Court Opinion

ID: 4064913
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-29 21:41:25.426108+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:31:45.324663
License: Public Domain

ACCEPTED
                                                                             14-14-01029-CV
                                                             FOURTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                          HOUSTON, TEXAS
                                                                        4/27/2015 3:47:48 PM
                                                                       CHRISTOPHER PRINE
                                                                                      CLERK

                       Nos. 14-14-01029-CV,
                       and 14-14-01030-CV
   __________________________________________________________
                                                      FILED IN
                                            14th COURT OF APPEALS
                                               HOUSTON, TEXAS
                  IN THE COURT OF APPEALS   4/27/2015 3:47:48 PM
          FOR   THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
                                            CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE
                     OF TEXAS AT HOUSTON             Clerk
   __________________________________________________________

                      IN THE INTEREST OF
                          A.L.H., A Child
   __________________________________________________________

                     T.H. and L.M., Appellants

                                v.

  DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES, Appellee
   __________________________________________________________

APPEALED FROM THE 315th DISTRICT COURT OF HARRIS COUNTY,
                TEXAS, Trial Cause No. 2014-00466J
   __________________________________________________________

                      APPELLEE’S BRIEF

                              VINCE RYAN, COUNTY ATTORNEY
                              State Bar #99999939
                              By: Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd
                              Assistant County Attorney
                              State Bar #24067652
                              1019 Congress, 17th Floor
                              Houston, Texas 77002
                              Phone: 713/274-5292; Fax: 713/437-4700
                              Email: robert.hazeltine-shedd@cao.hctx.net
                              Attorney for Appellee
                              Texas Department of Family
                                     and Protective Services

[ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED IF DEEMED NECESSARY]
                                         TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents ...................................................................................................... ii

Index of Authorities ..................................................................................................iv

Reply Points ..............................................................................................................vi

Statement of Facts ...................................................................................................... 1

Summary of Argument ............................................................................................. 10

Argument and Authorities ........................................................................................ 18
Reply Point One: There was sufficient evidence to support the trial
court’s termination of the appellant Mother’s parental rights under
section 161.001(1)(K) of the Texas Family Code ................................................ 18

     1. Applicable Law and Scope of Review. ......................................................... 18

     2. Termination of the appellant Mother’s rights was warranted where her
     affidavit of relinquishment was executed in accordance with what is
     required by law, it was admitted into evidence without objection, and the
     mother presented no evidence that it was made involuntarily as she
     claims on appeal.................................................................................................20

     3. There was sufficient evidence supporting that termination of the
     appellant Mother’s rights was in the child’s best interest where she
     executed an affidavit of relinquishment, averred in the affidavit that
     termination was in the child’s best interest, failed to appear at trial or
     present any evidence, and the Department’s plans for the child indicated
     his best interest would be served by terminating the Mother’s rights…. .......... 24

Reply Point Two: There was sufficient evidence to support the trial
court’s termination of the appellant Father’s parental rights under
section 161.001(1)(N) of the Texas Family Code ................................................. 29

                                                             ii
     1. The fact that the Department named a relative who was able to care
     for A.L.H. did not preclude the trial court’s finding that L.M. lacked the
     ability to provide the child with a safe environment under subsection (N)
     where L.M. failed to participate in any meaningful way in the case, was
     not incarcerated, and there was no evidence that the relative’s
     willingness to provide care resulted from any arrangement with L.M.. ........... 29

     2. The record demonstrates sufficient evidence supporting that the
     Department made reasonable efforts to return the child to L.M. where
     the Department served L.M. with notice of the case, sought to establish
     L.M.’s paternity, evaluated possible relative placements, and sought to
     have the child placed with L.M.’s sister, particularly where L.M.’s
     conduct indicated he had little interest in his child’s return... ........................... 36
Reply Point Three: Though review of this ground is unnecessary, there
was sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s termination of the
Appellant Father’s parental rights under 161.001(1)(D) of the Texas
Family Code. ........................................................................................................... 41

Prayer for Relief ....................................................................................................... 45

Certificate of Service ............................................................................................... 46

Certificate of Compliance with Word Count ........................................................... 46

                                                            iii
                                     INDEX OF AUTHORITIES

CASES                                                                                                         PAGE

Brown v. McLennan County Children's Protective Services,
627 S.W.2d 390 (Tex. 1982) ..............................................................................12, 25

Denman v. Alternatives In Motion, 14-99-01262-CV, 2001 WL 40350 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 18, 2001, no pet.) ........................11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367 (Tex. 1976) ......................................24, 25, 27, 28

In re A.G.C., 279 S.W.3d 441 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2009, no pet.)12, 25

In re. A.S., 261 S.W.3d 76 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, pet. denied) 30, 40, 42

In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355 (Tex. 2003).................................................................... 41

In re B.B., 971 S.W.2d 160 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 1998, pet. denied) .................. 42

In re. B.S.T., 977 S.W.2d 481 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1998,
no pet.)..............................................................................................15, 36, 37, 38, 39

In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17 (Tex. 2002) ..........................................................15, 18, 37

In re. D.A., No. 02-09-00460-CV, 2010 WL 3618718 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth
September 16, 2010, no pet.) ...........................................................15, 36, 37, 38, 39

In re. D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d 567 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2003, no pet.) ....14, 30, 31, 34

In re D.Z.R.-M., 14-13-01084-CV, 2014 WL 1390289 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] Apr. 8, 2014, no pet.) ............................................................................ 34

In re F.L.I., 01-97-01192-CV, 1998 WL 418094, at *1
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] July 23, 1998, no pet.) .............................21, 23, 24

In re. H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 110 (Tex. 2006) ...............................................32, 33

In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256 (Tex. 2002) ............................................................18, 19

                                                          iv
In re. K.J.T.M., 06-09-00104-CV, 2010 WL 1664027 (Tex. App.—
Texarkana Apr. 27, 2010, no pet.) ............................................................................ 40

In re M.R.J.M., 280 S.W.3d 494, 502 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2009, no pet.) ...... 42

In re M.T.W., 01-11-00162-CV, 2011 WL 6938542 (Tex. App.—
Houston [1st Dist.] Dec. 29, 2011, no pet.) ............................................................. 42

In re. R.L.T., No. 07-02-0332-CV, slip op. at 3-4, 2003 WL 21458782 (Tex. App.—
Amarillo June 24, 2003, no pet.) ........................................................................... 31, 32, 33

In re S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d 472 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.) ... 42

In re. V.D.A., 14-14-00561-CV, 2014 WL 7347776 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] December 23, 2014, no pet.) ........................................................ 14, 29, 30, 33

Montes v. Dep't of Family & Protective Services, 01-10-00643-CV, 2011 WL
2089721 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] May 19, 2011, no pet.) ....... 11, 20, 23, 24

Texas Dep't of Human Servs. v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531 (Tex.1987) ........................ 41

STATUTES

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 101.007 (West 2008) .......................................................... 19

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001 (West 2008) .................... 18, 20, 28, 29, 32, 41, 42

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.103 (West 2008) ........................................ 11, 20, 31, 22

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.211 (West 2008) ......................................... 11, 20, 22, 24

                                                          v
                           REPLY POINT ONE
There was sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s termination of the
appellant Mother’s parental rights under section 161.001(1)(K) of the Texas
Family Code.

                           REPLY POINT TWO
There was sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s termination of the
appellant Father’s parental rights under section 161.001(1)(N) of the Texas
Family Code.

                             REPLY POINT THREE
Though review of this ground is unnecessary, there was sufficient evidence to
support the trial court’s termination of the Appellant Father’s parental rights
under 161.001(1)(D) of the Texas Family Code.

                                       vi
                            Nos. 14-14-01029-CV,
                            and 14-14-01030-CV
        __________________________________________________________

                       IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
               FOR THE FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
                         OF TEXAS AT HOUSTON
        __________________________________________________________

                           IN THE INTEREST OF
                               A.L.H., A Child
        __________________________________________________________
                                 T.H. and L.M., Appellants
                                                v.
       DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY & PROTECTIVE SERVICES, Appellee
        __________________________________________________________

    APPEALED FROM THE 315th DISTRICT COURT OF HARRIS COUNTY,
                    TEXAS, Trial Cause No. 2014-00466J
       __________________________________________________________

                                   APPELLEE’S BRIEF

TO THE HONORABLE JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEALS:

         Department of Family & Protective Services, Appellee, [hereinafter

“Department”] submits this brief in response to the Appellant Brief.

                                 STATEMENT OF FACTS

         This appeal involves the child, A.L.H., who came to the Department’s

attention in January of 2014 when he was four months old. RR, pp.7, 13. 1 Before

1
    Citations to the Reporter’s Record are made to the one volume in which the transcript of the
                                               -1-
A.L.H. was born, his mother, T.H., and father2, L.M., had three other children all

of whom had been removed from their custody because of T.H.’s use of drugs.

RR, p.10. At the time this case went to trial, one of A.L.H.’s siblings was placed

with a relative, one was in a foster home, and the third had been adopted by foster

parents. Id. at 16-17. According to the Department’s caseworker, Amy Zachmeyer,

the Department made an investigation regarding A.L.H. following a report that the

child was subject to medical neglect. RR, p.11. Though the Department ruled out

that the child was medically neglected, A.L.H. was nonetheless placed in the

Department’s custody because of ongoing concerns regarding the mother’s drug

use. Id. Zachmeyer’s testimony reflects that T.H. attempted to evade the

Department’s drug screens, and refused to submit to hair follicle drug testing. RR,

p.11.    This conduct, in combination with T.H.’s previous history, resulted in

A.L.H.’s placement in the Department’s conservatorship on January 30, 2014. Id.;

trial proceedings appears. Citations will be abbreviated “RR” followed by a notation of the page
on which the cited material appears. Similarly, citations to material appearing in the Clerk’s
Record will be abbreviated with “CR” followed by the appropriate page number.
2
  When this case was initiated by the Department, its petition reflected that L.M.’s paternity had
not yet been established. CR 4-5. Accordingly it named him as an alleged father and made the
request that the court determine L.M.’s paternity. CR 4-5. The trial court’s file contains two
orders reflecting actions the court took pursuant to this request. Neither of these orders appears
in the clerk’s record in this appeal, but they are attached to this brief as Attachments 2 and 3, and
a request to supplement the record has been made. The first order was entered on February 13,
2014 and required L.M. to submit to paternity testing. Attachment 2. The record reflects that
L.M. failed to comply with this order as the court again ordered paternity testing on October 7,
2014, this time however requiring Ms. Moore, A.L.H.’s paternal aunt, to submit to the testing.
Attachment 3. In addition, the Department’s caseworker, Amy Zachmeyer testified that it was
only through the aunt’s provision of a DNA sample that the court was able to adjudicate L.M. as
A.L.H.’s father. RR, p.8.
                                                -2-
see also CR 22-24, 29 (Trial Court’s Order for Protection of a Child in an

Emergency).

      As a result of the parents’ history, which involved prior orders terminating

their parental rights, the Department did not offer T.H. or L.M. rehabilitative

services during the time A.L.H. was in its care. RR, pp.14-15. Nonetheless, the

Department made efforts to keep A.L.H. with his family. RR, pp.12-13. During

the investigation of the report which brought A.L.H. to the Department’s attention,

the child’s paternal Aunt, Maravi Moore, contacted the Department to say that she

was willing to take A.L.H. into her home in Arizona. RR, pp. 6, 21, 30-31. The

Department subsequently requested a study of Ms. Moore’s home from the state of

Arizona, the final results of which it received in August of 2014. RR, pp.12-13.

Based on those results, the Department requested that the court place A.L.H. with

his aunt, and facilitated a visit between the two on the day the case was tried. RR,

pp.12-13, 17, 20.

      By the time of trial, T.H. had executed an Irrevocable Affidavit of Voluntary

Relinquishment of Parental Rights and, according to Zachmeyer’s testimony,

wanted the court to terminate her parental rights to A.L.H. P-Ex 1, p. 93; RR, p.8.

In addition, during the ten months A.L.H. was in the Department’s care, L.M.

never attended a court hearing, never sent anything for the care or support of his

                                        -3-
son, and never requested nor attended a visit with A.L.H.                 RR, p.10, 11-12.

Neither of A.L.H.’s parents was present at trial. RR, p.7.

       The case was tried on December 3, 3014, when A.L.H. was fifteen months

old. RR, pp.1, 78; CR 4-5. Zachmeyer was the first witness to testify. RR, pp.7.

She stated that, at that time, A.L.H. had been in the Department’s care for ten

months and had been residing with his current foster family since the previous

May. RR, p.7, 12. She stated he was bonded to his foster parents and thriving in

their home. RR, p.18. She described the foster home as safe and loving, that

A.L.H. was happy and well cared for there, and said the foster parents would

provide a good adoptive home for the child. RR, p.18, 23.

       It was Zachmeyer’s understanding that T.H., though not present, was asking

the court to terminate her parental rights to A.L.H. on the basis of the voluntary,

irrevocable affidavit of relinquishment that T.H. executed.3 RR, p.7. Zachmeyer

also testified that L.M., who also was not present, had been shown to be A.L.H.’s

father on the basis of a DNA sample that was collected from L.M.’s sister, Ms.

Moore. RR, p.8. It was the Department’s goal for Ms. Moore to adopt A.L.H.

RR, p.9.

3
  The Department placed T.H.’s Irrevocable Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental
Rights in evidence as Petitioner’s Exhibit 1. There were no objections to its admission, and no
other evidence was presented by any party regarding this affidavit.
                                             -4-
      Zachmeyer stated that, though she had never seen L.M. in person, she had

some contact with him during the case. RR, p.9. Her most recent contact with him

was during the preceding month when L.M. called her on the phone. Id. During

that conversation, L.M. informed Zachmeyer that he was not a citizen of the

United States, that the laws of this country did not apply to him, and that the

Department should give his children back. Id. Zachmeyer subsequently indicated

the Department had concerns about L.M.’s mental health. RR, pp.9-10. She

testified that he had not requested to have nor came to any visits with A.L.H., had

not provided the Department with anything for A.L.H.’s care or support during the

pendency of the case, and, though he came to court on one occasion, did not attend

any of the hearings in the case. RR, pp.10, 11-12.

      Zachmeyer stated that L.M. had a total of four children with T.H., and that

all of those children were placed in the Department’s care. Id. She said that the

three children born before A.L.H. came into care as a result of T.H.’s drug use. Id.

Similarly, she described that A.L.H. was placed in the Department’s

conservatorship because of concerns that T.H., “was trying to evade the urine drug

screen by trying to clean her system with cayenne pepper,” and refused to submit

to a hair follicle drug test. RR, p.11. Zachmeyer also testified that, though L.M.

was not present when A.L.H. was born, L.M. knew about the child’s birth and had

reason to believe that leaving A.L.H. with his mother would place the child in

                                        -5-
physical or emotional danger.      RR, p.11.    Nonetheless, L.M. did nothing to

alleviate that concern. Id. It was Zachmeyer’s belief that L.M. knowingly allowed

A.L.H. to remain in a dangerous environment, and constructively abandoned the

child during the time A.L.H. was in the Department’s care. RR, p.14.

      According to Zachmeyer, the Department identified A.L.H.’s aunt as a

possible placement for the child sometime in May of 2014.                 RR, p.12.

Subsequently, the Department requested a study of Ms. Moore’s home be

conducted in Arizona, the results of which the Department received on August 12,

2014 approximately four months before trial. Id. After reviewing the study, the

Department approved it and sought the placement of A.L.H. with his aunt. RR,

pp.12-13. It also facilitated a visit between Ms. Moore and A.L.H. on the morning

of trial. RR, p.13, 17, 20. Zachmeyer described that everything went fine at the

visit and that it was “very appropriate.” Id. She said that it was the Department’s

request of the court that A.L.H. be placed with Ms. Moore. RR, p.14.

      She then testified she believed that terminating L.M. and T.H.’s parental

rights was in A.L.H.’s best interest. RR, p.15. She described that the parents’

conduct showed a history of ongoing drug use and mental health issues, and that

the parents did nothing during the case to mitigate the risk posed to A.L.H. by their

conduct. RR, p.15. Rather, Zachmeyer testified it was in A.L.H.’s best interest to

                                        -6-
be placed with his aunt, so that he could grow up with and know his biological

family. Id.

      The next witness to testify was Ms. Moore, A.L.H.’s paternal aunt. RR,

p.30. Ms. Moore said she found out that A.L.H. was in the Department’s custody

in January of 2014, during the investigation which led to the child’s removal from

his parents’ care. Id. She contacted the Department and told the investigator that

she was available to care for the child. Id. She explained that she was unaware

that she was allowed to visit A.L.H. until later in the case when the court asked her

to provide a DNA sample for genetic testing. RR, p.31.

      Ms. Moore testified that she had “little to no contact” with L.M., and said

she would not allow L.M. to be involved in A.L.H.’s life. RR, p.36. She said she

was aware that L.M. had problems with drugs, that he used crack and cocaine, and

that he had been to jail though she was not certain why. RR, p.39. She described

that, before the Department was involved, A.L.H. had to be cared for by an adult

other than T.H. or L.M. because at one point both parents were in jail. RR, pp. 44-

45. When asked what she would do if either of A.L.H.’s parents, “decided to try to

come back into [A.L.H.’s] life,” Ms. Moore responded, “No. I would not allow it.

Once he is with me, he is considered my son, and just like my other two, I would

protect him…” RR, p.36. She said that, “though my brother wasn’t responsible

for doing the right thing, I want to do the right thing.” RR, p.37.

                                         -7-
      She testified further that she was only aware of two of her brother’s children,

including A.L.H., and was only able to obtain information about their well-being

by contacting the Department because it was her understanding that both were

involved with the Department from birth. RR, pp.41-42. She said a grandmother

had adopted one of the children, and would not speak to Ms. Moore or let Ms.

Moore see the child because, “[the grandmother] doesn’t want anything to do with

my brother.” RR, p.42, 44. Regarding another of A.L.H.’s siblings, a girl, Ms.

Moore was told that the judge would only consider her for placement if L.M. took

a DNA test, which he failed to do. Id. When Ms. Moore offered to take a DNA

test herself, she said the judge would not consider it, “because of what my brother

did in court.” RR, p.43.

      Ms. Moore explained that she was not close to either of her brothers, and

does not communicate with them other than on holidays. RR, p.49-50. When

asked to explain why, she said:

      “To me, you should do everything you can to provide for your
      children. And when you’re not doing that, I have a problem with that.
      And those responsibilities always fall on me. And I’m contacting the
      parent and the mother, actually, and financially I have been provider
      for those kids.”

      RR, p.50.

Ms. Moore then clarified that she was describing both of her brothers, and said she

provided financial support for both of their children. Id.

                                         -8-
      The next witness to testify was A.L.H.’s foster mother. RR, p.53-54. She

said that A.L.H. had been in her home for a little over six months, and that she and

her husband wanted to adopt him. RR, p.54. She felt that he had bonded to her

and her husband, and had grown and matured drastically while in their home. Id.

She felt that it would harm A.L.H.’s well-being were he to be removed from their

home after having lived there for six months. RR, p.55. She described that they

were taking A.L.H. to all of his medical appointments and to a therapist to make

sure he was bonded and growing appropriately for his age. Id. When he first came

to their care, the foster mother testified that he cried all the time, and had a

persistent cough related to pertussis as well as seasonal allergies.      RR, p.59.

Since that time, she said he no longer cries all the time and is a happy little boy.

Id.

      The last witness to testify was A.L.H.’s therapist, Connie Patterson. RR,

p.63. She stated that she provides therapy to post-adopt and foster children on a

contractual basis with the Department. RR, p.63-64. She first met with A.L.H. and

his foster parents on July 23, 2014, and in total met with them five or six times for

an hour on each visit. RR, pp.63-64. She said it was her opinion that A.L.H. was

showing a secure attachment to his foster parents.        RR, p.65-66.     She also

described that the foster parents provided a good, safe, and loving environment for

A.L.H. and it was her recommendation that he stay in their home. RR, p.68.

                                        -9-
      After the close of testimony, the trial court terminated T.H.’s parental rights

under section 161.001(1)(K) of the Texas Family Code and L.M.’s rights under

sections 161.001(1)(D) and (N). Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §§ 161.001(1)(D), (K), (N)

(West 2008). RR, p.82. The court took the issue of whether to place A.L.H. with

his aunt or his foster parents under advisement.      Id. It signed its decree on

December 17, 2014 reflecting the above grounds for termination of the parents’

rights, as well as the finding that termination was in A.L.H.’s best interest under

section 161.001(2) of the Texas Family Code, and named the Department A.L.H.’s

sole managing conservator. CR 123; Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001(2) (West

2008). L.M. filed his notice of appeal on December 24, 2014, and T.H. filed hers

on December 31, 2014. CR 150, 162.

                         SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT

      This brief responds to the contentions raised in the appellant Mother, T.H.’s,

as well as the appellant father, L.M.’s appeals. T.H.’s arguments are that there was

insufficient evidence to support the termination of her parental rights under

subsection (K) of section 161.001(1) of the Texas Family Code. In support, her

brief presents that there was no evidence in the record showing that she voluntarily

executed the affidavit of relinquishment of her parental rights, which was the basis

for the trial court’s termination of those rights. She also contends that there was

insufficient evidence supporting that termination of her rights was in the child’s

                                       - 10 -
best interest. Both of these arguments misapprehend the law applicable to the

court’s findings and fail to acknowledge the evidence supportive of those findings.

      First, while the Department met its burden of proof under subsection (K),

T.H. failed to meet hers. Cases which have analyzed similar challenges have held

that, where the Department places in evidence an affidavit of relinquishment which

meets the requirements of the Texas Family Code, it presents prima facie evidence

of the validity of the affidavit. See Montes v. Dep't of Family & Protective

Services, 01-10-00643-CV, 2011 WL 2089721, at *3 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st

Dist.] May 19, 2011, no pet.); see also Denman v. Alternatives In Motion, 14-99-

01262-CV, 2001 WL 40350, at *2 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 18, 2001,

no pet.); Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.103 (West 2008) (setting forth the legal

requirements for a valid affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights). In order to

attack the affidavit, the affiant must show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that

its execution was the result of fraud, duress, or coercion. Id.; see also Tex. Fam.

Code Ann. §161.211(c) (West 2008) (providing that an attack on such an affidavit

is limited to issues relating to fraud, duress, or coercion).

      In this case, the Department placed in evidence as Petitioner’s Exhibit 1, the

mother’s Irrevocable Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights.

The affidavit comports with the requirements set forth in section 161.103 of the

Family Code, its language states it was voluntarily executed, and the Department’s

                                          - 11 -
caseworker presented evidence at trial, in the mother’s absence, that it was the

mother’s desire that the trial court terminate her parental rights on the basis of the

affidavit. The mother’s attorney presented no objection to the admission of the

affidavit nor to the caseworker’s testimony. And, as acknowledged in T.H.’s brief,

there was no other evidence presented at any time, either at trial or at a hearing on

a motion for new trial, supporting that the affidavit was produced by fraud, duress,

or coercion as required. Given this record, the appellant mother’s brief presents no

basis for finding error in the trial court’s subsection (K) finding.

      The trial court’s best interest finding in support of the termination of T.H.’s

rights is similarly supported by the record. First, previous courts, including this

one, have held that a relinquishment affidavit is itself sufficient evidence to support

that termination of the parent’s rights is in the child’s best interest. Brown v.

McLennan County Children's Protective Services, 627 S.W.2d 390 (Tex. 1982); In

re A.G.C., 279 S.W.3d 441, 452 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2009, no pet.)

citing Brown, 627 S.W.2d 390; Denman v. Alternatives In Motion, 14-99-01262-

CV, 2001 WL 40350, at *2 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 18, 2001, no

pet.). The same rule should be applied in this case where the affidavit itself states

that termination of T.H.’s rights is in A.L.H.’s best interest, T.H. failed to appear at

trial to object to the affidavit or present any evidence attacking it, and the

                                         - 12 -
Department presented uncontested evidence that it was the mother’s desire to have

her parental rights terminated on the basis of the affidavit.

      Nonetheless, the evidence was that A.L.H. was removed from his parents’

care as a result of T.H.’s drug use, that T.H. and L.M. had three previous children,

all of whom had also been removed from their care because of T.H.’s involvement

with drugs, that T.H. did little during this case to show she had improved her

conduct, but executed an affidavit indicating she wished to relinquish her rights to

A.L.H., and failed to appear at trial. In contrast, the record shows the Department

provided A.L.H. with a foster family who provided a loving, stable home for

A.L.H., and who wished to adopt the child. It also located a paternal relative –

A.L.H.’s aunt Ms. Moore, and conducted a study of her home which indicated she

was also willing and able to care for the child. Thus, the Department presented

evidence showing it was able to provide A.L.H. with stability and permanency,

whereas A.L.H.’s mother provided nothing to contest this evidence. The record

therefore contains sufficient support for the trial court’s finding that terminating

T.H.’s parental rights was in A.L.H.’s best interest.

      L.M.’s appeal presents two issues regarding the sufficiency of the evidence

to support the trial court’s termination of his rights under sections 161.001(D) and

(N) of the Texas Family Code. Under section (N), which allows for termination

where a parent constructively abandons a child, L.M.’s brief contends first, that the

                                         - 13 -
evidence failed to reflect that he was unable to provide the child with a safe

environment because A.L.H.’s aunt was available to care for the child; and second

that the Department failed to make reasonable efforts to return the child because it

did not provide L.M. with a family service plan.

       As to L.M.’s first argument, his brief presents no authority for the

proposition that a parent may avoid a subsection (N) finding where a relative is

available to care for the subject child. Cases have held that, when a parent is

incarcerated, he may show his ability to provide the child with a safe environment

by making arrangements with a surrogate caregiver who agrees to provide care on

the parent’s behalf. In re. D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d 567, 573-74 (Tex. App.—Amarillo

2003, no pet.); see also In re. V.D.A., 14-14-00561-CV, 2014 WL 7347776, at *9 (Tex.

App.—Houston [14th Dist.] December 23, 2014, no pet.) (“An incarcerated parent may

provide a safe environment for a child through family members.”). However, there was

no evidence indicating that L.M. was incarcerated at the time of trial, or otherwise

prohibited or rendered incapable of providing A.L.H. with a safe environment. Moreover,

there was nothing in the record indicating that the relative, Ms. Moore, was identified as a

result of any effort engaged in by L.M., or that she was agreeing to care for A.L.H. on

L.M.’s behalf. Rather, her testimony was that she had very limited contact with L.M.,

that if A.L.H. were placed with her she would not allow L.M. to come back into the

child’s life, and would protect the child from L.M.        Given the evidence that L.M.

attended none of the hearings during this case, did not visit or request a visit with A.L.H.

                                           - 14 -
during the ten months the child was placed with the Department, did not provide any

support for A.L.H.’s care, and failed to appear at trial, there was sufficient evidence

presented by the Department that L.M. demonstrated little involvement or interest in

A.L.H.’s welfare, amply showing an inability to provide the child with a safe

environment.

       L.M.’s second argument – that the Department failed to make reasonable efforts to

return A.L.H. to L.M.’s care – should also fail. Though true that the Department did not

provide L.M. with a family service plan, previous cases have demonstrated that such a

failure does not, in itself, indicate a lack of the reasonable efforts required by subsection

(N). See In re. D.A., No. 02-09-00460-CV, 2010 WL 3618718, at * 3-4 (Tex.

App.—Fort Worth September 16, 2010, no pet.) (mem.op.) (affirming termination

of appellant father’s rights though Department provided no family service plan); In

re. B.S.T., 977 S.W.2d 481 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1998, no pet.),

overruled on other grounds by In re. C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 26 (Tex. 2002). In this

case, L.M.’s paternity as to A.L.H. was not established when the child came into

the Department’s care. Nonetheless, the Department served L.M. with its petition,

and requested that the court conduct genetic testing to determine L.M.’s paternity.

The court’s orders reflect the continuing efforts the Department made to that end.

On February 13, 2014, the court ordered L.M. to submit to paternity testing.

However, the record reflects he failed to comply and it was only when the

Department was able to work with A.L.H.’s paternal aunt that the court obtained

                                           - 15 -
the evidence needed to adjudicate L.M.’s paternity. On October 7, 2014, the court

ordered Ms. Moore to submit to genetic testing. Ms. Moore testified that she relied

on the Department’s assistance to get the test completed, and on November 18,

2014, the court entered an order establishing that L.M. was A.L.H.’s father.

      In addition, the Department made significant efforts to return A.L.H. to his

family by conducting a study of L.M.’s sister’s home, and subsequently requesting

at trial that A.L.H. be placed with her. Considering the evidence in the record that

L.M. did not see or try to see A.L.H. for the ten months this case was pending, and

attended none of the hearings in the case, including trial, it was reasonable for the

Department to turn to a relative in order to return A.L.H. to his family because

L.M.’s conduct supported that he had little interest himself in the child’s return. As

efforts similar to those the Department made in this case have been held to be

sufficient in previous cases where fathers show themselves not to be involved in

their child’s life, the trial court’s termination of L.M.’s parental rights under

subsection (N) should be affirmed.

      Lastly, the court need not review the evidence that supports the trial court’s

subsection (D) finding that L.M. knowingly allowed A.L.H. to remain in

endangering conditions or surroundings because the evidence amply supports

termination under subsection (N), and only one of the statutory grounds under

section 161.001(1) is necessary to support termination of L.M.’s parental rights.

                                        - 16 -
Nonetheless, should the court find review of this ground necessary, the record

demonstrates sufficient evidence in support of subsection (D) as well. That

evidence included the Department’s testimony, through Zachmeyer, that L.M.

knowingly allowed A.L.H. to remain in T.H.’s care, even though she had

demonstrated a history of drug use endangering to her previous children. The

record shows that L.M. and T.H. had three children previous to A.L.H., and that all

three were removed from their parents’ care as a result of T.H.’s drug use. When

trial occurred in this case, none of their three previous children were in the parents’

care. Zachmeyer also testified that, though L.M. was not present at A.L.H.’s birth,

he knew of the child. In addition to this evidence was testimony from Ms. Moore,

indicating that L.M.’s conduct created an endangering environment for A.L.H. She

described that L.M. had a problem with drugs, that he used crack cocaine, and that

he also had engaged in criminal conduct resulting in his incarceration before the

Department became involved with A.L.H. She could not identify the crime which

led to L.M.’s incarceration, but stated that he was in jail at the same time that T.H.

was incarcerated, necessitating that another adult provide care for A.L.H. This

evidence was uncontested and, taken together, supported the trial court’s

subsection (D) endangerment finding. As such, the trial court’s termination of

L.M.’s parental rights should be affirmed and the arguments in L.M.s brief

overruled.

                                         - 17 -
                      ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES

REPLY POINT ONE: There was sufficient evidence to support the trial
court’s termination of the appellant Mother’s parental rights under section
161.001(1)(K) of the Texas Family Code.

   1. Applicable Law, and Scope of Review

      Section 161.001 of the Family Code was the statutory basis by which the

Department sought parental termination. CR 2; Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001

(West 2008). Accordingly, Section 161.001 of the Family Code is the focus of the

challenges the parents have brought in this appeal. Section 161.001 of the Family

Code authorizes termination of parental rights on a finding by clear and convincing

evidence that (1) the parent committed at least one of several acts or omissions

listed under section 161.001(1) of the Family Code and (2) that termination is in

the child’s best interest. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001 (West 2008).

      With respect to the applicable standard of review, this court’s standard

considers the clear and convincing burden of proof at trial. See In re C.H., 89
S.W.3d 17, 25 (Tex. 2002) (“burden of proof at trial necessarily affects appellate

review of the evidence.”); In the Interest of J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 265-66 (Tex.

2002). In that connection, both legal and factual sufficiency challenges consider

the standard of proof for clear and convincing evidence by considering whether the

evidence is such that a fact-finder could reasonably form a firm belief or

conviction about the truth of the State's allegations. See In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at p.

                                        - 18 -
25 (Tex. 2002); In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 265-66; Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §101.007

(West 2008).

      In In re J.F.C. the Supreme Court explained that in light of the identical

inquiries made to the clear and convincing standard, the distinction between legal

and factual sufficiency when the burden of proof is clear and convincing evidence

may be a fine one in some cases, but that there is a distinction in how the evidence

is reviewed. 96 S.W.3d at p. 266. To clarify that distinction, the court explained

that in a legal sufficiency review, a court should look at all of 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 its finding was true, giving

appropriate deference to the trier of fact. Id. In a factual sufficiency review, a

court of appeals must give due consideration to evidence that the fact-finder could

reasonably have found to be clear and convincing and with respect to disputed

evidence, a court should consider whether the disputed evidence is such that a

reasonable fact-finder could not have resolved that disputed evidence in favor of its

finding. Id. If, in light of the entire record, the disputed evidence that a reasonable

fact-finder could not have credited in favor of the finding is so significant that a

fact-finder could not reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction, then the

evidence is factually insufficient. 96 S.W.3d at 266-67.

                                         - 19 -
      2. Termination of the appellant Mother’s rights was warranted where
      her affidavit of relinquishment was executed in accordance with what is
      required by law, it was admitted into evidence without objection, and
      the mother presented no evidence that it was made involuntarily as she
      claims on appeal.

      In her first issue the Appellant Mother, T.H., contends that the evidence was

legally and factually insufficient to support the trial court’s termination of her

parental rights under Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001(1)(K). This provision allows

a court to order termination of a parent-child relationship if the court finds by clear

and convincing evidence that a parent has executed an unrevoked or irrevocable

affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights in accordance with Chapter 161 of the

Texas Family Code. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001(1)(K) (West 2008). Section

161.103 sets forth what such an affidavit must contain, and section 161.211

provides that a direct or collateral attack on an order terminating parental rights

based on an affidavit of relinquishment is limited to issues relating to fraud, duress,

or coercion in the execution of the affidavit. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §§ 161.103,

161.211 (West 2008).

      Moreover, courts addressing the issue T.H. raises in this appeal have held

that, implicit in subsection (K)’s requirements is that an affidavit of relinquishment

of parental rights must be voluntarily executed. Montes v. Dep't of Family &

Protective Services, 01-10-00643-CV, 2011 WL 2089721, at *3 (Tex. App.—

Houston [1st Dist.] May 19, 2011, no pet.). The proponent of termination carries

                                         - 20 -
the burden to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the affidavit was

executed according to the requirements set forth in section 161.103. Id. An

affidavit that meets these requirements provides prima facie evidence that it is

valid, and the admission of such an affidavit into evidence shifts the burden to the

affiant to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that its execution was the

result of fraud, duress, or coercion.    Id.; see also Denman v. Alternatives In

Motion, 14-99-01262-CV, 2001 WL 40350, at *2 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th

Dist.] Jan. 18, 2001, no pet.). Where the affiant presents no evidence of any

wrongdoing or irregularity in the execution of the affidavit, a trial court does not

err in terminating a parent’s rights under subsection (K). See Denman, 2001 WL
40350 at *2 (holding it was not error to deny a motion to revoke an affidavit of

relinquishment where the affiant failed to establish any of the recognized grounds

for doing so); see also In re F.L.I., 01-97-01192-CV, 1998 WL 418094, at *1 (Tex.

App.—Houston [1st Dist.] July 23, 1998, no pet.) (affirming termination under

subsection (K) where the appellant produced no evidence of the duress she claimed

occurred).

      In this case, the Department met its burden by placing in evidence T.H.’s

affidavit of relinquishment. At trial, the Department requested admission, as

Petitioner’s Exhibit 1, of an Irrevocable Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of

Parental Rights executed by T.H. RR, pp.7-8; see also P-Ex 1, RR, p.93-97. T.H.

                                        - 21 -
was not present on the day of trial, but her attorney stated on the record there was

no objection to the admission of the affidavit into evidence. RR, pp. 7-8. The

court noted that, “P1 is admitted.” RR, p.8. A review of the affidavit shows that it

conforms to the requirements of section 161.103 of the Family Code. See P-Ex 1,

RR, p.93 and Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.103 (West 2008). Moreover, at trial, the

Department’s caseworker provided testimony, without objection, that it was

Zachmeyer’s understanding that T.H. was asking the trial court to terminate her

parental rights based on her execution of the affidavit of relinquishment. RR, p.8.

No other evidence appears in the record regarding the affidavit, and neither the

mother nor her attorney presented any evidence either at trial or in a motion for

new trial supporting that T.H.’s execution of the affidavit was involuntary or

produced by fraud, duress, or coercion. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.211(c)

(West 2008).

      As has been held before, the facts presented in this case are sufficient to

support the trial court’s termination of T.H.’s parental rights on the basis of her

relinquishment affidavit. See Denman, 14-99-01262-CV, 2001 WL 40350, at *2.

In Denman, a mother sought to revoke an affidavit of relinquishment that she had

executed, and alleged that the appellee child-placing agency engaged in fraud and

coercion. Id. at *1. However at the hearing on her motion, she presented no

evidence of any wrongdoing and the record revealed no evidence of such conduct.

                                       - 22 -
Id. This court held, “As appellant failed to establish any recognized grounds for

setting aside the affidavit of relinquishment, the trial court did not err in denying

her motion.” Id. Similarly, in In re. F.L.I., the appellant mother sought review of

the termination of her rights on the basis that her affidavit of relinquishment was

not voluntarily signed, but was the result of duress. 1998 WL 418094, at *2.

However, as was true in the present case, the mother was not present at the hearing

at which her rights were terminated, and she failed to present evidence of duress at

the hearing on her motion for new trial. Id. The court in that case stated, “The

appellant brought forth no evidence to prove fraud, duress, misrepresentation,

overreaching, or involuntariness,” and it overruled her complaint on appeal. Id.;

see also Montes v. Dep't of Family & Protective Services, 01-10-00643-CV, 2011
WL 2089721, at *3 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] May 19, 2011, no pet.)

(affirming termination under subsection (K) where appellant father presented

evidence he felt pressured, but failed to establish duress or other wrongdoing in the

execution of his affidavit of relinquishment).

      In this case, as acknowledged in her brief, T.H.’s appeal points to no

evidence nor makes any argument that there was any fraud, duress or coercion in

the execution of her affidavit. Appellant T.H.’s Brief, pp.29-30. Rather, the

argument her brief presents is that there was insufficient evidence to show that her

affidavit was voluntarily executed. Id. at p.30, FN 3. This argument fails to

                                        - 23 -
acknowledge the evidence of the affidavit itself – which includes the statement, “I

freely, voluntarily, and permanently give and relinquish…all my parental rights,” –

or that the admission of the affidavit into evidence “provide[d] prima facie

evidence that it is valid.” Montes, 01-10-00643-CV, 2011 WL 2089721, at *3.

Once the Department placed the affidavit into evidence, it was T.H.’s burden to

establish her execution of it was the result of fraud, duress, or coercion as required

by 161.211(c). Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.211(c) (West 2008). Just as in the

cases cited above, T.H. produced no such evidence and her brief acknowledges as

much. See Denman, 14-99-01262-CV, 2001 WL 40350, at *2; In re of F.L.I., 01-

97-01192-CV, 1998 WL 418094, at *1. Therefore, her argument on this point

should be overruled.

      3. There was sufficient evidence supporting that termination of the
      appellant Mother’s rights was in the child’s best interest where she
      executed an affidavit of relinquishment, averred in the affidavit that
      termination was in the child’s best interest, failed to appear at trial or
      present any evidence, and the Department’s plans for the child indicated
      his best interest would be served by terminating the Mother’s rights.

      T.H.’s second argument is that the trial court had insufficient evidence to

support its conclusion that termination of T.H.’s parental rights was in A.L.H.’s

best interest. Appellant T.H.’s brief, p.35. The terms “best interest of the child”

used in section 161.001(2) of the Family Code is not statutorily defined; however,

the Supreme Court in Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371-72 (Tex. 1976),

recognized a non-exhaustive list of factors that have been considered in
                                        - 24 -
determining a child's best interest. Those factors include: (1) the child's desires; (2)

the child's emotional and physical needs, now and in the future; (3) the emotional

and physical danger to the child, now and in the future; (4) the parental abilities of

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

individuals in promoting the child's best interests; (6) the plans for the child by the

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

placement; (8) the parent's acts or omissions which may indicate the existing

parent-child relationship is not a proper one; and (9) any excuse for the parent's

acts or omissions. Id.

      Preliminarily, in cases in which a parent has executed an Irrevocable

Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights, as T.H. did here, courts

have held that such an affidavit is itself sufficient evidence to support that

termination of the parent’s rights is in the child’s best interest. See Brown v.

McLennan County Children's Protective Services, 627 S.W.2d 390 (Tex. 1982)

(“we find it was the intent of the Legislature to make such an affidavit of

relinquishment sufficient evidence on which the trial court can make a finding that

termination is in the best interest of the children.”); In re A.G.C., 279 S.W.3d 441,

452 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2009, no pet.) citing Brown, 627 S.W.2d
390; Denman v. Alternatives In Motion, 14-99-01262-CV, 2001 WL 40350, at *2

(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 18, 2001, no pet.) (finding mother’s

                                         - 25 -
affidavit of relinquishment sufficient evidence to support best interest finding). The

same rule should apply in this case where the mother executed her affidavit of

relinquishment, did not appear at trial, there was no objection made by mother’s

counsel to the entry of the affidavit into evidence, and the affidavit itself states,

“Termination of the parent-child relationship is in the best interest of the child.” P-

Ex 1, RR, pp.93, 95. Moreover, the Department’s caseworker provided undisputed

testimony that “the mother is asking the court to terminate her parental rights based

on her voluntary irrevocable affidavit of relinquishment.” RR, p.8. The Department

contends that this evidence alone was sufficient to support the trial court’s best

interest finding.

      Nonetheless, there is additional evidence in the record which supports that

finding. The evidence showed that when A.L.H. was placed in the Department’s

care he was T.H.’s fourth child and that all of her children had been removed from

her custody as a result of her drug use. RR, p.10. Zachmeyer testified that during

the Department’s investigation in this case, T.H. made attempts to evade the

Department’s drug testing, and that conduct in combination with the history of her

previous cases with the Department instigated the removal of A.L.H. from her care.

RR, p.11. Moreover, Moore testified that, before the Department became involved

with A.L.H., there was a time when both T.H. and L.M. were in jail, such that

A.L.H. was placed in the care of another adult. RR, pp.44-45. This evidence

                                         - 26 -
supported that T.H. lacked the ability to safely parent, engaged in acts which

indicated improper parenting, and posed a danger to A.L.H under the third, fourth,

and eighth Holley factors. Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371-72.

      The record additionally showed that the Department put in place appropriate

plans for the child that met his emotional and physical needs under the second and

sixth Holley factors. Id. By the time of trial, A.L.H. had been living with foster

parents to whom he had bonded and who the record demonstrates provided him

with a loving, supportive home. Zachmeyer testified that A.L.H. was bonded to his

foster parents, was thriving in their home, described the home as safe and loving,

and stated the foster parents would provide A.L.H. with a good, adoptive home for

the child. RR, p.18, 23. In addition, A.L.H.’s foster mother testified at trial, and

stated that she and her husband wished to adopt A.L.H., that he had bonded to her

and her husband, and that they had witnessed A.L.H. grow and mature

“drastically” while in their home. RR, pp.54. She described that when A.L.H. first

came into their care, he cried all the time and had a persistent cough related to

pertussis and seasonal allergies. RR, p.59. However, by the time of trial his foster

parents had met all of his medical needs and he was a happy little boy. Id. A.L.H’s

therapist echoed the foster mother’s testimony, and stated also that the foster

parents provided a good, safe and loving environment for A.L.H. RR, p.68. In

addition to A.L.H.’s foster parents, the Department also identified the child’s

                                       - 27 -
paternal aunt as a placement for the child.         RR, p.12-13.     The Department

completed a home study on Ms. Moore and the evidence showed she was

employed, and had made plans to take A.L.H. into her home. RR, pp.36-37. The

evidence therefore supported that the Department provided A.L.H. with stable

options that would meet his needs. Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371-72.

      In contrast, at trial, Zachmeyer testified that the parents’ conduct showed a

history of ongoing drug use which neither parent did anything to mitigate. RR,

p.15. Zachmeyer therefore concluded that terminating the parents’ rights was in

A.L.H.’s best interest. Id. Neither of A.L.H.’s parents appeared at trial and the only

evidence regarding T.H.’s plans or desires for the child was her affidavit of

relinquishment along with the caseworker’s testimony indicating she was asking

the trial court to terminate her parental rights. RR, pp.7-8.

      On this record, the trial court had sufficient evidence from which to

conclude that termination of T.H.’s parental rights was in A.L.H.’s best interest as

required by section 161.001(2) of the Family Code.              Tex. Fam. Code Ann.

§161.001(2) (West 2008). The arguments in T.H.’s brief to the contrary should be

overruled and the trial court’s termination of T.H.’s parental rights should be

affirmed.

                                         - 28 -
REPLY POINT TWO: There was sufficient evidence to support the trial
court’s termination of the appellant Father’s parental rights under section
161.001(1)(N) of the Texas Family Code.

      1. The fact that the Department named a relative who was able to care
      for A.L.H. did not preclude the trial court’s finding that L.M. lacked the
      ability to provide the child with a safe environment under subsection
      (N) where L.M. failed to participate in any meaningful way in the case,
      was not incarcerated, and there was no evidence that the relative’s
      willingness to provide care resulted from any arrangement with L.M.

      In L.M.’s first point on appeal, his brief contends that there was insufficient

evidence to support the trial court’s finding that L.M. constructively abandoned

A.L.H., warranting termination of L.M.’s parental rights under section

161.001(1)(N) of the Texas Family Code. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001(1)(N)

(West 2008). A parent constructively abandons a child when (1) the child has been

in the permanent or temporary managing conservatorship of the State or an

authorized agency for not less than six months, (2) the State or the authorized

agency has made reasonable efforts to return the child to the parent, (3) the parent

has not regularly visited or maintained significant contact with the child, and (4)

the parent has demonstrated an inability to provide the child with a safe

environment. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1)(N) (West 2008); In Interest of

V.D.A., 14-14-00561-CV, 2014 WL 7347776, at *3 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th

Dist.] Dec. 23, 2014, no pet.).

      In his brief, L.M. concedes the Department sufficiently proved that A.L.H.

was in the Department’s care for the six month period required by the statute as
                                       - 29 -
well as that L.M. did not regularly visit or maintain significant contact with A.L.H.

Appellant L.M.’s Brief, p.25.      His argument is that, because the Department

located a relative willing to care for A.L.H., the trial court was precluded from

finding that L.M. demonstrated an inability to provide a safe environment for the

child. Id. at 25-26. In addition, his brief contends that the Department failed to

make reasonable efforts to return A.L.H. under the second element of subsection

(N) because it did not provide L.M. with a family service plan. Id. at 26-28.

However, because these arguments both misconstrue the law applicable to a

finding under (N), they should fail.

      As to L.M.’s first argument under this point, his brief presents no authority

for the proposition that the existence of a relative willing to care for a child

precludes a finding that a parent has demonstrated an inability to care for that child

under the facts presented by this case. It is true that where a parent is incarcerated

courts have held that, “the incarcerated parent may work through surrogates, such

as relatives, spouses, or friends to fulfill that obligation.” In re. D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d
567, 573-74 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2003, no pet.); see also In re. A.S., 261 S.W.3d
76 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, pet. denied) citing In re. D.S.A., 113
S.W.3d at 573; also In re. V.D.A., 14-14-00561-CV, 2014 WL 7347776, at *9 (Tex.

App.—Houston [14th Dist.] December 23, 2014, no pet.) (“An incarcerated parent

may provide a safe environment for a child through family members.”). However,

                                         - 30 -
there is no evidence showing that L.M. was incarcerated during the time that

A.L.H. was in the Department’s care, and L.M.’s brief fails to cite to any case

indicating that an un-incarcerated parent may rely on a relative’s ability to supply a

safe environment for a child to substitute for the parent’s inability to do so.

      Nonetheless, assuming without conceding that a parent who is not

imprisoned may demonstrate an ability to provide a child with a safe environment

by making arrangements with a relative caregiver, the record here amply

demonstrates that L.M. did not do so. In cases where an incarcerated parent has

made the claim that L.M. makes here – that there existed a relative able to care for

the child – courts have made plain that the parent themselves must make the

arrangement with a caregiver who is willing to play the role of surrogate parent to

the child. See In re. D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d at 573 citing In re. R.L.T., No. 07-02-

0332-CV, slip op. at 3-4, 2003 WL 21458782 (Tex. App.—Amarillo June 24, 2003,

no pet.). In In re. D.S.A., the appellant father argued that subsection (N) should not

apply to him because the fact that he was incarcerated precluded the Department

from showing, in relevant part, that the parent “demonstrated an inability to

provide the child with a safe environment.” Id. In rejecting this proposition, the

court in that case stated:

      …it is quite conceivable that one in prison may still be able to
      [provide the child a good environment] by, at the very least, leaving
      the ward in the capable hands of a relative, friend or spouse. See In re
      R.L.T., No. 07–02–0332–CV, slip op. at 3–4, 2003 WL 21458782,
                                         - 31 -
      2003 Lexis 5289 (Tex. App.—Amarillo June 24, 2003) (wherein the
      parent presented evidence that he could leave the child with a relative)
      If such could be done, then it is conceivable that the State has the
      ability to relinquish its custody over the youth and, thereby,
      effectively return the child to the incarcerated parent. At the very least,
      we cannot say that incarceration renders that possibility impossible.
      And, it is simply a “cop-out” (in the vernacular of the 70's) for anyone
      to conclude that prison ipso facto prevents (or relieves) the parent
      from providing the child a safe environment. Again, the incarcerated
      parent may be able to work through surrogates, such as relatives,
      spouses, or friends, to fulfill that obligation. And, if he so arranges and
      those surrogates agree to the arrangement, it is hard to deny that the
      parent has taken steps to provide or effectively provided a safe
      environment.
      Id. (internal citations omitted).

      The D.S.A. court’s analysis rested, in part, on reasoning applied in In re

R.L.T. to a different ground for termination that contains a similar element. See In

re R.L.T., 07-02-0332-CV, 2003 WL 21458782, at *2. Subsection (Q) allows for

termination where a parent knowingly engages in criminal conduct resulting in

conviction and imprisonment for no less than two years. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §

161.001(1)(Q) (West 2008). The (Q) ground includes as an element, as does (N),

that a parent be unable to provide care for the child during that period. Id.; see In

re. H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 110 (Tex. 2006) (“Subsection Q looks at whether the

incarcerated parent will be unable to care for the child…). Courts have held with

subsection (Q) the same thing they have for subsection (N), which is that an

incarcerated parent who names a relative capable and willing to care for the child

may avoid termination under that ground. See In re. R.L.T., 07-02-0332-CV, 2003

                                         - 32 -
WL 21458782, at *2; see also, e.g., In re. V.D.A., 14-14-00561-CV, 2014 WL
7347776, at *9. However, courts have made clear that it is not simply the existence

of a relative which demonstrates the parent’s ability to provide for the child, but the

parent’s ability to make arrangements with that relative, and the relative’s

willingness to be a proxy for the incarcerated parent. In re. H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at

110 (“Absent evidence that the non-incarcerated parent agrees to care for the child

on behalf of the incarcerated parent, merely leaving a child with a non-incarcerated

parent does not constitute the ability to provide care.”). The court in In re R.L.T.

stated it this way:

      Thus, we recognized that if the parent arranged for others to care for
      the child while he was incarcerated and these others were willing to
      and capable of caring for the child, then § 161.001(1)(Q) may be
      inapplicable…Yet, we did not hold that the statute has no application
      simply because someone or some entity may be available to care for
      the child by default… To adopt such a proposition would effectively
      nullify the proviso. In other words, the statute would never have
      application for the State is always available by default to assume the
      care of a child abandoned by its parents. Rather, it was and is implicit
      in our opinion that the surrogate arise through agreement with or
      arrangement by the incarcerated parent. We indicated as much when
      we said that “the parent must produce some evidence as to how [the
      parent] would provide or arrange to provide care for the child during
      that period” of incarceration, and when the parent does so, then the
      State must prove that “the arrangement would not satisfy the parent's
      duty to the child.” In short, the incarcerated parent must show that
      another is willing to assume his duties and act on his behalf while he
      cannot act.

      In re R.L.T., 07-02-0332-CV, 2003 WL 21458782, at *2 (Tex. App.—
      Amarillo June 24, 2003, no pet.) citing In re Caballero, 53 S.W.3d
391 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2001, pet. denied) (internal citations
                                         - 33 -
      omitted and emphasis added).

This court has made similar rulings in a case involving section (Q) where, as here,

the child’s paternal aunt was available to care for the child. In re D.Z.R.-M., 14-13-

01084-CV, 2014 WL 1390289, at *9 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Apr. 8,

2014, no pet.). There was evidence in that case, as there is in this one, regarding

the Aunt’s plans and ability to care for the child. Id. The court found this evidence

insufficient to preclude the section (Q) finding, however, stating, “if the Aunt were

providing care in these circumstances, she would be doing so on her own behalf,

rather than agreeing to assume the Father's obligation to care for the Child while

the Father is incarcerated.” Id. The same reasoning should apply to an (N) ground

finding. Otherwise, if a parent could avoid the application of subsection (N) simply

because a safe environment is found for the child without the parent’s involvement,

then the statute would effectively be nullified. More appropriately, as indicated by

the court in In re. D.S.A., any arrangement for the substitute care of the child which

purports to demonstrate a parent’s ability to provide a safe environment should be

effected by the parent himself. In re. D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d at 573.

      The record in this case is clear that L.M. did not arrange with Ms. Moore to

fulfill his obligation to provide a safe environment for A.L.H., nor did Ms. Moore

agree to act as parent on L.M.’s behalf. Rather, the evidence reflects that, during

the ten months A.L.H. was in the Department’s care, L.M. failed to attend any of

                                        - 34 -
the hearings regarding the child, failed to send anything to aid in supporting or

caring for A.L.H., did not request any visitation with A.L.H., did not attend any

visits with A.L.H., and did not appear at trial. RR, pp.7, 10, 11-12. During the

most recent contact L.M. had with Zachmeyer during the month preceding trial,

L.M. made no indication that he wanted Ms. Moore to care for A.L.H. in his stead,

but rather told Zachmeyer to return his children to him. RR, p.9. Moreover, there is

nothing showing that Ms. Moore came to the Department’s attention as a possible

caregiver through any effort of L.M.’s. Ms. Moore’s testimony was that she called

the Department in January of 2014, during the investigation of the referral which

initiated this case, to offer to provide care for A.L.H. RR, p.30. Nowhere in the

record does it show that her offer resulted from an agreement she had with L.M. or

that she was willing to care for A.L.H. on L.M.’s behalf. On the contrary, Ms.

Moore testified that she was not close to either of her brothers, had little to no

contact with L.M., that she would not allow L.M. to “come back into [A.L.H.]’s

life,” and that she wanted to raise A.L.H., “as [her] son.” RR, p.34, 36, 49-50.

      Therefore, even presuming that a non-incarcerated parent may rely on a

relative to avoid the application of a subsection (N) finding, the fact that Ms.

Moore came forward did not demonstrate in any way that L.M. himself was able to

provide for A.L.H.’s care. Rather, in light of the evidence presented by the

Department that L.M. made no effort to see, contact, or provide any support for

                                        - 35 -
A.L.H. during the ten months the child was placed with the Department, the trial

court had ample support for its finding that L.M. made no demonstration of any

kind with regard to A.L.H.’s care, much less one of any ability to provide A.L.H.

with a safe environment. Given the evidence in the record, the trial court had more

than sufficient support for its conclusion that L.M. effectively abandoned A.L.H.,

and through his complete absence from A.L.H.’s life while the child was placed in

foster care, showed he was unable to safely provide for the child.

      2. The record demonstrates sufficient evidence supporting that the
      Department made reasonable efforts to return the child to L.M. where
      the Department served L.M. with notice of the case, sought to establish
      L.M.’s paternity, evaluated possible relative placements, and sought to
      have the child placed with L.M.’s sister, particularly where L.M.’s
      conduct indicated he had little interest in his child’s return.

      L.M.’s second argument under this point is that there is nothing in the record

showing that the Department made reasonable efforts to return A.L.H. to L.M.’s

care as required by subsection (N). Appellant’s Brief, pp.26-27. In support, his

brief cites to the fact that the Department did not provide L.M. with a family

service plan. Id. However, as previous decisions have shown, the failure to create

a service plan does not, in itself, constitute a failure to make reasonable efforts to

return the child. See In re. D.A., No. 02-09-00460-CV, 2010 WL 3618718, at * 3-4

(Tex. App.—Fort Worth September 16, 2010, no pet.) (mem.op.) (affirming

termination of appellant father’s rights though Department provided no family

service plan); In re. B.S.T., 977 S.W.2d 481 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.]
                                        - 36 -
1998, no pet.), overruled on other grounds by In re. C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 26 (Tex.

2002). Rather, previous cases demonstrate that where a father makes minimal or no

effort with regard to his child, as was reflected by L.M.’s conduct, efforts similar to

those the Department made in this case will be deemed reasonable. Id.

      In affirming termination of the appellant fathers’ rights under subsection (N)

in both In re D.A. and In re B.S.T., the appellate courts noted the limited effort the

fathers made to be involved in their children’s lives.        In re. D.A., 2010 WL
3618718, at * 3-5; In re. B.S.T, 977 S.W.2d at 486. In In re D.A., the father knew

his son was in the Department’s care but never called to inquire about the child,

never visited the child, denied he was the father, and did not appear at trial. In re.

D.A., 2010 WL 3618718, at * 3-4. In In re. B.S.T., the father did not deny paternity

but made no effort to sign an acknowledgment of paternity, visited his children

twice in three years, provided no support for the children, and though he appeared

at trial he refused to answer any questions. 977 S.W.2d at 483.

      In light of the minimal efforts these fathers made, the Department’s efforts

were held to be reasonable even without the provision of a family service plan. In

re. D.A., 2010 WL 3618718, at * 3-5; In re. B.S.T, 977 S.W.2d at 486. In In re

D.A., the court found the Department’s efforts reasonable where the caseworker

called the appellant father on one occasion to ask him to go to court, attempted on

another occasion to phone the father but found the phone disconnected, and made

                                         - 37 -
two unsuccessful attempts to serve the father. In re. D.A., 2010 WL 3618718, at *3-

4. Similarly, in In re B.S.T., the Department’s efforts were reasonable where it

conducted a diligent search to locate the father, asked him to sign an affidavit of

paternity, and advised the father of possible visitation. 977 S.W.2d 481, 486. In

neither of these cases did the Department provide the appellant father with a

service plan.

       As the Department’s efforts in this case were greater than those made in In

re. D.A. and In re. B.S.T., the evidence here should support that they were

reasonable as required by section (N). Just as in the above cases, the Department

made efforts to notify L.M. regarding the case. Included in the trial court’s file is a

citation of service reflecting that the Department served L.M. with its original

petition.4 Moreover, Zachmeyer testified that, though she never saw L.M. in

person, she did communicate with him during the case, including in the month

leading up to trial. RR, p.9. Furthermore, similar to In re. D.A. and In re. B.S.A.,

when the Department filed its petition, there was nothing establishing that L.M.

was A.L.H.’s father. CR 4-5. The Department’s petition reflects that, when it was

filed, L.M. was only alleged to be A.L.H.’s father. Id. Accordingly, the Department

made the request in its petition that the court establish L.M.’s paternity, including

4
  Though the citation of service reflecting that L.M. was served with the Department’s petition is
not included in the record, a request to supplement the record has been made and the citation of
service is attached to this brief as Attachment 1.
                                              - 38 -
by utilizing genetic testing if necessary. CR 8. Subsequent court orders

demonstrate the Department’s continuing efforts in that regard.5 On February 13,

2104, roughly two weeks after A.L.H. was placed in the Department’s care, the

court entered an order requiring L.M. to appear for D.N.A. testing. See Attachment

2. The second order entered makes apparent that L.M. did not comply with the

first. See Attachment 2. On October 7, 2014, two months before trial, the court

ordered a D.N.A. test for the second time, this time however ordering Ms. Moore

to submit to the test. Id. Ms. Moore’s testimony reflects that she made attempts to

comply with the order, but was only successful with Zachmeyer’s assistance. RR,

pp.31-32. The following month, on November 18, 2014, approximately two weeks

prior to trial, the court signed an order adjudicating L.M. to be A.L.H.’s father. CR

115-17. Zachmeyer testified that it was through Ms. Moore’s D.N.A. test that

L.M.’s paternity was established, supporting that L.M. made no efforts in response

the those the Department made to establish that L.M. was A.L.H.’s father. RR, p.8.

This evidence, as did similar evidence in In re. D.A. and In re B.S.T., provided

support for the trial court’s finding that the Department made reasonable efforts

with regard to L.M., particularly considering L.M.’s efforts were so minimal.

       There was additional evidence, moreover, showing the Department made

5
 There were two orders entered during the case reflecting the effort to establish paternity. One
was signed on February 13, 2014 and the second on October 7, 2014. Neither appears in the
Clerk’s record on appeal, but a request to supplement the record has been made and copies of the
orders are attached as Attachments 2 and 3.
                                             - 39 -
efforts to return A.L.H. to L.M. See In re A.S., 261 S.W.3d 76, 89-90 (Tex. App.—

Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, pet. denied) (noting that the performance of a home

study conducted on relatives was relevant to a determination regarding reasonable

efforts); see also In re. K.J.T.M., 06-09-00104-CV, 2010 WL 1664027, at *3 (Tex.

App.—Texarkana Apr. 27, 2010, no pet.) (noting the Department’s efforts to place

a child with relatives as supportive of a finding that it made reasonable efforts to

reunify under subsection (N)). The record here shows that the Department made

significant efforts to return A.L.H. to his family by conducting home studies on his

paternal aunt, and seeking the child’s placement with his Ms. Moore. Zachmeyer’s

testimony was that the Department identified Ms. Moore’s home as a possible

placement for A.L.H. sometime in May of 2014, at which point it requested a study

of the home be conducted in Arizona. RR, p.12. The Department reviewed the

results of that study when it received them in August of 2014, approved the home,

facilitated a visit between Ms. Moore and A.L.H. on the day of trial, and requested

at trial that A.L.H. be placed with Ms. Moore. RR, pp. 12-13, 14-15, 17, 20.

Zachmeyer testified at trial that it was her belief that placing the child with his

biological family was in the child’s best interest. RR, p.15. Given L.M.’s complete

absence from A.L.H.’s life while the child was in care and his lack of participation

in any aspect of the case, it was reasonable for the Department to seek placement

of the child with Ms. Moore in the effort to return the child to his family when

                                       - 40 -
L.M. himself demonstrated so little interest in A.L.H.’s return. The record reflects

evidence that the Department made considerable efforts to achieve that goal. As

such, the trial court had sufficient evidence to support the termination of L.M.’s

parental rights under subsection (N) and the arguments in L.M.’s brief on this point

should be overruled.

REPLY POINT THREE: Though review of this ground is unnecessary, there
was sufficient evidence to support the trial court’s termination of the
Appellant Father’s parental rights under 161.001(1)(D) of the Texas Family
Code.

      As only one predicate finding under Section 161.001(1) of the Family Code

was necessary to support the court’s parental termination decision with respect to

the father, and because the evidence clearly supported Subsection (N), the court’s

findings under Subsection (D) need not be reviewed. See In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d
355, 362 (Tex. 2003). Nonetheless, the challenge to the court’s finding under (D)

should also be overruled.

      Subsection (D) of section 161.001(1) of the Family Code involves proof of

endangerment to the child, which is defined as exposing a child to loss or injury, or

jeopardizing a child's emotional or physical health. Texas Dep't of Human Servs. v.

Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533 (Tex.1987); Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §161.001(1)(D)

(West 2008). As explained by the Supreme Court, the proof for endangerment

does not have to be established as an independent proposition, but can be inferred

from parental misconduct alone. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d at p. 533. Also, it is not
                                        - 41 -
necessary that the misconduct be directed at the child, occur in the child’s presence

or that the child actually suffer injury from it. See In re B.B., 971 S.W.2d 160, 166-

69 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 1998, pet. denied).

      Subsection (D) requires a showing that the environment or conditions in

which the child is placed endangered the child's physical or emotional well-being.

See In re A.S., 261 S.W.3d 76, 83 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, pet.

denied).   When the environment creates a potential for danger that a parent

consciously disregards, an endangerment finding under subsection (D) is

supported. In re S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d 472, 477 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.]

2005, no pet.). However, courts have noted that although the focus of subsection

(D) is on the child’s living environment, parental conduct may produce an

endangering environment. See In re M.T.W., 01-11-00162-CV, 2011 WL 6938542

(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Dec. 29, 2011, no pet.) (stating that parental

misconduct in the child’s home supports a conclusion that the child’s surroundings

endanger the child). In that connection, a parent's inappropriate, abusive, or

unlawful conduct can produce an environment endangering to the physical and

emotional well-being of a child in order to provide the proof necessary for a

subsection (D) finding. In re M.R.J.M., 280 S.W.3d 494, 502 (Tex. App.—Fort

Worth 2009, no pet.).

                                        - 42 -
      In making the argument that the evidence was insufficient to support the trial

court’s section (D) finding, L.M.’s brief focuses narrowly on Zachmeyer’s

testimony without regard for the other evidence in the record which showed L.M.

endangered A.L.H. Appellant L.M.’s Brief, pp.29-30. Contrary to the arguments

in L.M.’s brief, however, the evidence when viewed in its entirety sufficiently

supports the trial court’s finding that termination of L.M.’s parental rights was

warranted under section (D).

      As Zachmeyer testified, the evidence supported that L.M. knew that A.L.H.

would be exposed to an endangering environment with T.H., but did nothing to

protect the child. Moreover, the record reflects that L.M. himself engaged in

conduct which produced an endangering environment. The evidence was that,

before A.L.H. was born, T.H. and L.M. had three other children all of whom were

removed from their care because of T.H.’s use of drugs. RR, p.10. When this case

went to trial, one of A.L.H.’s siblings was placed with a relative, one was in a

foster home, and the third had been adopted by foster parents. RR, p.16-17.

A.L.H., in turn, was removed because of ongoing concerns regarding T.H.’s use of

drugs. RR, p.11. Zachmeyer testified that T.H. attempted to “clean her system

with cayenne pepper,” and refused to submit to a hair follicle drug test. Id. This

evidence was undisputed and showed an extensive history of the parents’

                                       - 43 -
involvement with the Department and the loss of their three previous children, as

well as that T.H.’s involvement with drugs continued after A.L.H. was born.

      This history supported Zachmeyer’s conclusion that L.M. was aware of the

danger that T.H.’s drug use posed to A.L.H. RR, p.11. Further evidence supported

her statement that, though aware of that danger, L.M. did nothing to protect A.L.H.

RR, p.14. She stated that though L.M. knew of A.L.H.’s birth, he was not present

when the child was born. RR, p.11. Given the parents’ history with their previous

children, it was Zachmeyer’s belief that L.M. left the child with T.H. knowing that

doing so was dangerous for A.L.H.        RR, p.14. Moreover, L.M. consistently

demonstrated a similar lack of involvement throughout the case. He failed to visit

the child, did not ask to visit the child, did not provide any support for A.L.H.,

failed to comply with the Department’s efforts and the court’s orders to establish

his paternity, did not appear at any of the hearings regarding A.L.H., and did not

appear at trial. RR, pp.7, 10, 11-12, 31; Attachment 2.

      Furthermore, the evidence of L.M.’s own conduct showed that he subjected

A.L.H. to an endangering environment. In addition to Zachmeyer’s testimony was

that given by Ms. Moore, who described that L.M. was involved in both drugs and

crime. RR, p.39. She stated that she was aware that L.M. had a problem with

using crack and cocaine, and that, before the Department became involved with

A.L.H., L.M. was engaged in criminal conduct which resulted in his incarceration.

                                       - 44 -
RR, pp.39, 44-45. Though she could not say what criminal charge led to L.M.’s

incarceration, Moore testified that, on one occasion, both L.M. and T.H. were in

jail at the same time, leaving A.L.H. to be cared for by another adult. RR, pp.44-

45. That Ms. Moore considered L.M. a danger to A.L.H. was further supported by

her testimony that, should she receive placement of the child, she would not allow

L.M. “to come back into [A.L.H.]’s life,” but rather “would protect [A.L.H.],” as

she would her own children. RR, p.36. This testimony supported that Ms. Moore

considered L.M. dangerous to A.L.H., warranting the child’s needing protection

from him.

      Therefore, given the entirety of the evidence of the record regarding L.M.’s

conduct and lack of involvement in A.L.H.’s life, the record provides sufficient

support for the trial court’s conclusion that L.M. knowingly allowed A.L.H. to

remain in conditions or surroundings which endangered the child’s physical or

emotional well-being. Should the court find it necessary to review the evidence in

support of this ground for termination, it should find the evidence sufficient and

affirm the trial court’s section (D) finding.

      WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellee Department of

Family & Protective Services requests that this court affirm the trial court’s

judgment and for such other and further relief as appropriate in law or in equity.

                                         - 45 -
                                Respectfully submitted,
                                VINCE RYAN
                                COUNTY ATTORNEY

                                By: /s/ Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd
                                Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd
                                Assistant County Attorney
                                State Bar #24067652
                                1019 Congress, 17th Floor
                                Houston, Texas 77002
                                Phone: 713/274-5292; Fax: 713/437-4700
                                Email: robert.hazeltine-shedd@cao.hctx.net
                                Attorney for Appellee,
                                Department of Family & Protective Services

                         CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

       I hereby certify that on this the 27th day of April, 2015 a true and correct
copy of the foregoing Appellee’s brief was sent to all parties to these appeals by
sending a copy of this brief by electronic transmission to William M. Thursland,
attorney for the Appellant Father, by email at wmthursland@hotmail.com as well
as to Donald M. Crane, attorney for the Appellant Mother, by email at
donmcrane@gmail.com, and to the attorneys ad litem for the child, Katie Flynn at
katie.flynn@att.net and John H. Spjut at spjutlaw@sbcglobal.net.

                                /s/ Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd/
                                Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd

     CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH NUMBER OF WORDS

       This is to certify, pursuant to Tex. R. App. P. 9.4(i)(3), that the foregoing
computer generated brief consists of no more than 15,000 words, excluding the
caption, identify of parties and counsel, table of contents, index of authorities,
statement of the case, statement of issues presented, statement of procedural
history, signature, proof of service, certification, certificate of compliance and
appendix. Relying on the word count of the computer program used to prepare this
document, the number of words, subject to count under the rules, is 11,717 words.

                                /s/ Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd/
                                Robert J. Hazeltine-Shedd
                                       - 46 -
APPENDIX
                         TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tab No.   Description

1         Citation of Service on Appellant Father

2         Paternity Testing Order, February 13, 2014

3         Paternity Testing Order, October 7, 2014

4         Order Establishing Paternity, November 18, 2014
            ATTACHMENT 1
(Citation of Service on Appellant Father)
                                                                                                                                                                         c,uS£~o 1 4 00 4 6 6 J
                                                                                                       NICOLLE CAPPS 182-3
                                                                                                       NISELA ZAMORANO 182-3
....
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"-
                                                                                                       IN THE INTEREST OF                                                                                                                        IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF

                                                                                                                                              ~ \ l..O!.;o
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"-

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8
N
                                                                                                       A         H                                                                                                               11~-i-h                HARRIS COlI NT\', TEXAS

                                                                                                       CHILD                                        C"f\S \ c\et~
                                                                                                                                                    O\SU\C                                  \r                            , "_Q_         ,III'AL FAMILY/JlJVENILE DISTRICT

                                                                                                                                                        B \ %1~\\Q i
                                                                                                                                                    t~                                 ~&
                                                                                                                                                                                  "{e llp
                                                                                                                                                                                             CITATION
                                                                                                       THE STATE OF TEXAS                                            colll'\'i·
                                                                                                       COllNTY OF HARRIS                                I-\i\.rr\&
                                                                                                                                                                 ~rul.P.IlW                            .
                                                                                                       TO THE SHERIFF, CONSTAB~~.M«~                        0l1N'"11' ATTORNE                     VESTIGATORS, OR OTHER PERSON AUTHORIZED BY LAW:
                                                                                                                                                                T                                                    T,

                                                                                                                   YOll HAVE BEEN SUED. You may I!mploy an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a writttn answtr with the District Clerk who issued this
                                                                                                       citation by 10:00 am. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and pt:tition, a default judgment may be taken against
                                                                                                       you.
                                                                                                                   Attached is a copy of the ORIGINAL PETITION FOR PROTECTION OF A CHILD FOR CONSERVATORSHIP, AND FOR TERMINATION IN
                                                                                                       SUIT AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP AND APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF ATTACHMENT AS TO which was filed by Department
                                                                                                       of Family and Protective Services, Petitioner, on the 30th day of January, 2014, in the above styled and numbered cause and coun. The instruments attached describe
                                                                                                       the claim against you.
                                                                                                                   The Honorable Judge of the said Coun, upon presentation of the said Petition to the Judge, entered an Order and Fiat, as shown by a true copy of said Order
                                                                                                       and Fiat attached hereto.
                                                                                                                   YOU ARE COMMANDED ~llty....wD ALL OF THE TERMS OF SAID ORDER AND FIAT until and pt:nding a hearing on the application
                                                                                                       fOflemporary orders.
                                                                                                                   You ar r ed t ppt:ar in
                                                                                                                                                 '    , I   0        III
                                                                                                                                                              .. .~ Judicial District Court of Harris County, Tl!xas, The Juvenill! Justice Centl!r, 1200 Congress, Houston,
                                                                                                       Texas, on the.        •                     at \ ••  \S   ,~m. for a hearing. The purpos.: of this hearing is to determin.: whl:th.:r Department of Family and Protective
                                                                                                       Services should be thl! Temp ary Managing Cunservator of tht child the subject of this suit and whether other orders should be entered as requested in the attached
                                                                                                       instrum.:nts.
                                                                                                                   This citation was issued un     JAN 3 0 2014 ___'             under my hand and se:al of said Coun, at the request of Department of Family and Protective:
                                                                                                       Services, 2525 Murworth. Ste. 300, Huuston. Texas 77054.
       For Official Governmental Use Only - Do Not Disseminate to the Public: 60164324 - Page 1 of 2

                                                                                                           201400466J
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                                                                                                       Cause No. _-_.._-_ _
                                                                                                       In the Interest of A        H

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For Official Governmental Use Only - Do Not Disseminate to the Public: 60164324 - Page 2 of 2

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     I, Chris Daniel, District Clerk of Harris
     County, Texas certify that this is a true and
     correct copy of the original record filed and or
     recorded in my office, electronically or hard
     copy, as it appears on this date.
     Witness my official hand and seal of office
     this April 23, 2015

     Certified Document Number:        60164324 Total Pages: 2

     Chris Daniel, DISTRICT CLERK
     HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

In accordance with Texas Government Code 406.013 electronically transmitted authenticated
documents are valid. If there is a question regarding the validity of this document and or seal
please e-mail support@hcdistrictclerk.com
             ATTACHMENT 2
(Paternity Testing Order, February 13, 2014)
                                                                                                NICOLLE CAPPS I 182-3                                                                 7r./" (XY'L./ -..,-                                f'.A  r -.v
                                                                                                NISELA ZAMORANO I 182-3                                                               (JJ 1./- Y(.V'...!,IV                              ,   "r-O \I'                    ~
                                                                                                                                         . \r;\~~\itfEr.<>.E0Yf0466J
                                                                                                IN THE INTEREST                   o~R\\.)
                                                                                                                                   }LV                                    Chris Daniel
                                                                                                                                                                         District Clerk
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         IN THE DISTRICT COURT 0

                                                                                                A                H                                                      FEB 13 2014                                            HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
                                                                                                                                                      Tlmo:__~--.~~~~~___
                                                                                                                                                              Harris County, Texas
                                                                                                CHILD                                                 By______~~~------
                                                                                                                                                                                              313 TH                                   JUDICIAL JUVENILE
                                                                                                                                                                    Deputy
                                                                                                                                                  ORDER FOR DRUG I ALCOHOL I D.N.A. SCREENING
                                                                                                    The following person(s) are ORDERED to:
                                                                                                ~            Report in person IMMEDIA TEL Y to: National Screening Center                                      I                m
                                                                                                    407 Fannin Street, 1 Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 226-7847; ~r                                        L                r'
                                                                                                                            51

                                                                                                    [X] Remain in the Courtroom;                                                           +                 tr           Y10      (a
                                                                                                    [    ]   Allow National Screening Center to collect sample at                                    •                                       ,
                                                                                                Each individual is ORDERED to remain in their respective location until samples have been drawn.                    h individual named herein is ORDERED to provide
                                                                                                such personal sample(s) as may be necessary for National Screening Center to perform the ORDERED Drug I Alcohol I D.N.A. screening as follows:
                                                                                                    NAME:                                                                      DOB                         TDUID/SS#                                          TEST

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