Opinion ID: 1649129
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Shawna's Inaccurate Reporting of Symptoms

Text: Finally, our review of the record indicates that Shawna's alleged inconsistent reporting of symptoms did not rise to the level of intentionally falsifying symptoms and that the inconsistencies are often overstated or misstated. For example, Clark and the family support worker testified that in separate instances, Shawna had reported a higher temperature to DHHS than was recorded by a medical provider. Yet, in one of those instances, the doctor noted Shawna reported Shelby had a higher temperature the day before Shelby was seen. In our de novo review, we conclude that Shawna's alleged inconsistencies simply do not reflect the type of inaccurate reporting that supports the termination of a parent's rights. We determine that the State has failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence grounds for termination of Shawna's parental rights under subsection (6). Nor has the State proved that it is otherwise in Shelby's best interests to terminate Shawna's parental rights. The record shows that during the time Shelby was in foster care, Shawna, on her own initiative, paid to take three parenting courses to improve her parenting skills. Clark admitted that Shawna had followed through with the therapy required by DHHS and had been released from treatment. Both Clark's testimony and the record support Shawna's contention that during reunification, she was more likely to try to comfort Shelby before seeking medical treatment and greatly reduced the times she took Shelby to the doctor. Further, the evidence is uncontroverted that Shelby and Shawna are bonded and have positive interactions, and DHHS has stated on two occasions that it was in Shelby's best interests to maintain her relationship with Shawna because of their positive relationship and their family network. We conclude that the State has failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the termination of Shawna's parental rights was in Shelby's best interests.