001. The first drug screen

was on January 23, 2001. Two of the screens were in June 2001 and the third was on August 7,

2001. All four screens were negative.

At the time of the hearing, Ms. Williams was residing with her mother, Teresa Williams. 

Ms. Williams is on the lease with her mother at Cleaborn Homes, a public housing complex. Their

apartment at Cleaborn Homes is only one bedroom; however, Ms. Williams testified that they are

scheduled to move to Foote Homes, into a two-bedroom apartment. Ms. Williams was unable to

testify as to when the move to Foote Homes would occur.

The DCS case worker, Ms. Miller, testified that this was not a stable home environment for

the children. Ms. Miller’s conclusion was based upon problems that had allegedly arisen between

Teresa Williams and her grandchild, T.S.C., when T.S.C. was placed with Teresa Williams for an

extended visit beginning in March 2000. Although Ms. Miller does not cite specific facts to support

her conclusion, she states generally that “[t]he grandmother and [T.S.C.] did not have a great bond

with each other. [The grandmother] was not a good influence on [T.S.C.] as being a placement

source for [T.S.C.].”

Ms. Williams testified that her mother is a manic depressive and that she [Teresa Williams]

suffers from asthma and bronchitis. She further testified that DCS has not provided any assistance
-10-

to her in terms of housing. When asked when she would be in a position to bring her children home,

Ms. Williams responded that she would be ready “when I have my own apartment.”

In terms of a support group, Ms. Williams testified that she does not have much contact with

her extended family but that she does have support through Freedom Road. She also maintains

contact with her sister-in-law, Rosetta Watkins.

At the time of the hearing, Ms. Williams was employed at St. Francis Hospital. Prior to 

that time, she had been working through temporary agencies. Ms. Williams described her job as

“hospitality attendant.” At the time of the hearing, her hours were from 12:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Ms. Williams did indicate that there was a possibility that she could obtain another shift.

Ms. Williams has no vehicle and relies on public transportation to get to and from her job.

According to her testimony, it takes an hour and a half by bus to get to work.

When asked on direct examination whether she had ever hurt C.B.W. by hitting him, Ms.

Williams responded “Yes, I probably did, because I was very dis–I was irritable and discontent and

up under [sic] the influence of drugs and alcohol.” On cross-examination, the following testimony

occurred:

Q: After you completed those 1998 parenting classes, you still

resorted to beating your children when you were frustrated. Isn’t that

true.

A: [by Ms. Williams] I don’t recall beating them. I did whip [T.S.C.],

if you’re referring about [sic] the scar on [T.S.C.’s] eye, you know.

THE COURT: Well, the testimony you gave in court at that time was

that [C.B.W.] fell down some stairs and [was] hurt. Right?

THE WITNESS: [C.B.W.] did fall. [C.B.W.] did fall that day before.

Yes, [C.B.W.] did.

THE COURT: And that was the cause of the head injuries.

THE WITNESS: I don’t know anything about any head injuries.

THE COURT: The testimony of the children to the case workers was

that you kicked [C.B.W.] in the head with your feet.

THE WITNESS: Say what now?

THE COURT: That you kicked your child in the head.
-11-

THE WITNESS: Says who?

THE COURT: Says the kids that watched you do it.

THE WITNESS: No, I didn’t do that, your Honor.

THE COURT: How did [C.B.W.] get two black eyes?

THE WITNESS: With my hand. I did hit them, because that

particular morning I was, had just come down off of using drugs and

alcohol and I was very irritable and discontent and I was so frustrated

trying to get them ready for school that morning, rushing and

everything. And my bathroom is like in the hall, and I was getting

[C.B.W.] ready and [C.B.W.] was laying [sic] on the floor, which

made me–I was standing over [C.B.W.], right at the bathroom. I was

changing [C.B.W.’s] diaper. But no, I did not kick [C.B.W.]

THE COURT: So if the kids’ memory is that you kicked [C.B.W.],

the kids are lying or mistaken?

THE WITNESS: Mistaken.

THE COURT: And putting a pillow over one of the children’s heads

and saying I’m going to suffocate you, you didn’t do that?

THE WITNESS: Which one of the children? Which one of them?

THE COURT: I don’t remember which one.

THE WITNESS: I don’t remember doing nothing [sic] like that, Your

Honor.

THE COURT: The spoon incident where you shoved the spoon down

the throat, there’s nothing to that?

THE WITNESS: No.

THE COURT: Okay. What else was there that one of the kids said?

MS. HARDAWAY: holding the child under water, Your Honor.

THE COURT: Putting the child, holding [the child’s] head under

water.
12 The November 13, 2001 Order was subsequently corrected on April 18, 2002 to dismiss the petition of

Rosetta Watkins filed October 5, 2001.

-12-

THE WITNESS: I recall [C.B.W.] and [T.K.C. and T.J.C.] taking a

bath together, and I recall [T.K.C. and T.J.C.] was putting [sic] their

head up under [sic] the water and stuff, you know, playing, but no

actually trying to put [C.B.W.’s] head up under [sic] water, no.

* * *

Q: [by Ms. Hardaway] Well, you [Ms. Williams] gave [either T.K.C.

or T.J.C.] a black eye before we [DCS] took [C.B.W.]; isn’t that

correct.

A: No, I didn’t. No, I didn’t.

An Order Terminating Parental Rights was entered on November 13, 2001, which reads in

pertinent part as follows12:

FINDINGS OF FACT

On May 22, 1998 the above children, excluding [T.S.W.] who was

unborn, were found to be dependent and neglected in that the mother

was a substance abuser (marijuana, crack cocaine and alcohol), and

the oldest child, [T.S.C.], had been physically abused and was

sporadic in her school attendance. Upon recommendation of the

department of children’s services custody was awarded to a maternal

uncle, Mr. James Eangelo Williams. By June 4, 1998, Mr. Williams

indicated that he was unable to care for the children and they came

into State custody.

On May 21, 1999 the mother petitioned for a return of custody in that

she had completed parenting classes and a drug rehabilitation

program. Upon recommendation of the Department of Children’s

Services, the children were returned to her custody under their

protective supervision.

On March 1, 2000 the Department of Children’s Services petitioned

to remove all five children from the mother’s care based upon new

allegations of physical abuse. [C.B.W.] had two black eyes, and a

hemorrhage in the right eye and the other children stated that the

mother had strangled and hit him because he would not get dressed.

The children were ordered back into the state’s custody April 14,
-13-

2000. Not stated it the order of that date was a finding that the

mother was again using drugs.

During this entire period of time the father of [T.J.C. and T.K.C.] and

[T.S.C.] was incarcerated. On September 29, 1993 he was found

guiltyofAggravatedAssault, Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-

13-102 and sentenced to the workhouse for 6 years. At some point he

was released on probation and his probation was revoked April 28,

1998 having been convicted of a new charge of aggravated assault for

which he received a new sentence of 8 years. At this time he is still

incarcerated.

Mr. Crawford testified by telephone with all parties present. He

testified that he and Ms. Williams (the mother of the above children;

also known as Tonza Crawford) were married sometime in 1993. He

testified that he and Ms. Williams lived together off and on and that

for the 7 or 8 months preceding his latest jailing, roughly February 3,

1998, they lived apart. He never knew Ms. Williams to use any

illegal drugs (despite her testimony that she used $100 a day on crack

cocaine, a daily nickel bag of marijuana, and a quart of beer) and

believed her to be a good mother. He had no knowledge of Ms.

Williams’ receipt of food stamps or any welfare benefits. While

separated his family support was limited to bringing her pampers

from time to time, and “whatever she needed.” Initially he forgot his

oldest child and testified only as to his knowledge of the twins.

Moreover, during his incarceration he has not communicated with any

of the children, or Ms. Williams, although he stays in touch with his

sister. He did state that he had written letters to Ms. Williams which

were not returned to him by the mail but Ms. Williams does not

confirm receipt of any communication.

Respondents, Mr. Barry Williams, Mr. Rudolph Cooper, and any

unknown fathers of said children, after being duly notified, failed to

appear to make a defense to the petition to terminate their parental

rights within the time required by law. A motion for default

judgment against these respondents was made.

Respondents, Barry Williams and Rudolph Cooper, and anyunknown

fathers of said children, have for a period of four (4) consecutive

months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition, abandoned

said children in that they have willfully failed to visit the children and

have made no reasonable effort to provide a suitable home and have

demonstrated a lack of concern for the children to such a degree that
-14-

it appears unlikely that they will be able to provide a suitable home

for the children at an early date.

Respondents,BarryWilliams and Rudolph Cooper, and any unknown

fathers of said children, failed, without good cause or excuse, to pay

a reasonable share of prenatal, natal and postnatal expenses and

support, failed to seek reasonable visitation, failed to manifest an

ability and willingness to assume legal and physical custody of the

children and furthermore failed to file a petition to legitimate the

children, within thirty days after notice of alleged paternity.

Placing the children in Respondents, Barry Williams and Rudolph

Cooper, and any unknown fathers of said children, legal and physical

custody would pose a risk of substantial harm to the physical or

psychological welfare of the children.

Ms. Williams testified that for 22 years she used $100 per day for her

cocaine habit; that for 16 years she daily used a nickel bag of

marijuana; and that for 11 years she daily consumed a quart of beer.

She admits that from June 28, 2000 to December 21, 2000 she made

no effort to communicate with or visit her children. She requested a

visit December 22, 2000 which was accomplished January 11, 2001.

Thereafter she requested the following visits which were arranged by

Department of Children Services for 2 hour periods.

Date Result

January 11, 2001 Ok

February 8, 2001 Ok, but mother an hour late

February 22, 2001 Cancelled by Department

Of Children’s Services

March 21, 2001 Ok

April, 2001 Ok

May 24, 2001 Cancelled by the mother

May 30, 2001 Cancelled by the mother

June 14, 2001 Ok

June 21, 2001 Missed due to mother’s

Incarceration

July 6, 2001 Ok

July 12, 2001 Ok

July 17, 2001 Ok

August 31, 2001 Ok

September 7, 2001 Ok
-15-

September 14, 2001 Ok

September 28, 2001 Cancelled by the mother

She acknowledges that her children were abused in her care, but

states that the abuse was caused solely by her abuse of drugs. She

denies the reports of the children that she put [C.B.W.] under the

water to try to kill him, that she held a pillow over [T.S.C.’s] face to

smother her, that she tried to choke a child by putting a spoon down

his throat, and that she used to lock [T.K.C.] in a closet.

Ms. Williams testified that Mr. Hugh Crawford is the father of

[T.K.C. and T.J.C.] and [T.S.C.]. She believes that the father of

[C.B.W.] is Mr. Rudolph Cooper and that the father of [T.S.W.] is

Mr. Barry Cox, but that, due to her use of drugs, she is not positive

who may be their fathers.

Ms. Williams states that she and Mr. Crawford were married in 1993

and that they were never separated, his testimony to the contrary

notwithstanding, and that they lived together every day until he was

incarcerated in 1998. She has no recollection of his convictions in

1993 or earlier problems in 1984 and has not heard from him since

1998.

Sometime in December 2000, Ms. Williams decided to get drugs out

of her life and enrolled in a Memphis Alcohol and Drug Council, Inc.,

“90 meetings in 90 days” program, beginning December 25, 2000, to

become drug free. She tendered proof of her compliance with the

drug program which shows that, her testimony to the contrary

notwithstanding, she failed to attend meetings on January 1, 2, 5, 8,

13, 14, 17, 21, and 26, 2001. Additionally, she missed attendance in

December and February and March. She states that she went to the

Midtown Mental Health Center August 2001, for an evaluation and

that she has failed to follow any of their recommendations. Her

mental health evaluation reports states:

“34-year-old African-American female with signs and

symptoms of a major depressive disorder, recurrent,

moderate who requires medications to alleviate her

symptoms. She also requires counseling. I will also

recommend alcohol and drug counseling but I think

she will decline it. Axis 1: major depressive disorder,

recurrent, moderate. Polysubstance dependence in

subjective remission eight months.”
-16-

Recommended were drugs for the depression (which she refuses to

take) psychotherapy (which she has not undertaken despite years of

urging by the Department of Children’s Services) and alcohol and

drug counseling (which she has not accepted other than the voluntary

AA program).

Ms. Williams reports that she obtained a full time job beginning

October 13, 2001 and that she interviewed for the job September 21,

2001. She was unable to attend a visitation in May due to

employment which did not continue. At no time has she held a job

for more than a short period of time.

The Department of Children’s Services Permanency Plan of March

22, 2000 which was explained to and acknowledged by the mother,

set as goals that the mother would participate in and complete an

evaluation at the Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, submit to

random Drug screens and participate in recommended counseling. To

date Ms. Willaims has failed to submit to any of these goals.

From June 28, 2000 to January, 2001 the children did not see or hear

from their mother. [T.S.W.] and [C.B.W.] have no bond with their

mother. The foster parent reports that when she first received

[C.B.W.] he was afraid to be touched by anyone. [T.K.C. and T.J.C.]

suffer from ADHD and after visits with their birth mother [T.K.C.]

has acted out sexually with males and females and has acted out in

the classroom and at home throwing temper tantrums. Both chldren

continue to require regular counseling and medication.

It appears that during visits the mother makes inappropriate

statements to the children which causes them to become disruptive in

their foster placements and that contact with the mother causes the

children emotional problems. The foster mother of [T.J.C. and

T.K.C.] reports that the children know “two of our fathers are in jail.”

Further, she found [T.K.C.], who is afraid of the dark, hiding in the

back of her closet one day. She asked why he was there and his

brother responded that their mother used to lock him up in the closet.

The testimony before the Court is that the chldren, other than

[T.S.C.], have thrived in the care of and have bonded with the foster

parents each of whom state a desire to adopt the children in their care.

[T.S.C.], on the other hand, has disrupted every foster care placement

and appears to be in need of intensive psychological counseling from

a Ph.D. or MD level professional. The Department of Children’s
-17-

Services has been aware of her needs but has failed to provide the

required level of services for “financial” reasons. [T.S.C.] has been

the direct recipient of abuse at the hands of her mother and has

witnessed her siblings being abused. None the less, she is reported to

have a strong desire to live with her mother.

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

The Court having listened to the testimony presented on the

witness stand, and by phone, and having examined the witnesses

manner and demeanor, listed to what they said and how they said it,

finds by clear and convincing evidence as follows:

1. This Court has jurisdiction over this proceeding pursuant to TCA

§§36-1-113(a) and 37-1-104.

2. Respondents, Mr. Barry Williams, Mr. Rudolph Cooper, and any

unknown fathers of said children, have abandoned the children as

defined in TCA §§36-1-113(g)(1) and 36-1-102(1)(A).

3. Respondents failed to manifest a willingness and ability to assume

responsibility for said children in accordance with TCA § 36-1-

113(g)(8)(A).

4. In accordance with TCA § 36-1-113(c)(2), the termination of the

Respondents’ parental rights is in the best interest of said children.

5. In accordance with TCA § 36-1-113(c)(1), there is clear and

convincing evidence to support the termination of the Respondents’

parental rights regarding said children.

6. Any finding of fact which should be deemed a conclusion of law

is hereby adopted as such.

7. That Mr. Hugh Crawford effectively abandoned his children for the

seven months immediately prior to his present incarceration. He

provided at best only token support and had no meaningful contact or

relationship with any of the children exercising, at best, only token

visitation, within the meaning of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section

36-1-102 (1)(A)(iv). Further, Mr. Crawford engaged in conduct prior

to his incarceration which exhibited a wanton disregard for the

welfare of his children.
-18-

8. That Mr. Hugh Crawford’s entire course of conduct of neglect,

failure to support his family and repeated acts of violence and

criminal conduct support a finding of abandonment in that his

criminal behavior was reasonably calculated to resultin incarceration,

violation of the terms of his probation, and loss of his ability to parent

any of the above children.

9. That as of December 21, 2000, Ms. Tonza Williams, effectively

abandoned her children within the meaning of Tennessee Code

Annotated, Section 36-1-102(1)(A)(ii) and (ii) [sic]. The Department

of Children’s Services, on the other hand, delayed filing a petition for

termination until February 22, 2001 by which time Ms. Williams had

exercised 2 visits; one on January 11, 2001 for two hours and one on

February 8, 2001 for a little more than one hour. It thus cannot be

said that she “failed to visit” in the “four months immediately

preceding the filing of the petition to terminate parental rights.”

Given the court’s inability to find the lapse of 60 days as falling

within the term “immediately preceding” the court cannot sustain a

finding of abandonment as set forth in section (a)(A)(I) of the code.

10. That pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 36-1-102

(1)(A)(ii) the court does find that the children have been removed

from the home of the mother as the result of a petition filed in the

juvenile court in which the children were found to be dependent and

neglected children, as defined in § 37-1-102, and the children were

placed in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services and

that the juvenile court finds that the department made reasonable

efforts to prevent removal of the children and for a period of

seventeen (17) months following the removal, the department has

made reasonable efforts to assist the parent to establish a suitable

home for the child, but that the mother has made no reasonable efforts

to provide a suitable home and has demonstrated a lack of concern for

the children to such a degree that it appears unlikely that she will be

able to provide a suitable home for the child at an early date.

11. That,pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 36-1-113(g)

the court finds that there has been substantial noncompliance by the

mother with the statement of responsibilities in a permanency plan;

and that the children have been removed from the home of the parents

by order of a court for a period of more than six (6) months and; that

the conditions which led to the children’s removal in all reasonable

probability would cause the children to be subjected to further abuse

or neglect and which, therefore, prevent the children’s safe return to
-19-

the care of the mother still persist. Further, there is little likelihood

that these conditions will be remedied at an early date so that the

children can be safely returned to the mother or father in the near

future. Additionally, the Court finds that the continuation of the

parent and child relationship greatly diminishes the children’s

chances of early integration into a safe, stable and permanent home.

12. More specifically, the Court finds that the mother has failed to

complete a psychological evaluation as required in the plan of care.

She has gone to her own mental health professional and failed to

follow the advice of that professional. She has failed to obtain and

maintain steady employment and fails to understand the needs and

interests of her children. She has failed to effect any lasting

adjustment despite repeated efforts by the Department of Children’s

Services. She has failed to maintain anything other than token

visitation. There exists no meaningful relationship between the

children and their parents. Continued contact with the parents is

detrimental to the physical, emotional and psychological health of the

children. The mental status of the mother, together with her years of

drug abuse and refusal to accept professional help, and her depression

prevent her from effectively providing a safe and stable home, care

and supervision for these 5 children.

13. That pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-1-102

(b)(21)(B), the court finds that the mother knowingly exposed

[C.B.W.] to severe abuse in that he had two black eyes and a

hemorrhage in the right eye. Further, testimony revealed that

[C.B.W.] was held under the water by his mother and he now has a

recurring fear of water.

14. That termination of parental rights in this case is clearly in the

best interest of each and all the children.

15. Respondent, Mr. Hugh Crawford, has abandoned the children as

defined in TCA § § 36-1-113(g)(1) and 36-1-102(1)(A)(iv).

Hugh Crawford filed notice of appeal on November 26, 2001. By Motion, Mr. Crawford’s

counsel was allowed to withdraw effective March 22, 2002. Mr. Crawford then filed a motion for

extension of time to file a statement of evidence, which motion was subsequently granted on April

15, 2002. On May 13, 2002, Mr. Crawford filed a Declaration of the Issues Appellant Intends to

Present on Appeal; however, Mr. Crawford has not filed a brief nor made an appearance before this

Court. Tonza Williams filed a Notice of Appeal on December 6, 2001 and, as stated in her brief,

presents the following issues for our review:
-20-

Issue 1

Did the trial court violate due process by allowing the amendment of

the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights to include “severe

child abuse” the morning of the hearing and then finding “severe

child abuse” by clear and convincing evidence

A. Did the Trial Court err in allowing the Petition for the termination

of parental rights to be amended the morning of the hearing to include

an allegation of “severe child abuse?

B. Did the trial court err in finding severe child abuse at the

termination hearing when the issue was adjudicated in an earlier

hearing as dependency and neglect?

C. Did the trial court correctly apply the statutory definition of

“severe child abuse?

Issue 2

Did the Court err when it ruled that non disclosed documents in the

State’s control were not relevant or were privileged although these

materials were a part of the case manager’s [file ?]

A. Is the requirement for discovery of documents in the possession

of DCS relevancy [sic]?

B. Is everything a DCS attorney says in DCS meetings (even when

attended by third parties) and recorded by the caseworker in the case

file privileged by the attorney client privilege?

Issue 3

Did the Court base its findings on clear and convincing evidence?

A. Did the trial court err in not considering any of the mother’s

progress and the actions taken by the mother after the date of the

filing of the original petition for termination in this case?

B. Did the Mother substantially meet the requirements of the various

permanency plans presented to her by DCS?
-21-

C. Are the findings by the court based on clear and convincing

evidence with each and every necessary element proved by the state?

D. Was a proper best interest of the children determination made in

this case?

Since this case was tried by a trial court sitting without a jury, we review the case de novo

upon the record with a presumption of correctness of the findings of fact by the trial court. Unless

the evidence preponderates against the findings, we must affirm, absent error of law. See Tenn. R.

App. P. 13(d).

We will first address Issue 2. On September 7, 2001, counsel for Ms. Williams filed a

request for discovery that was approved by the trial court. Although the case manager’s records were

made available to Ms. Williams’ counsel, certain portions were redacted and other items were not

produced. On the morning of the October 11, 2001 hearing , Judge Horne made an in camera

inspection of the documents that were redacted and/or not produced. Following his inspection, the

following transpired:

THE COURT: I went over each of the documents that was attached

that supposedly are what hadn’t been provided, and they were all

communications provided by Ms. Hardaway directing staff what to do

to prepare for the trial, and they were all documents within the past,

I guess, about two months. They would clearly fall within the

category of attorney/client privilege.

In addition to that, they would be irrelevant, because the issue here is

the termination as of February, if I understand it, and it’s not what has

happened since February, it’s what’s happened prior to February.

The trial court is afforded wide discretion in the admission or rejection of evidence, and the

trial court’s action will be reversed on appeal only when there is a showing of an abuse of discretion.

See Otis v. Cambridge Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 850 S.W.2d 439 (Tenn. 1992); Davis v. Hall, 920 S.W.2d

213, 217 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1995). From our review of the record, and in light of the wide latitude

given the trial courts determination to admit or exclude evidence, Ms. Williams has failed to show

an abuse of discretion by the trial court. Therefore, we find no reversible error by the trial court in

its evidentiary ruling on these documents.

We now turn our discussion to Issue 3 and, because we find that there is clear and convincing

evidence to terminate Ms. Williams’ parental rights on grounds other than severe child abuse, we

pretermit discussion of Issue 1.

The February 22, 2001 Petition for Termination of Parental Rights reads in pertinent part as

follows:
13 In our review of the record, we do not find Exhibit No. 4 attached to the Petition. We note, however, that,

since the Plans were revised as of January 18, 2001, this is the set of Plans that we will assume Petitioners are referring

to and not those Plans initially established in March of 2000.

-22-

14.A. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-1-113(g)(1) and as defined in T.C.A.

§§ 36-1-102 (1)(A)(i)(ii)(Supp. 1994) and 36-1-102 (1)(B)(ii)(Supp.

1994), Petitioners further assert that Respondents have for a period of

four (4) consecutive months immediately preceding the filing of this

Petition, abandoned the children in that they have willfully failed to

visit the children and willfully failed to pay support for said children.

B. The children have been removed from the home of Respondent,

Tonza [Williams] Crawford, as a result of a petition filed in this

Court in which the children were found to be dependent and

neglected children as defined in T.C.A. § 37-1-102... for a period of

four (4) months following the removal, the State of Tennessee

Department of Children’s Services made reasonable efforts to assist

Respondent,Tonza [Williams] Crawford, to establish a suitable home

for the children, but Respondent, Tonza [Williams] Crawford, has

made no reasonable efforts to provide a suitable home and has

demonstrated a lack of concern for the children to such a degree that

it appears unlikely that she will be able to provide a suitable home for

the children at an early date.

15. Petitioners assert that pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 36-1-113(g)(2) and

37-2-403, Respondent, Tonza [Williams] Crawford, has substantially

failed to comply with the statement of responsibilities contained in

the Permanency Plans of the minor children, said documents being

attached hereto as Exhibit No. 4.13

16. Petitioners assert pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-1-113(g)(3)(A), that

the minor children have been removed from the custody of

Respondent, Tonza Crawford, by the court for at least six (6) months

and:

A. The conditions which led to the children’s removal or the

conditions which in all probability would cause the children to be

subjected to further abuse or neglect and which, therefore, prevent the

children’s return to the care of Respondent, Tonza Crawford still

persist;
-23-

B. There is little likelihood that these conditions will be remedied at

an early date so that the children can be returned to Respondent,

Tonza Crawford; and

C. The continuation of the parent and child relationship greatly

diminishes the children’s chances of early integration into a stable

and permanent home.

* * *

18.A. In accordance with T.C.A. §§ 36-1-113(d)(3)(C) and 37-1-147,

Petitioners further assert that termination of Respondents’ parental

rights is in the best interest of the minor children...

We further note that clear and convincing evidence of any one of the above grounds is

sufficient to terminate Ms. Millers’ parental rights. See T.C.A. § 36-1-113(g). Having reviewed the

entire record in this matter, we note that Ms. Williams’ has taken some substantial strides since

January 2001 to get the help she needs in order to overcome her addiction to drugs and alcohol and

to comply with the Plans. However, we must look at the totality of the circumstances in this matter

and that requires us to also consider Ms. Williams’ compliance with the Plans from March 2000 until

December 2000. The record clearly reflects the fact that Ms. Williams failed in her initial attempt

to comply with the Plans. The efforts made from January 2001 until the October 2001 hearing were

honorable; however, we view these efforts with some degree of scepticism based upon Ms.

Williams’ propensity for recidivism. Ms. Williams’ children were initially removed to State custody

on May 22, 1998. Despite the fact that she regained custody on May 21, 1999, Ms. Williams failed

to apply any parenting or anger management skills she may have procured while attending parenting

classes during the period that the children were out of her custody. Consequently, the children were

again removed to State custody on March 1, 2000. While the record reflects that Ms. Williams

began visitation with her children under the March 22, 2000 Plans, from July of 2000 until

December 22, 2000, she made no efforts to contact her children or to take the steps necessary to

regain custody. The fact that Ms. Williams has had these setbacks means that substantial compliance

with the Plans, at this point, would require more than just going through the classes and counseling.

Based upon her propensity for recidivism, substantial compliance would require proof that she is

now able to apply those parenting skills in the stressful context of day-to-day life with five active

children. It would require proof that she is able to maintain sobriety for a substantial period of time.

When questioned about her ability to maintain a job, housing, and her sobriety without resorting to

old behavior patterns of abuse, Ms. Williams testified as follows:

Q: Did you [Ms. Williams] hear [the testimony] this morning about

the entire picture, that you needed to have a job, you needed to have

a home, in addition to just being clean as far as drug screens were

concerned in order to have some success at making it this time

staying sober?
-24-

A: Uh-huh.

Q: Not abusing your children again?

A: Uh-huh.

* * *

Q: But you would agree that you have hopped jobs several times since

these children have been in care? I mean they have only been in care

since March 2000 and you are on at least your third job now.

A: Well, the purpose of me leaving Hershey’s, it wasn’t stable and it

wasn’t dependable. You know where I am at now, it’s more stable

and dependable.

Q: But you refused? When they called you back, you then refused?

A: Yes, I did, and I explained why I refused. You know, they–I kept

going in for about a week and they kept, you know, turning me

around and I wasn’t making any money...

* * *

Q: And you are attending AA meetings; is that correct?

A: Yes.

Q: Now, how many AA meetings do you go to in a week?

A: All day, you know, when I wasn’t working. When I wasn’t

working, I was at meetings all day.

* * *

THE COURT: What are you going to do when you have five children

added to that?

THE WITNESS: Huh?

THE COURT: What are you going to do when you have five children

added to that?
-25-

THE WITNESS: I will have to make time.

THE COURT: For the children or for the meetings?

THE WITNESS: For the meetings and for the children because they

can come to the meetings with me.

THE COURT: So the children are to attend the AA meetings with

you?

THE WITNESS: Yes.

* * *

Q: (By Ms. Hardaway) You [Ms. Williams] missed your last two

visits with the children because you had to work; right? 

A: Yes.

Q: So right now the stresses are just too much for you to balance

more than one thing at a time. Would you agree?

A: No, it can be worked out. Things can be worked out to balance.

Q: And it’s still your testimony that it would just be three months

from where you are right now until you could get your children and

we could be assured that you would keep them and we wouldn’t have

to come back and get them again?

A: Right.

Although Ms. Williams has good intentions, it is her testimony that she is currently unable to balance

all of the demands of her life. And while she may have good intentions to make time for everything

and to strike a balance among her obligations, there is simply no clear and convincing evidence in

the record that she would be able to do so. 

Additionally, Ms. Williams has been unable to procure adequate housing for her children.

At the time of the hearing, Ms. Williams was living in a one-bedroom apartment with her mother.

The mother was suffering from manic-depression and other physical maladies. When asked about

her plans for obtaining adequate housing for herself and five children, Ms. Williams testified as

follows:
-26-

Q: ...And you’re [Ms. Williams] planning to get a two bedroom

apartment; correct?

A: Yes, ma’am.

Q: And do you imagine–will there be any problem–I honestly don’t

know. Will there be any problem with the landlord with five

children? Do you plan to get your own place or what?

A: Yes.

Q: You plan to get your own place?

A: Yes, I do plan on getting my own place. If my children should

come into my custody right now, by me being on the lease they will

give me an apartment because we [Ms. Williams and her mother] are

in public housing.

Q: So public housing will give you an apartment?

A: Yes. You know, if I–if my children come back to my custody, by

me being already on the lease, quite naturally they will give me a

bigger apartment.

Again, there are good intentions on the part of Ms. Williams; however, there is nothing else in the

record to indicate that public housing is available or that Ms. Williams, by herself, has qualified for

a two-bedroom unit.

For the foregoing reasons, and pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-1-113(g), we find that these children

have been removed from the home of the parents for a period of more than six (6) months.

Furthermore, the conditions which led to the children’s removal still persists and, therefore, prevent

these children’s safe return to their mother’s care. There is also little likelihood that these conditions

will be remedied at an early date so that the children can be safely returned to the mother in the near

future. Consequently, we find that the continuation of the parent and child relationship greatly

diminishes the children’s chances of early integration into a safe, stable, and permanent home. 

There is clear and convincing evidence that termination of parental rights is in the best

interest of each of these children. We, therefore, affirm the Order of the juvenile court, terminating

the parental rights of Ms. Tonza (Crawford) Williams, Mr. Barry Williams, Mr. Rudolph Cooper,

Mr. Hugh Crawford, and any other unknown fathers. Costs of this appeal are assessed to the

Appellant, Ms. Tonza Williams, and her surety.
-27-

__________________________________________

W.FRANKCRAWFORD,PRESIDINGJUDGE,W.S.