Opinion ID: 1694962
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: termination under article 1015(5)

Text: The specific statutory ground on which the state relies in this case is La. Ch.C. art. 1015(5), quoted above, which sets forth a three-pronged requirement for termination. [14] The first prong simply requires the lapse of a year and is not disputed. Rather, the dispute is over the second pronglack of substantial parental compliance with a court-approved case planand the third pronglack of a reasonable expectation of significant improvement in the near future. The substantive elements proving lack of substantial parental compliance with a court-approved case plan are enumerated in La. Ch.C. art. 1036(C), which provides that this prong may be evidenced by one or more of the following: (1) The parent's failure to attend court-approved scheduled visitations with the child. (2) The parent's failure to communicate with the child. (3) The parent's failure to keep the department apprised of the parent's whereabouts and significant changes affecting the parent's ability to comply with the case plan for services. (4) The parent's failure to contribute to the costs of the child's foster care, if ordered to do so by the court when approving the case plan. (5) The parent's repeated failure to comply with the required program of treatment and rehabilitation services provided in the case plan. (6) The parent's lack of substantial improvement in redressing the problems preventing reunification. (Emphasis supplied). See La. Ch.C. art. 1036, Official Cmt. c (noting this is a relatively new provision that was meant to clarify vague terms such as no significant, substantial indication of reformation.). Likewise, the substantive elements proving lack of a reasonable expectation of significant improvement in the near future are enumerated in La. Ch.C. art. 1036(D), which provides that this prong may be evidenced by one or more of the following: (1) Any physical or mental illness, mental deficiency, substance abuse, or chemical dependency that renders the parent unable or incapable of exercising parental responsibilities without exposing the child to a substantial risk of serious harm, based upon expert opinion or based upon an established pattern of behavior. (2) A pattern of repeated incarceration of the parent that has rendered the parent unable to care for the immediate and continuing physical or emotional needs of the child for extended periods of time. (3) Any other condition or conduct that reasonably indicates that the parent is unable or unwilling to provide an adequate permanent home for the child, based upon expert opinion or based upon an established pattern of behavior. As noted, the specific issue is whether the trial court was manifestly erroneous in finding that the state proved that Sadie failed to substantially improve or would likely improve in the near future by clear and convincing evidence. See La. Ch.C. art. 1036(C)(6). OCS's position is that Sadie simply walked through the motions and was simply physically, passively present at the various services provided. As a result, OCS argues that she made no substantial gains from the services in terms of improving her parenting skills that led to removal of the children. In support of that position, OCS observed that the service providers reported Sadie's failure to progress. Agreeing, the trial court found the state carried its burden of proving that Sadie failed to make substantial progress and that she was unlikely to improve in the near future. Based on our thorough review of the record, we conclude that the court of appeal erred in finding that conclusion manifestly erroneous. The record completely supports the trial court's factual finding. Illustrative, Dr. Simoneaux testified that he evaluated Sadie for a second time in July 1999. At that time, she apparently was taking her medication because she was more organized and together than before. Nonetheless, he testified that she was still delusional, that her demeanor changes for the worst when in stressful situations, and that she was not making significant progress to reward placing the children back in the home. Accordingly, we conclude that the state carried its burden of proving the three prong requirements for termination under La. Ch.C. art. 1015(5) by clear and convincing evidence. Nonetheless, we address the sub-issue raised of whether in light of Sadie's mental deficiency the state had a duty to tailor the case plan to meet her particular needs.