1 

In The

Court of Appeals

Ninth District of Texas at Beaumont

________________

NO. 09-22-00031-CV 

________________

IN THE INTEREST OF B.P. and T.P.

________________________________________________________________________

On Appeal from the County Court at Law No. 3

Montgomery County, Texas

Trial Cause No. 20-04-05031-CV

________________________________________________________________________

MEMORANDUM OPINION

V.P. (“Mother”) and J.P. (“Father”) appeal the trial court’s order terminating 

their parental rights to their minor children, B.P. and T.P., based on Texas Family 

Code subsections 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), and (O) and a finding that termination was 

in the children’s best interest.1 See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), 

(O), (2). In five issues, Mother challenges the legal and factual sufficiency of the 

evidence supporting the predicate grounds for termination and that termination of 

1In parental rights termination cases, to protect the identity of the minors, we 

refer to the children by a pseudonym or initials and family members by their 

relationships to the children. See Tex. R. App. P. 9.8(b)(2). 
2

her parental rights was in the children’s best interest. In one issue, Father challenges 

the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting the trial court’s best 

interest finding. We will affirm the trial court’s judgment.

Procedural Background: Allegations Leading to Removal

In April 2020, the Department of Family and Protective Services 

(“Department”) filed its Original Petition for Protection of a Child, for 

Conservatorship, and for Termination in Suit Affecting the Parent-Child 

Relationship naming C.P., one of B.P. and T.P.’s older siblings, as the subject of the 

suit. The Petition was supported by an affidavit of a Child Protective Services (CPS) 

worker. The Department averred that an altercation occurred between C.P. and 

Mother where C.P. threatened Mother with a pickax, and police arrested C.P. for 

making a terroristic threat. 

Then, in October 2020, the Department filed its Original Petition for 

Protection of a Child, for Conservatorship, and for Termination in Suit Affecting the 

Parent-Child Relationship naming B.P., T.P. and J.L., another older sibling, as the 

subjects of the suit. The Department also supported this petition with the

caseworker’s affidavit. The intake allegations in the affidavit included that J.L. 

sexually abused T.P., and Mother reported she could not stop the abuse but has tried 

to separate them.The affidavit indicated the caseworker spoke with J.L., who denied 

sexually abusingT.P. on this occasion, but admitted doing so in the past and told the 
3 

caseworker she was “experimenting” because an older sibling had done it to her.The 

affidavit further stated that a few days later, CPS received a police report that T.P. 

ran away when confronted about sexually abusing B.P.; Mother told the caseworker

that T.P. had been sexually abusing B.P. for the past month and detailed the abuse.

According to the affidavit, when asked why she waited a month to report the abuse, 

Mother claimed she made a CPS report, but this was not verified in the CPS system. 

The affidavit noted that CPS received another police report stating that J.L. had 

sexually abused T.P. The affidavit outlined an extensive CPS history for both parents 

over more than a decade, noting parents’ drug history and that Mother and B.P.tested 

positive at B.P.’s birth for cocaine and marijuana. 

In October 2020, the trial court appointed the Department as temporary 

managing conservator of J.L., B.P., and T.P. and consolidated the cases involving 

the four siblings.2

Trial Evidence

C.P.’s Testimony

C.P. testified that she was fourteen and wanted to return to her parents’ home. 

She confirmed she went home in January, but she returned to the Department’s care.

2The trial court ultimately severed C.P.’s case. J.L. aged out of the system 

without the Department proceeding to trial, and the trial court noted on the record 

her case was dismissed. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.401(a), (c) (noting 

automatic dismissal of suit without an order if trial on the merits is not commenced 

within requisite time). 
4

C.P. explained that she has matured, communicates better with her parents, and did 

not believe she would be in danger, even though J.L. would be living there also.

C.P. testified that she lived with her parents on and off but wasin CPS custody 

several times. She was last in CPS custody due to her behavior and described a fight 

with Mother “last year” when C.P. refused her medications and “went a little bit 

crazy.”C.P. said she grabbed a pickax to try to hurt Mother.

C.P. attributed her siblings’ removal to “misunderstandings.” C.P. provided 

conflicting testimony and first denied seeing her siblings sexually abused or anyone 

touch anybody inappropriately, including J.L. C.P. then testified she talked to her 

parents about J.L. touching her siblings, and before C.P. went into custody, they 

assured her “it would be handled.” She understood much of the case was based on 

sexual abuse and confirmed she and her older sister were victims of sexual abuse.

The initial charges filed against C.P. when she went into CPS custody were

resolved, but she had additional charges filed since coming into CPS custody that 

were pending. She had many different placements, which she attributed to acting out 

because she wanted to go home. C.P. admitted to fighting, running away, taking 

pills, and doing drugs.

C.P. testified that on one occasion after running away, she was 

communicating with sex traffickers but denied speaking to them recently. C.P. also 

confirmed she chose to communicate with the traffickers and testified that a pimp 
5 

recently contacted her through social media. C.P. also testified regarding her “many” 

psychiatric hospitalizations and that she was not currently taking medications. 

C.P. testified that her Aunt V would be a good person to consider for her 

siblings if their parents were not an option. She did not want CPS to leave without 

helping her parents find services, because she felt they needed assistance.3 

Father’s Testimony

Father testified that B.P., T.P., and C.P. are his children with Mother, and 

Mother had two older children, Mitch and J.L. Father testified the four older children 

were removed before B.P.’s birth but ultimately returned. Father denied witnessing 

or having knowledge of Mother’s cocaine use. Father admitted he began using 

marijuana in 1974 while in the military but denied ever using cocaine and could not 

explain his August 2021 positive drug test result for cocaine. Father remembered the 

caseworker discussed services with him and testified he completed “many services.” 

Father testified that he did not believe the children sexually abused each other. 

He said Mother put locks on the children’s doors. Father testified the pending sexual 

abuse charges against T.P. were “all false.” He said he knew that T.P. never did 

3At the conclusion of C.P.’s testimony, there was a lengthy bench discussion

about C.P. being sex trafficked for three days while in CPS custody but also running 

away from home after she was returned and being sex trafficked again for eight days 

while she was gone. The trial court determined that C.P. had to be returned home to 

her parents, because she was sex trafficked while in State custody; the judge 

concluded that C.P.’s returnwould be monitored and severed her case. 
6

anything to B.P., but Mother told police T.P. did. Father did not believe B.P. would 

be unsafe around T.P. or that J.L. touched T.P. Father was unconcerned with J.L. 

staying in the home if T.P. returned.Father confirmed that J.L. wasliving with them, 

but they arranged the morning of trial for her to live with his sister, Aunt V.

Father had never been to court with T.P. for the criminal charges and did not 

know the terms of T.P.’s probation or whether T.P. sees a counselor. He said nobody 

provided that information but admitted he had not asked about it.

Father confirmed he was arrested multiple times for family violence and as 

recently as 2020 but claimed the charges were dismissed. Father acknowledged he 

and Mother fought often but said that “stopped about three years ago” and denied 

the kids suffered from the effects of family violence.

Father testified C.P. has had problems with disobedience but did not see her 

assault Mother.He said C.P. came home from CPS for one day, then “she just took 

off.” When asked about his plan to keep B.P. and T.P. safe if they returned home, he 

said J.L. would live with his sister, and C.P. never had a problem with the two 

younger children. When asked what he planned to do differently, Father responded,

When they removed, I was at home with them watching TV. When they 

come back home, I plan to continue watching TV. What I plan to do 

different is to make sure this don’t happen again. They was taken from 

me for no reason. They never touched themselves. They never touched 

each other. 
7 

He did not believe B.P. would be unsafe around T.P. Father testified he could 

provide B.P. and T.P. with a safe, stable environment. 

Mother’s Testimony

Mother testified CPS became involved with their family in 2007 when C.P. 

tested positive for marijuana at birth. Mother testified she stopped using marijuana 

then, because she wanted her children back from CPS custody.Mother also admitted 

she used alcohol and cocaine but said the last time she used cocaine was 12 or 13 

years ago. She did not recall whether CPS removed the children in 2011 and said 

she was in the hospital for a medical and mental issue. Mother testified she only 

went to two drug tests because that was all the caseworker told her she needed; 

however, Mother later testified she could not recall how many times the caseworker 

asked her to test and that she did not submit to all requested drug testing. 

Mother has been diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, and insomnia, 

and she takes medication.Mother testified she has gone off her meds “a few times.”

She sees a psychiatrist regularly, and they give her three months of prescriptions 

every time. When asked why she had missed some court hearings, Mother said she 

had COVID and “health issues” she did not wish to explain. 

Mother said she did not remember when the police came to her home in June 

2020 regarding allegations her children had been sexually abused, because she “was 

in the hospital having surgery.” Mother denied telling police that T.P. sexually 
8

abused B.P.; however, she acknowledged to police having a suspicion but never 

caught them. Mother denied that B.P. ever told her that her siblings sexually abused 

or molested her. According to Mother, the neighbor called police and reported they 

overhead Mother say the kids were touching each other, so Mother “went along with 

the call” but never said she saw anything happen.Mother denied calling 911 herself 

that day. Mother said she tried to determine what was going on, and they all “had 

issues[,]” so she separated them all and “was asking for help.”She denied describing

to police how T.P. assaulted B.P. and testified that B.P. slept in the bed with her.

Mother testified that police asked her to take B.P. for a SANE exam that night,

but she declined because her other children were asleep and denied telling police she 

was too tired to take B.P. She said she took B.P. the next day. She denied her children 

were ever sexually abused and did not believe any sexual abuse occurred in her 

home.

Mother did not know what juvenile charges T.P. faced and denied he was 

arrested at her home. Mother could not recall the first time B.P. was placed in foster 

care, but it had been years.

Mother denied she ever used the locks on the children’s doors but said she put 

them there as a precaution, because all the kids had depression. Mother explained 

when they returned from care, she was “being cautious” and had to relearn their 

behaviors.Mother testified that she contacted the Department to get them help. 
9

Mother complained that during visits, she noticed B.P.’s hair was uncombed,

and she re-wore clothes. She also complained that while in care, T.P. had a broken 

ankle, cut on his head, and a rash. Mother testified that when asked, she provided 

things for B.P. and T.P. while they have been in care.

Mother agreed C.P. had many needs. Mother testified that C.P. was involved 

in sex trafficking while in CPS care but denied it also occurred when C.P. returned 

home. Mother agreed C.P. ran away from her home and was gone several days but 

claimed she did not know she was sex trafficked.

Mother testified she was arrested for assaulting Father once, and Father had 

been arrested for assaulting her. Mother said they had an argument when she was 

drinking, and she “was out of control.” She did not recall if she pled guilty to an 

assault by threat case in May 2021, because she was on and off her meds but agreed 

she pled guilty to some offense. 

Mother did not believe there were safety concerns when the children were 

removed. Mother said she would protect the children and explained her plansif the 

children are returned, which included getting cameras and an alarm system to 

prevent C.P. from running away. Mother testified there were no issues preventing

her from caring for T.P., B.P. or C.P., or meeting their needs. When asked how she 

would monitor the children while dealing with C.P., Mother testified that “is my 

challenge with my children.” 
10

She did not know where T.P. or B.P. went to school, did not know how T.P. 

was doing in school or if he would have to repeat a grade and had not asked the 

caseworker how he is doing. Mother testified the children were close and believed it 

was in their best interest to come home. 

Rosalind McCray’s Testimony

Rosalind McCray, the assigned CPS caseworker, also testified. McCray 

confirmed the case began with only C.P. in May 2020. In October 2020, the trial 

court appointed the Department temporary managing conservator of B.P., T.P., and 

J.L. 

McCray testified Mother told her J.L. sexually abused T.P. and C.P. At the 

time, Mother did not acknowledge B.P. was also a victim of sexual abuse but later 

did and told McCray that T.P. was fondling B.P. McCray testified Mother never 

denied her children were victims, but Father never believed the sexual abuse 

happened despite their discussions ofT.P.’s criminal charges. 

McCray explained that for T.P.they “meet monthly with the probation officer, 

but it was not a[n] official charge. It’s supervision.” She said T.P. has matters 

pending that require regular meetings with the juvenile probation department, and 

he must meet with a licensed sex offender therapist weekly. As a condition of T.P.’s 

juvenile terms, he cannot be unsupervised around any minors. McCray did not have 

an end date for T.P.’s treatment. 
11

McCray is concerned for B.P. and T.P.’s safety in the parents’ home. Since

the children repeatedly acted out sexually with each other, she is concerned about 

who is supervising them and whether they will be supervised. If T.P. returns to his 

parents, she feared for his stability, welfare, and that the cycle would repeat. McCray 

is concerned about T.P.’s criminal cases given his difficulty opening up, and he has 

shared conflicting information with different individuals. McCray testified she 

worried about B.P. and T.P. returning to a home where C.P. or J.L. reside. McCray 

questioned the children’s safety given their reports of abuse by a sibling during

forensic and SANE exams. McCray was also concerned the parents failed to protect 

the children from that abuse.

McCray expressed further concerns about the parents’ domestic violence and 

Mother’s mental health treatment. McCray said Mother reported she had been off 

her medication. McCray testified that when Mother is not medicated, she texts 

McCray beginning at 6 a.m. up to twenty times with profanity. According to 

McCray, Father expressed concerns about Mother’s drinking and described Mother 

as “crazy.”

McCray testified she spoke with the parents about the locks on the doors, but 

when she visited, the locks were not there. According to McCray, the parents told 

her the locks were to ensure the children stayed in their own rooms and were not 
12

going into someone else’s room while the parents slept. Both parents indicated they 

locked the doors with the children in the rooms.

McCray described Father’s failure to engage with the children and his drug 

tests. Father told her he had not used drugs in years and did not know how he tested 

positive. McCray scheduled court ordered drug testing for both parents in February 

and received Father’s results but not Mother’s. McCray testified that she asked 

Mother to drug test at least once monthly, but Mother never submitted to testing.

McCray testified that the parents regularly brought food, clothing, and money 

for T.P.’s caregiver to visits.McCray observed Mother’s visits with T.P. that she felt 

were inappropriate. She explained that Mother dressed inappropriately without 

wearing a bra and they discussed how certain types of touches could stimulate young 

men given T.P.’s history of sexual aggression, and after that, Mother complied 

“sometime.”McCray testified that T.P.’s skin rash existed when he came into care, 

and they always addressed his skin condition medically when they see a problem. 

McCray testified that she had been in the parents’ home, and the home itself 

was appropriate for B.P. and T.P. She is concerned about both parents being 

unemployed, but they have been able to meet T.P.’s needs.

The Department has looked at other relatives and possible placements for the 

children, and their goal is adoption for B.P. and T.P. For T.P., they intend to pursue 

adoption with Aunt V, and McCray has been speaking with her. No relatives are 
13

willing to take the children without terminating the parents’ rights. McCray testified 

that T.P. had not experienced repeated harm while in the Department’s care. Aunt V 

wants to adopt T.P., but they have not done a home study on Aunt V yet. She had no 

concerns when she observed T.P.’s visits with Aunt V, and they appear to have a 

“really close relationship[.]” McCray did not have concerns about T.P.’s future 

stability or welfare if he were adopted. B.P.’s current foster home is not an adoptive 

home, but a family familiar with her is interested in adoption, which the Department 

planned to pursue. 

Based on prior conversations with the parents, McCray doubted the 

truthfulness of their testimony. McCray has no evidence the parents can provide the 

children with a safe home or have the necessary parenting skills to provide them 

with safety and testified that termination of parental rights was in the children’s best 

interest. 

Lucille Saah’s Testimony

While workingwith the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department in June of 

2020, Lucille Saah responded to a request for assistance. It originally came through 

as a child discipline call but changed to a sexual assault call. The call came through 

911, and Mother made multiple 911 calls that night. When Saah arrived, her partner 

was outside talking to T.P., so she went inside to talk to Mother. Mother told her that 

T.P. was sexually assaulting her youngest daughter, B.P. Saah said Mother “was 
14

adamant” the sexual abuse occurred. Mother said that B.P. slept in the bed with her, 

and T.P. had a bed on the floor in the same room. Mother told her she knew of the 

abuse, because B.P. was walking strange and kept going to the bathroom on herself.

Mother told Saah about sexually explicit photos and search history on T.P.’s phone,

which Mother felt caused him to assault B.P.

Saah testified that Mother reported the assaults occurred in the bedroom and 

described how they occurred. At the end of their investigation, they filed charges 

against T.P. for sexually assaultingB.P. Mother told Saah she had already contacted 

CPS about the situation, but when Saah contacted the caseworker to confirm this, 

they had no recollection.

When she asked Mother why she waited a month to report the sexual assault, 

Mother responded she did not believe it at first, then she tried to contact family 

members and CPS before she called the police. Saah advised Mother to take B.P. for 

a SANE exam that night, but Mother said she was too tired to take her. Mothertold 

her she was familiar with SANE exams because her other children had them before.

When Saah asked about collecting evidence like B.P.’s clothes and bedsheet, Mother 

changed her story about how the assaults occurred.

Mother told Saah that she was bipolar and schizophrenic and had not taken 

her medications in a while. Mother also mentioned Father hit her in the past but did 

not provide details.
15

Jim Funke’s Testimony

Jim Funke, B.P.’s CASA advocate, also testified. He was assigned to the case 

in November or December 2020 and met with B.P. monthly. Funke also visited with 

the parents over the past year and expressed concern that Father appeared disengaged 

with B.P. and did not interact with her during visits. Funke testified Father never 

asked about B.P.’s education or howhe could help her. Funke worried about ongoing 

drug use and sexual abuse against B.P. Funke believed that B.P. has seen a therapist, 

but he has not spoken with the therapist. 

Funke expressed concern that J.L. lives with her parents, there was a risk of 

J.L. sexually abusingB.P., and the parents would not intervene. Funke testified that 

during one visit, J.L. called Father, and Father asked if B.P. wanted to talk to her, 

which concerned him for B.P.’s safety. Funke questioned Mother’s ability to care 

for B.P., because he has not observed any changes in the conditions that existed prior 

to them coming into care. Mother’s and Father’s continued denials of what transpires

in their home troubled him, and he believed it put B.P. and other children in their 

home at risk. He did not see the parents acknowledge their role in how the children 

came into CPS care. Their repeated denials concerned him, and he believed that it 

would put B.P. and other children in the home at risk. 

Funke noticed personality changes in Mother when she called and described 

her “rants” about being a victim. Funke observed several visits between Mother and 
16

B.P., which were appropriate. He said she asked in “general ways” what she could 

do to get her kids back, and Funke told her to contact CPS, since they administered 

those things.He believed CPS went above and beyond to reunite the family. 

B.P. is placed with a foster family and doing great, but the foster family is not 

interested in adoption. Funke was not aware that B.P. had any special needs and 

described her as “a happy 6-year-old in a very good environment.” He said she was 

comfortable, and her needs are being met in her current placement. 

Funke testified another family that provided respite care for B.P. would be a 

good adoptive candidate, but he had not discussed the adoption option with them or

made inquiries regarding their interest in adopting B.P. Funke met the family 

providing respite care and observed B.P. respond to them affectionately. Funke 

agreed with CPS’srecommendation to terminate both parents’ rights and believed

termination was in B.P.’s best interest. 

Ron Finch’s Testimony

Ron Finch, T.P.’s CASA advocate, also testified. He was assigned the case in

November 2020 and met with T.P. monthly for about a year. Finch also attended 

somemonthly meetings with T.P.’s probation officer. In addition to the sexual abuse 

provider therapist, T.P. also receives treatment from a skills therapist. 

Finch explained Mother used the natural bond between “mother and child to 

manipulate [T.P.]” Specifically, “she solicits statements of devotion from him 
17

excessively and also she solicits sympathy for herself and it doesn’t seem like a 

parent-child relationship but like a child-child relationship.” 

Finch said he did not have many conversations with the parents, usually 

during visits, and he visited their home but did not speak to them about services.

Finch was not concerned about the home but feared T.P. was “emotionally 

vulnerable at his age” and given the strong bond with his parents, “he is vulnerable 

to being manipulated because of that bond.” 

Finch confirmed T.P. has educational issues, and he has spoken with T.P.’s 

therapist but has not shared the information from the therapist with the parents. The 

parents did not ask Finch about T.P.’s criminal case or education. 

Finch has contacted Aunt V and said she seems like a loving aunt who is 

concerned about all the children, particularly T.P.; she seems committed to him and 

the adoption process.Finch believed that it would be appropriate for T.P. to live with 

Aunt V permanently and felt she could care for T.P. 

Finch believed if T.P. returned to his parents, it would significantly impact his 

physical health or emotional welfare. Finch believed it was in T.P.’s best interest to 

terminate the parental rights of both parents. 

Other Evidence

Additional evidence admitted at trial included photographs of the children, 

photographs of the inside ofthe parents’ home, a copy of a family violence protective 
18

order as to Father, a criminal complaint regarding Father violating that protective 

order, status hearing order requiring compliance with the service plan, a redacted 

copy of the service plan, and the parents’ drug test results showing Father’s positive 

results for cocaine and marijuana while the case was pending. 

Termination

The trial court found by clear and convincing evidence the Department proved 

predicate termination grounds D, E, and O against Mother and Father as to B.P. and 

T.P. and that termination was in both children’s best interest. The trial court 

appointed the Department as permanent managing conservator. 

Standard of Review

The standard of proof required in cases involving termination of parental 

rights is clear and convincing evidence. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b); In 

re E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d 796, 802 (Tex. 2012) (citing In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 263 

(Tex. 2002)) (other citations omitted). Clear and convincing evidence is “the 

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 allegations sought to be established. Tex. 

Fam. Code Ann. § 101.007.

When conducting a legal sufficiency review of the termination of parental 

rights,
19

a court should look at 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 the finding was true. To give 

appropriate deference to the factfinder’s conclusions and the role of a 

court conducting a legal sufficiency review, looking at the evidence in 

the light most favorable to the judgment means that a reviewing court

must assume that the factfinder resolved disputed facts in favor of its 

finding if a reasonable factfinder could do so. A corollary to this 

requirement is that a court should disregard all evidence that a 

reasonable factfinder could have disbelieved or found to have been 

incredible.

In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266; see also In re E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 802.

In a factual sufficiency review, we “give due consideration to evidence that 

the factfinder could reasonably have found to be clear and convincing” and must 

determine “‘whether the evidence is such that a factfinder could reasonably form a 

firm belief or conviction about the truth of the State’s allegations.’” In re J.F.C., 96 

S.W.3d at 266 (quoting In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 25 (Tex. 2002)). Considering the

entire record, if the disputed evidence that a reasonable factfinder could not have 

credited in favor of the finding is so significant that a factfinder could not reasonably 

have formed a firm belief or conviction, then the evidence is factually 

insufficient. Id. We defer to the factfinder’s findings and do not substitute our 

judgment for the factfinder’s.In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 108 (Tex. 2006). The 

factfinder is the sole arbiter of the witnesses’ credibility and demeanor. See id. at 

109 (quoting In re J.L., 163 S.W.3d 79, 86–87 (Tex. 2005)).
20

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 

the child’s best interests.See In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355, 362 (Tex. 2003)(applying 

previous version of the statute). SinceMother challenges the endangerment findings

and given the potential future consequences of a D or E finding for a parent to a 

different child, due process concerns and the requirement for a meaningful appeal 

mandate an analysis of these grounds. See In re N.G., 577 S.W.3d 230, 236–37 (Tex. 

2019) (per curiam); In re C.M.C., 554 S.W.3d 164, 171 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 

2018, no pet.); see also Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(M) (providing a 

sufficient basis to terminate parental rights based on a previous section 

161.001(b)(1)(D) or (E) finding).

Analysis

Mother’s Challenge of Endangerment Findings: Statutory Grounds D and E

In her first two issues Mother challenges the sufficiency of the evidence 

supporting the trial court’s endangerment findings, so we first consider whether the 

evidence is sufficient to support the findings terminating Mother’s rights under

subsections 161.001(b)(1)(D) and (E). See In re N.G., 577 S.W.3d at 235–36. If the 

evidence is sufficient as to one of these grounds plussufficient evidence exists to 

support the best interest finding, we will affirm the termination order. See id. at 232–

33. BecauseSince evidence of grounds D and E is often interrelated, we consolidate 
21

our review of these grounds. See In re J.L.V., No. 09-19-00316-CV, 2020 WL 

1161098, at *10 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Mar. 11, 2020, pet. denied) (mem. op.).

Subsection D allows for the termination of parental rights if clear and 

convincing evidence supports that the parent “knowingly placed or knowingly 

allowed the child to remain in conditions or surroundings which endanger the 

physical or emotional well-being of the child[.]” Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 

161.001(b)(1)(D). Under subsection E, parental rights may be terminated if clear and 

convincing evidence establishes the parent “engaged in conduct or knowingly placed 

the child with persons who engaged in conduct which endangers the physical or 

emotional well-being of the child[.]” Id. § 161.001(b)(1)(E). The Texas Supreme 

Court has explained that “‘endanger’ means to expose to loss or injury; to 

jeopardize.”Tex. Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533 (Tex. 

1987)(citation omitted). To endanger a child, “it is not necessary that the conduct 

be directed at the child or that the child actually suffers injury.” Id.

“Subsection D requires the endangerment to the child to be a direct result of 

the child’s environment.” See Interest of J.H., No. 09-20-00056-CV, 2020 WL 

4516860, at *10 (Tex. App.—Beaumont Aug. 6, 2020, no pet.) (mem. op.)(citation 

omitted). “Endangerment under subsection (D) arises from a child’s environment 

and a parent’s disregard for the potential for danger created by the 

environment.” Interest of I.V.H., No. 01-19-00281-CV, 2019 WL 4677363, at *5 
22

(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Sept. 26, 2019, pet. denied) (mem. op.)(citation 

omitted). We consider the child’s environment before the Department obtained 

custody in our subsection D endangerment analysis. See Interest of J.L.V., 2020 WL 

1161098, at *10. Under subsection D, termination may be based on a parent’s single 

act or omission.In re A.B., 125 S.W.3d 769, 776 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2003, pet. 

denied). It is unnecessary that a parent know with certainty the child is in an 

endangering environment; instead, awareness of the potential for danger and 

disregarding the risk is enough to show endangering conduct. See In re J.H., 2020 

WL 4516860, at *10.

To terminate a parent’s rights under subsection E, the evidence must “show a 

conscious course of conduct.” In re C.M.C., 554 S.W.3d at 172 (citing In re J.T.G., 

121 S.W.3d 117, 125 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.)). In our analysis of 

subsection E, we may consider actions occurring before and after a child’s birth to 

establish a “course of conduct.” See id. (citation omitted).

Evidence of a parent’s drug use can support the conclusion that the child’s 

surroundings endanger her physical or emotional well-being under subsection D and 

qualify as a “voluntary, deliberate, and conscious course of conduct endangering the 

child’s well-being under subsection (E).” In re C.V.L., 591 S.W.3d 734, 751 (Tex. 

App.—Dallas 2019, pet. denied)(citation omitted). A parent’s continued drug use 

after the child’s removal is conduct that risks parental rights and may support an 
23

endangering course of conduct under E. See Cervantes-Peterson v. Tex. Dep’t of 

Family & Protective Servs., 221 S.W.3d 244, 253 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 

2006, no pet.)(noting that mother’s continued narcotics use after child’s removal in 

the face of drug testing, jeopardized her relationship with her child). The family had 

a lengthy CPS history going back many years, and the children had been removed 

repeatedly, beginning when C.P. tested positive for marijuana at birth. Mother 

refused to submit to drug testing during this case’s pendency, despite the service 

plan’s requirement for random drug testing and the caseworker’s monthly requests. 

The trial court may infer from these refusals that Mother was using drugs. See In re 

K.C.B., 280 S.W.3d 888, 895 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2009, pet. denied) (noting trial 

court may infer from parent’s refusal to submit to drug test that they are using drugs).

“Domestic violence and a propensity for violence may be considered evidence 

of endangerment, even if the endangering acts did not occur in the child’s presence, 

were not directed at the child, or did not cause actual injury to the child.”In re K.A.R., 

No. 04–17–00723–CV,2018 WL 1733147, at *3 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Apr. 11, 

2018, pet. denied) (mem. op.); see Boyd, 727 S.W.2d at 533. Abusive or violent 

conduct by a parent or other resident of a child’s home can produce an environment 

endangering the child’s physical or emotional well-being. In re K.A.S., 131 S.W.3d 

215, 222 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied). Both parents admitted during 

trial to a history of domestic violence, and both had been arrested for it. 
24

Documentary evidence showed that Father violated a domestic violence protective 

order. The trial court also heard evidence ofC.P.’s violent outburst in the home. The 

trial court could have reasonably concluded the history of domestic violence in the 

home endangered the children. See id.

Mental illness alone is not a ground for terminating the parent-child 

relationship, but untreated mental illness can expose a child to endangerment and is 

a factor the court may consider. In re S.R., 452 S.W.3d 351, 363 (Tex. App.—

Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. denied). Despite multiple mental illness diagnoses

and regularly seeing a psychiatrist, Mother failed to consistently take her medication.

The caseworker observed significant changes in Mother’s behavior when she did not 

take her medicationslike sendingmultiple profane text messagesto the caseworker. 

Under these facts, the trial court could have concluded Mother’s failure to comply 

with mental health treatment exposed her children to endangerment. See id.

“Sexual abuse is conduct that endangers a child’s physical or emotional wellbeing.” In re E.A.G., 373 S.W.3d 129, 143 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2012, pet. 

denied) (citations omitted). Sexual assault of a child in the home is conduct the court 

can infer will endanger the physical and emotional well-being of other children in 

the home who may either discover the abuse or be abused themselves. Id. Evidence

established that J.L. and T.P. sexually abused their siblings. See In re R.W., 129 

S.W.3d 732, 742 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied) (noting evidence of one 
25

child’s sexual abuse is sufficient to support an endangerment finding as to other 

children). Despite Mother denying this at trial, multiple witnesses testified that 

Mother admitted this abuse occurred in her home, and she waited a month to report 

the abuse to authorities. The evidence showed neither parent was protective of the 

children when it came to the sexual abuse. Both CASA advocates and the caseworker 

testified they had concerns about B.P. and T.P. returning to their parents’ home and 

feared the cycle of abuse would continue. C.P. confirmed both she and a sibling had 

been sexually abused. She also testified regarding J.L. touching her siblings and that 

her parents assured her it would be “handled.” 

The evidence of the parents’ drug use, domestic violence, and sexual abuse

was sufficient for the trial court to conclude that Mother had exposed B.P. and T.P.

to risk of loss or injury. SeeBoyd, 727 S.W.2d at 533. Viewing the evidence in the 

light most favorable to the trial court’sfindings, we conclude that the factfinder

could reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction that Mother(1) knowingly 

placed or knowingly allowed the children to remain in conditions or surroundings 

which endangered their physical or emotional well-being and (2) engaged in conduct 

or knowingly placed the children with persons who engaged in conduct that 

endangered the children’s physical or emotional well-being. See Tex. Fam. Code 

Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E); see also In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266;In re J.T.G., 

121 S.W.3d at 125. Further, considering the entire record, we conclude the disputed 
26

evidence is not so significant as to prevent the trial court from forming a firm belief 

or conviction that termination of Mother’s parental rights was warranted under 

subsection D and E. See In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266.

We overrule Mother’s first and second issues and decline to address her third 

and fourth issues. See In re J.S., No. 09-20-00294-CV, 2021 WL 2371244, at *9–10

(Tex. App.—Beaumont June 10, 2021, no pet.) (mem. op.)(noting if there are 

multiple predicate grounds, we will affirm based on any one ground as only one is 

necessary to terminate parental rights); see also Tex. R. App. P. 47.1 (requiring 

appellate courts to issue a written opinion as brief as practicable that addresses all 

issues necessary to the appeal’s disposition).

Best Interest

Both parents challenge the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence 

supporting the trial court’s best interest finding. Trial courts have wide latitude in 

determining the children’s best interest.See Gillespie v. Gillespie, 644 S.W.2d 449, 

451 (Tex. 1982). There is a strong presumption that the children’s best interest is 

served by keeping them with their parent. In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 

2006)(citing Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 153.151);In re D.R.A., 374 S.W.3d 528, 533 

(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.); see also Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 

153.131(b). Prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe environment is 

also presumed to be in the child’s best interest. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307(a). 
27

The parents contend the Department’s evidence fails to address all the Holley

factors. The Family Code outlines factors to be considered in determining whether 

a parent is willing and able to provide a safe environment for the children. See id. § 

263.307(b). Several other nonexclusive factors may be considered a best interest 

analysis, including: (1) the desires of the children; (2) the emotional and physical 

needs of the children now and in the future; (3) the emotional and physical danger 

to the children now and in the future; (4) the parental abilities of the individuals 

seeking custody; (5) the programs available to assist these individuals to promote 

the best interest of the children;(6) the plans for the children by these individuals or 

by the agency seeking custody;(7) the stability of the home or proposed placement;

(8) the parent’s acts or omissions that may indicate that the existing parent-child

relationship is not a proper one; and (9) any excuse for the parent’s acts or omissions.

See Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976);see also In re A.C., 560 

S.W.3d 624, 631 (Tex. 2018)(characterizing theHolley factors as “nonexclusive”). 

No particularHolley factor is controlling, and evidence of one factor may be enough 

to support a finding that termination is in the children’s best interest.See M.C. v. 

Tex. Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., 300 S.W.3d 305, 311 (Tex. App.—El Paso 

2009, pet. denied)(“Undisputed evidence of just one factor may be sufficient to 

support a finding that termination is in the best interest of a child.”) (citations 

omitted); see also In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27.
28

We may consider circumstantial evidence, subjective factors, and the totality 

of the evidence in our best interest analysis.See In re N.R.T., 338 S.W.3d 667, 677 

(Tex. App.—Amarillo 2011, no pet.). A parent’s past conduct is relevant to 

determining the parent’s present and future ability to care for a child. See In re C.H., 

89 S.W.3d at 28. Evidence supporting the statutory grounds for termination may also 

be used to support a finding that the best interest of the child warrants termination 

of the parent-child relationship.See id.

We have previously explained the trial evidence shows Father’s history of 

drug use, domestic violence, and continued denials of the sexual abuse occurring 

between the children. Additionally, Father saw nothing wrong with the children 

returning to live in the same home with the siblings that sexually abused them. 

Father did not know the terms of T.P.’s probation, which prohibited him from being 

unsupervised with other minors. When asked what his plans were for dealing with 

B.P. and T.P. if they returned to his home, Father said the children were removed 

for no reason.

Likewise, the evidence showed Mother’s inappropriate relationship with T.P., 

her refusal to submit to drug testing, her refusal to consistently take medication to 

control her mental illness, her domestic violence against Father, and that she waited 
29

a month to report T.P. was sexually abusing B.P. The evidence also showed that C.P. 

was arrested and placed in CPS custody for threatening Mother with a pickax.4

While evidence of placement plans and adoption are relevant to best interest,

the lack of evidence about definitive plans for permanent placement and adoption 

cannot be the dispositive factor. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28.Otherwise, best interest 

determinations would regularly be subject to reversal on the sole basis that an 

adoptive family cannot yet be located. Id. Instead, we ask whether, on the entire 

record, a factfinder could reasonably form a firm conviction or belief that 

termination of the parent’s rights is in the child’s best interest—even if the agency 

is unable to identify with precision the child’s future home environment. See id.

Although permanent placements were not finalfor the children, the caseworker and 

CASA volunteers described potential adoptive options for B.P. and T.P. The 

testimony established that the children’s needs were being met in their current 

placements, including ongoing therapy. The CASA volunteers and caseworker 

testified it was in B.P. and T.P.’s best interest for both parents’ rights to be 

4To the extent the parents argue that C.P.’s return to their home is proof that 

termination is not in the best interest of B.P. and T.P., we disagree. The evidence at 

trial established that C.P. struggled with severe behavioral issues, which made 

placing her difficult while in CPS care. The evidence further established that C.P. 

ran away while in CPS care and from her parents, which led her to being sex 

trafficked on both occasions. The testimony went to C.P.’s unique circumstances. 

The fact that she returned to her parents’ home on a monitored basis did not mean it 

was in B.P. and T.P.’s best interest to do so. 
30

terminated. Specifically, they were concerned about the pattern of abuse continuing 

and saw nothing that made them believe circumstances had changed in Mother’s and 

Father’s home. 

Considering the evidence related to best interest, deferring to the trial court’s 

determinations on witness credibility, the resolution of conflicts in the evidence, and 

the weight given to the testimony, we conclude that the statutory andHolley factors 

weigh in favor of the trial court’s finding that termination is in the children’s best 

interest. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §§ 161.001(b)(2), 263.307(a), (b);Holley, 544 

S.W.2d at 371–72. The trial court could have reasonably formed a firm belief or 

conviction that termination of Mother’s and Father’s parental rights was in B.P.’s 

and T.P.’s best interest. See In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28;In re S.Q., No. 13-01-156-

CV, 2001 WL 1559232, at *4 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi Dec. 6, 2001, no pet.) 

(mem. op.) (concluding termination was in children’s best interest where evidence 

showed mother failed to supervise children, older siblings sexually abused younger

sisters, and children had behavioral problems, among other things). We overrule 

Mother’s fifth issue and Father’s sole issue.
31

Conclusion

Having overruled Mother’s challenge to the legal and factual sufficiency of 

the evidence supporting predicate grounds D and E and both parents’ challenge to 

the trial court’s best interest finding, we affirm the trial court’s termination order.

AFFIRMED.

 ________________________________

 W. SCOTT GOLEMON

 Chief Justice

 

Submitted on May 31, 2022

Opinion Delivered June 23, 2022

Before Golemon, C.J., Horton, and Johnson, JJ.