Opinion ID: 1901502
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Unfitness Determination

Text: Catherine alleges that the trial justice's finding of unfitness based on chronic substance abuse and DCYF's custody of Shawn for more than twelve months without a substantial probability of his safe return within a reasonable period was both clearly wrong and unsupported by the evidence in the record. According to Catherine, her drug abuse amounted to nothing more than an occasional lapse; and she contends that there was not one scintilla of evidence indicating that Shawn could not be returned safely within a reasonable period. We cannot agree with these contentions.
With respect to the finding of unfitness because of chronic substance abuse, this Court has defined the term chronic as [w]ith reference to diseases, of long duration, or characterized by slowly progressive symptoms; deep seated and obstinate, or threatening a long continuance   . In re Tara P., 836 A.2d 219, 223 (R.I.2003) (quoting In re Suebun V., 766 A.2d 939, 943 (R.I.2001) and Black's Law Dictionary 941-42 (6th ed. 1990)). After reviewing the record, we are satisfied that the trial justice's finding of chronic substance abuse is supported by legal and competent evidence. Catherine's CODAC records indicate that she first began using cocaine at age nineteen; she is now forty years old and has been using drugs for more than half her life. Although Catherine alleges that she experiences only occasional lapses from sobriety, the record does not support this argument. Catherine's slips are anything but isolated events; she has tested positive for cocaine on several occasions. Given her consistent failure to submit to testing, this is a significant factor that weighs against her. Although Catherine was required to undergo two tests per week in accordance with her agreement with DCYF, her caseworker testified that Catherine failed to comply with that agreement. Moreover, mother initially refused to release her most recent CODAC records to DCYF. She ultimately authorized their release after the trial started. Additionally, Catherine was discharged from several rehabilitative programs, including CODAC, PROCAP, and The Providence Center. These failed efforts were paralleled by three stints in jail. We note that mother's most recent positive drug screen occurred only six days before trial. The general consensus among rehabilitative service providers was that Catherine requires more intensive substance abuse counseling. We are satisfied that there is abundant evidence in the record to support the trial justice's finding of chronic substance abuse by clear and convincing evidence.
Catherine contends that there was not one scintilla of evidence to support the finding that Shawn could not be returned safely within a reasonable period. Contrary to Catherine's contention, this record is replete with clear and convincing evidence that there is not a substantial probability that the child will be able to return safely to the [mother's] care within a reasonable period of time considering the child's age and the need for a permanent home[.] Section 15-7-7(a)(3). The trial justice found that Shawn was in DCYF custody for more than a year and that Catherine was offered or received services to address the reasons for Shawn's placement. Despite these services, the trial justice concluded that Shawn cannot be successfully returned to his mother within a reasonable period of time based upon the mother's prognosis. Specifically, the trial justice noted that, with the exception of a ten-week period, Shawn has been in state custody since 1999 and that Catherine failed to fully avail herself of DCYF's reasonable efforts toward reunification. The trial justice also noted that Catherine consistently failed to follow through with substance abuse treatment, refused to release her CODAC records to DCYF, and had a positive drug screen only six days before the trial. The trial justice found that mother failed to acknowledge her self-destructive and addictive behavior, a finding that defeats any suggestion that Shawn could be returned to her within a reasonable time. Given the foregoing, and in recognition of Shawn's age and need for permanency, the trial justice concluded that Catherine was unfit to parent Shawn in accordance with 15-7-7(a)(3)a finding with which this Court agrees.