Opinion ID: 1874397
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Neglect of S.M.H. by Failing to Provide Care, Custody, or Support.

Text: The trial court also found that the evidence supported the allegation in the petition that termination was proper under section 211.447.4(2) because there has been a repeated and/or continuous failure by [Father] although physically or financially able, to provide the said child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or other care and control necessary for the said child's physical, mental or emotional health and development. In determining whether to terminate parental rights based on abuse or neglect the court considers four factors. Sec. 211.447.4(2). These factors include whether the parent has: (a) a mental condition that renders the parent unable to care for the child that is unlikely to improve in the future; (b) a chemical dependency of similar nature; (c) whether the parent engaged in severe or recurrent acts of physical, emotional or sexual abuse towards the child or any child in the family; or (d) whether there was a repeated or continuous failure by the parent, although physically or financially able, to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or education. Id. The petition alleged that Father neglected the child under (d), stating that Father had repeatedly and continuously failed, though physically or financially able to do so, to contribute to the costs of care and maintenance for the child. The record does not support this basis for termination. In finding a failure to support, the court cited only the testimony of Michelle Dean, who currently had custody of the child and is seeking to adopt her, that in the three months between when she indicated that she wanted to adopt S.M.H. in the fall of 2003 and the court hearing in December 2003, Father had contributed only approximately $500 for support of S.M.H. and this was insufficient to pay Mrs. Dean's child care and other costs during that period. This testimony was insufficient to provide a basis for termination under the statute. The Division's argument in this Court seems to assume that, in order to avoid termination under section 211.447.4(2)(d), a parent must provide the full amount that would be necessary to support a child had a child support order been entered. The issue here is not a failure to pay court-ordered child support, however. Indeed, Father was only under a child support order for a two-month period in late 2002. Thereafter, he regained physical custody of S.M.H. and his support obligation was terminated. Rather, the issue under 211.447.4(2)(d) is whether the parent has fulfilled his affirmative duty to support, communicate with, and visit the child. In the Interest of A.S., 38 S.W.3d 478, 484 (Mo.App. S.D.2001). The financial support of a child is a continuing obligation. In the Interest of Q.M.B. and Q.T.P, 85 S.W.3d 654, 660 (Mo.App. W.D.2002). If a parent is unable to pay for all of a child's financial needs, he or she has a duty to provide as much as he or she reasonably can. Id. Evidence that a parent has provided some contribution, even if not fully sufficient for support, demonstrates the parent's intent to continue the parent-child relationship and militates against termination. In the Interest of J.M.L., 917 S.W.2d 193, 196 (Mo.App. W.D.1996). Further, termination of parental rights is not permitted to be based on only occasional lack of support. It must be based on a repeated or continuous failure... although physically or financially able, to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter or education as provided by law. Sec. 211.447.4(2)(d). Here, in addition to providing some $500 during the three months before the final hearing, Mrs. Dean testified that when S.M.H. began living with her in July 2002, Father paid all her daycare expenses and would bring home diapers from Schnuck's, along with apple juice, cookies, and other items. She also testified that since June 2003 Father had provided her with checks totaling $900.00, a $200.00 gift card for Schnuck's, and had bought diapers and shoes for S.M.H. [6] In response to a question as to what items at the Deans' home were purchased by Father, Mrs. Dean stated Father bought a bouncer, a slide, an activity center, a stroller, three or four toys, and a baby ring. Furthermore, at the termination hearing in December 2003, Mrs. Dean testified that Father currently carried health insurance on S.M.H. and that she has an insurance card for S.M.H. that she could use, but that she chooses not to use it because the co-pay was outrageous. Instead, Mrs. Dean testified that she voluntarily pays for S.M.H. to receive healthcare outside of the insurance that is provided for by Father. She also voluntarily chose to send her to a day care that cost $125 per week. While this was commendable, failure to pay for such care does not mean that Father failed to support his daughter on a repeated or continuing basis, as required by the statute. Finally, there was substantial evidence that, while Father's gross income from his landscaping work was over $40,000 per year, his expenses reduced his net income from that employment to around $10,000, and his total income for that year was about $27,000. Indeed, the Division cited the lack of a greater income as a reason for concern as to whether Father could adequately support S.M.H. with his preferred type of employment. The record also shows that the Division wanted Father to find a more appropriate housing situation for his daughter to live in, which he did, during the period in which the court found a lack of support, by buying a house for S.M.H. to move into with him if he regained custody. No showing was made that he had additional funds after finding such housing that he should have used for his daughter's further support, nor does it show what other unreimbursed costs Mrs. Dean incurred in providing necessary care for S.M.H. The record does not support a claim of failure to provide financial support so great as to provide a basis for termination under section 211.447.4.2(d). [7]