Court Opinion

ID: 2856884
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-04 19:19:06.401008+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:22:09.928249
License: Public Domain

COURT OF APPEALS
                          SECOND DISTRICT OF TEXAS
                               FORT WORTH

                               NO. 2-08-162-CV

IN THE INTEREST OF K.W. AND B.Y.,
CHILDREN

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           FROM THE 323RD DISTRICT COURT OF TARRANT COUNTY

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                         MEMORANDUM OPINION 1

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                                   Introduction

      Appellant Dusty C. appeals from the trial court’s judgment terminating her

parental rights to her minor children, K.W. and B.Y.       Appellant argues two

issues: (1) the court erred by finding additional grounds for termination after

accepting her voluntary affidavits of relinquishment, and (2) there is insufficient

      1
          … See Tex. R. App. P. 47.4.
evidence to support the finding that the termination was in the children’s best

interest We affirm.

                      Factual and Procedural Background

      Appellant has two children, K.W. and B.Y. K.W. was born on March 2,

1998, and B.Y. was born on January 26, 1999. Jeannie Maxey of the Texas

Department of Family and Protective Services (“the Department”) received a

referral of neglectful supervision and physical abuse of the children.      The

referral contained allegations that Appellant was living with a girlfriend, Ms.

Patterson, whom Appellant allowed to discipline the children, leading to reports

that the children received bruises from spankings.      Patterson has multiple

personality disorder and exhibits nine different personalities.    There were

concerns about those personalities’ effect on the children, who have mental

disorders as well. Patterson also has a personal history of sexual abuse, and

both Appellant and Maxey were concerned about Patterson being around the

children and possibly acting out sexually.

      In an April 2, 2007 interview with Maxey, Appellant admitted that she

thought about giving up her children at their births and that she presently

thought about giving them to someone else. She mentioned that K.W. was

having violent outbursts. At that time, K.W. was living with one of Appellant’s

friends. On May 21, the Department received another referral containing an

                                       2
allegation of physical abuse of B.Y. by his maternal grandfather. Also in May

2007, K.W. was admitted to a mental health hospital, and B.Y. was admitted

shortly thereafter.

      On May 29, 2007, Appellant turned over custody of her children to the

Department and stated she could no longer care for them. Because the children

were in mental health hospitals at that time, they were not physically taken into

the Department’s care. The Department filed its petition for protection of the

children, for conservatorship, and for termination on May 31, 2007, with

counsel appointed to represent Appellant all on the same date. The Department

was named temporary managing conservator on June 8, 2007.

      On June 21, 2007, Appellant met with Department caseworker Katrina

Mack to discuss her options, including relinquishing her parental rights. Mack

conversed with Appellant and provided her with a conservatorship family

service plan.   Mack offered Appellant services including parenting classes,

individual counseling, family counseling; the plan also required housing and

random drug testing. Mack testified that Appellant told her that she did not

want to perform the services and wanted to relinquish her parental rights.

Mack confirmed at trial that Appellant signed the service plan and stated in the

parent’s comment section, “I would like to relinquish my parental rights.”

                                       3
      On July 2, 2007, Appellant and her attorney met with Mack and an

attorney ad litem and signed affidavits of relinquishment of parental rights for

K.W. and B.Y. Mack testified that Appellant signed the documents with her

attorney in the room and indicated to Mack that she signed them voluntarily.

      At the termination trial on April 8, 2008, Appellant requested that the

court invalidate her relinquishments. Despite this assertion, Appellant testified

that she signed the relinquishments voluntarily. She stated that she was willing

to take classes to learn to deal with the children’s disorders; earlier in the trial,

she had discussed some of the children’s behavioral issues, including a poignant

incident when she woke up to K.W.’s hands around her throat and K.W. saying

that she “wanted to kill [her].” At the time of the hearing, Appellant had not

completed any services suggested by the Department.

      Appellant testified that she tried to contact Mack several times about

seeing her children during the months before the trial but that Mack did not

answer her phone or return the calls.            When asked if she had made

arrangements for both K.W. and B.Y.’s psychological counseling, in the event

the court granted her custody, Appellant stated she had not.

      After the bench trial, the trial court granted the Department’s petition for

termination. The trial court found that Appellant executed before the suit an

unrevoked or irrevocable affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights as

                                         4
provided by Chapter 161 of the Texas Family Code; knowingly placed or

knowingly allowed the children to remain in conditions or surroundings which

endangered the physical well-being of the children; engaged in conduct or

knowingly placed the children with persons who engaged in conduct which

endangers the     physical or emotional well-being of the children; and

constructively   abandoned   the   children.    See   Tex.   Fam.   Code   Ann.

§ 161.001(1)(D), (E), (K), (N) (Vernon Supp. 2008). The trial court further

found that termination was in the children’s best interest. Id. § 161.001(2).

The trial court terminated Appellant’s parental rights and appointed the

Department as K.W. and B.Y.’s permanent managing conservator. 2 Appellant

filed a motion for new trial and statement of points on appeal. The trial court

denied the motion for new trial and found that an appeal would not be frivolous.

      2
        … At the close of the case, the Department requested that B.Y.’s
father’s rights be terminated for constructive abandonment under section
161.001(1)(N) of the family code because he did not file an answer or appear.
Since K.W.’s father was considered unknown until Appellant admitted it could
be one of two men, the court permitted the Department to terminate the rights
of the unknown father with the knowledge that the Department could file a new
petition at a later time.

                                       5
                                  Standard of Review

         A   parent’s   rights   to   “the   companionship,   care,   custody,   and

management” of his or her children are constitutional interests “far more

precious than any property right.”           Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745,

758–59, 102 S. Ct. 1388, 1397 (1982); In re M.S., 115 S.W.3d 534, 547

(Tex. 2003). “While parental rights are of constitutional magnitude, they are

not absolute. Just as it is imperative for courts to recognize the constitutional

underpinnings of the parent-child relationship, it is also essential that emotional

and physical interests of the child not be sacrificed merely to preserve that

right.” In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 26 (Tex. 2002). In a termination case, the

State seeks not just to limit parental rights but to end them permanently—to

divest the parent and child of all legal rights, privileges, duties, and powers

normally existing between them, except for the child’s right to inherit. Tex.

Fam. Code Ann. § 161.206(b); Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20 (Tex.

1985).       We strictly scrutinize termination proceedings and strictly construe

involuntary termination statutes in favor of the parent. Holick, 685 S.W.2d at

20–21; In re E.M.N., 221 S.W.3d 815, 820 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2007, no

pet.).

                                             6
      In proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship brought under

section 161.001 of the family code, the petitioner must establish at least one

ground listed under subdivision (1) of the statute and must also prove that

termination is in the best interest of the child.         Tex. Fam. Code Ann.

§ 161.001(1), (2); In re J.L., 163 S.W.3d 79, 84 (Tex. 2005). Both elements

must be established; termination may not be based solely on the best interest

of the child as determined by the trier of fact. Tex. Dep’t of Human Servs. v.

Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533 (Tex. 1987).

      Termination of parental rights is a drastic remedy and is of such weight

and gravity that due process requires the petitioner to justify termination by

clear and convincing evidence. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §§ 161.001, 161.206(a);

In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 263 (Tex. 2002). This intermediate standard falls

between the preponderance standard of ordinary civil proceedings and the

reasonable doubt standard of criminal proceedings. In re G.M., 596 S.W.2d
846, 847 (Tex. 1980); In re C.S., 208 S.W.3d 77, 83 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth

2006, pet. denied). It is defined as the “measure or degree of proof that will

produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the truth

of the allegations sought to be established.” Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 101.007

(Vernon 2009).

                                         7
                   The State’s Affidavits of Relinquishment
                      and Alternate Statutory Grounds

      In her first issue, Appellant argues the trial court should have based the

termination on her relinquishment affidavits or on alternate statutory grounds,

but not both.   Appellant argues that the trial court caused harm to her by

allowing the State to bring forth additional statutory grounds after proving that

Appellant signed a voluntary relinquishment affidavit.3

      Under section 161.001 of the Texas Family Code, a trial court can

authorize a termination based on proof the parent committed any one of the

prohibited acts in subdivision (1) and proof that termination of parental rights

is in the child’s best interest. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1)–(2); In re

J.L., 163 S.W.3d at 84. The statute does not require the Department to elect

between proceeding on the basis of voluntary relinquishment or proceeding on

one of the other grounds listed in subdivision (1) of section 161.001. Tex.

Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1). Also, there is no requirement in the statute and

no case that holds that the trial court must, should, or may bifurcate the

termination hearing procedure by first finding no valid voluntary affidavit of

      3
       … The State first argues that Appellant waived this issue, but she
preserved error by listing this ground in her motion for new trial. See Tex. R.
App. P. 33.1(a); In re L.M.I., 119 S.W.3d 707, 710–12 (Tex. 2003) (holding
appellant failed to preserve error when the issue with the relinquishment
affidavits was not raised in any post-judgment motion), cert. denied, 541 U.S.
1043, 124 S. Ct. 2175 (2004).

                                       8
relinquishment before considering other statutory grounds for termination. See

In re D.E., 761 S.W.2d 596, 600–01 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1988, no writ.)

(holding that no precedent existed to allow the final termination hearing to be

bifurcated between the alleged ground of termination and the best interest of

the child analysis). Moreover, Appellant cannot completely remove evidence

from the trial court’s consideration as facts used in the best interest analysis

often overlap with the statutory grounds; thus, evidence of endangering

conduct and other predicate acts tend to emerge during the best interest

analysis, regardless of the subdivision (1) grounds initially relied upon. See In

re S.K.A., 236 S.W.3d 875, 903 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2007, pet. denied);

In re C.E.K., 214 S.W.3d 492, 503 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006, no pet.) (stating

that in some cases, the best interest of the child is infused with the statutory

offensive behavior).

      Appellant has cited no law to support the policy argument that the

Department’s proof of voluntary relinquishment ground should negate the trial

court’s ability to review the Department’s additional grounds for termination

before its subsequent best interest analysis. If the trial courts allowed this two-

part inquiry, many parents who committed acts covered by other statutory

grounds, such as endangerment, could avoid the repercussions of section

161.001(1)(D) and (E) by simply signing an affidavit of relinquishment before

                                        9
their termination hearing.4 That policy has yet to be accepted by any Texas

court. We overrule Appellant’s first issue.

          Legal and Factual Sufficiency: Best Interests of the Children

      In her second issue, Appellant argues there was insufficient evidence to

support the finding that the termination was in the children’s best interest.

      In reviewing the evidence for legal sufficiency in parental termination

cases, we must determine whether the evidence is such that a factfinder could

reasonably form a firm belief or conviction that the grounds for termination

were proven.    In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005).         We must

review all the evidence in the light most favorable to the finding and judgment.

Id. This means that we must assume that the factfinder resolved any disputed

facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable factfinder could have done so. Id.

We must also disregard all evidence that a reasonable factfinder could have

disbelieved. Id. We must consider, however, undisputed evidence even if it is

contrary to the finding. Id. That is, we must consider evidence favorable to

      4
       … Under section 161.001(1)(M), a court may order termination if a
parent has “had his or her parent-child relationship terminated with respect to
another child based on a finding that the parent’s conduct was in violation of
Paragraph (D) or (E) or substantially equivalent provisions of the law of another
state.” Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1)(M). Because of ground (M) of the
statute, the parent could lose parental rights to another child based on previous
terminations based on (D) or (E). See id.

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termination if a reasonable factfinder could, and disregard contrary evidence

unless a reasonable factfinder could not. Id.

      We must therefore consider all of the evidence, not just that which favors

the verdict. Id. But we cannot weigh witness credibility issues that depend on

the appearance and demeanor of the witnesses, for that is the factfinder’s

province.   Id. at 573–74.   And even when credibility issues appear in the

appellate record, we must defer to the factfinder’s determinations as long as

they are not unreasonable. Id. at 573.

      In reviewing the evidence for factual sufficiency, we must give due

deference to the factfinder’s findings and not supplant the judgment with our

own. In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 108 (Tex. 2006). We must determine

whether, on the entire record, a factfinder could reasonably form a firm

conviction or belief that the termination of the parent-child relationship would

be in the best interest of the child. C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28. If, in light of the

entire record, the disputed evidence that a reasonable factfinder could not have

credited in favor of the finding is so significant that a factfinder could not

reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction in the truth of its finding,

then the evidence is factually insufficient. H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at 108.

      Prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe environment is

presumed to be in the child’s best interest. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307(a)

                                      11
(Vernon 2002). There is also a strong presumption that keeping a child with

a parent is in the child’s best interest. In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex.

2006). Nonexclusive factors that the trier of fact in a termination case may use

in determining the best interest of the child include:

      (1)   the desires of the child;

      (2)   the emotional and physical needs of the child 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 individuals seeking custody;

      (5)   the programs available to assist these individuals to
            promote the best interest of the child;

      (6)   the plans for the child by these individuals or by the
            agency seeking custody;

      (7)   the stability of the home or proposed placement;

      (8)   the acts or omissions of the parent which may indicate
            that the existing parent-child relationship is not a
            proper one; and

      (9)   any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent.

Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976).

      These factors are not exhaustive; some listed factors may be inapplicable

to some cases; other factors not on the list may also be considered when

appropriate. C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27. Furthermore, undisputed evidence of just

                                        12
one factor may be sufficient in a particular case to support a finding that

termination is in the best interest of the child. Id. On the other hand, the

presence of scant evidence relevant to each factor will not support such a

finding. Id. In addition to the Holley factors, the factfinder may also consider:

a parent’s inability to provide adequate care for the child, lack of parenting

skills, poor judgment, and repeated instances of immoral conduct when looking

at the child’s best interest.    In re C.A.J., 122 S.W.3d 888, 893 (Tex.

App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.). We now address those factors for which

relevant evidence was admitted; some factors are combined due to overlapping

evidence.

1.    The emotional and physical needs of K.W. and B.Y. now and in the
      future, the plans for K.W. and B.Y. by the Department, and the stability
      of their proposed placement

      The evidence submitted at trial indicates that K.W. and B.Y. both have

significant emotional needs and behavioral issues that Appellant did not appear

prepared to handle at the time of the hearing. For instance, Mack testified that

both of the children have post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar tendencies, and

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”). Additionally, she stated that

K.W. has a severe case of attachment disorder.

      Regarding behavioral issues, Appellant testified that both her children

exhibit violent behaviors. She elaborated by recalling an incident where K.W.

                                       13
banged her head against a bathroom door, causing a mirror to crash into B.Y.,

and another incident where K.W. choked Appellant while telling her that she

wanted to kill her.

      Despite her testimony regarding the children’s substantial emotional needs

and her inability to handle their behavior, at the time of trial Appellant had not

made any arrangements for psychological help, counseling, or other services.

Additionally, even though Appellant testified that she attended three or four

parenting classes, she admitted that she did not complete the classes or any

other parts of her service plan. Appellant did testify that she was willing to

take classes to learn about her children’s disorders; however, at the time of

trial, she had not taken advantage of any services that had been offered to her.

      By contrast, Mack testified that the Department’s placement of K.W. and

B.Y. at the time of trial provided the stability they needed to make progress

with their behavioral and emotional needs. At the time of trial, K.W. was in a

therapeutic foster home that was adoption-motivated. Although K.W. struggled

academically because of her ADHD and other behavioral problems, she received

assistance through a modified setting and schedule at school.           B.Y. also

received assistance for his behavioral issues and emotional needs through a

residential treatment facility.   Mack testified that he was showing signs of

progress through his placement. Finally, Mack testified that both K.W. and B.Y.

                                       14
were adoptable and that the Department’s primary motivation was to keep the

children together.

2.    The present and future potential emotional and physical danger to K.W.
      and B.Y.

      Evidence at trial showed that Appellant has a history of using

methamphetamine in the presence of K.W. and B.Y., an act that placed the

children in a dangerous environment. See In re J.T.G., 121 S.W.3d 117, 125

(Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.) (stating that parental illegal drug use

supports the conclusion that the children’s surroundings endanger their physical

and emotional well-being). Despite Appellant’s bipolar diagnosis, she did not

take medication and had not sought treatment from a mental health expert.

This evidence also tended to show a potential emotional and physical danger

to the children. See In re K.A.S., 131 S.W.3d 215, 226 (Tex. App.—Fort

Worth 2004, pet. denied) (discussing the emotional and physical danger of the

mother’s noncompliance in taking medications for her bipolar disorder).

      Mack also testified about Patterson’s presence as another potential

danger to the children, due to her personality disorder and history of sexual

abuse. At the time of trial, Appellant had only been employed for three weeks

and was still living with and dependent on Patterson. See In re D.S., 176
S.W.3d 873, 879 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2005, no pet.) (holding that evidence

                                      15
of a parent’s unstable lifestyle, including drug use and inability to provide a

stable home, can support a factfinder’s conclusion that termination is in the

child’s best interest), superseded by statute on other grounds as recognized in

In re D.A.R., 201 S.W.3d 229, 230–31 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2005, no pet.).

3.    Parental abilities and the acts or omissions of the parent which may
      indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one

      The evidence at trial indicated that Appellant lacked significant parental

abilities and that the relationship was not proper between Appellant and her

two children. During an earlier investigation, Appellant told Maxey that she had

thought about giving up both children for adoption when they were born.

Appellant had a history of Department investigations.

      Appellant voluntarily turned over custody of K.W. and B.Y. to the

Department on May 30, 2007. Appellant then voluntarily executed irrevocable

affidavits of relinquishment of parental rights on July 2, 2007.     During the

period between turning over custody in May 2007 to the time of trial in April

2008, Appellant did not contact anyone at the Department or inform them that

she had changed her mind.

      At trial, Appellant testified that she voluntarily signed two affidavits of

relinquishment of parental rights with the assistance of counsel. She stated

that during the meeting Appellant’s attorney explained the documents she

                                      16
would be signing and the rights she would be giving up as a result. Appellant

stated at trial that she not only understood the rights she was giving up but

also that the documents she was signing were both irrevocable and permanent.

In fact, at trial, Appellant herself stated that she thought relinquishing her

parental rights was “in the best interest” of K.W. and B.Y. when she signed the

affidavits of relinquishment.

      Evidence also shows that after signing the affidavits of relinquishment,

Appellant had only seen K.W. and B.Y. on one occasion, a goodbye meeting

that took place in July 2007. She had sent correspondence to the children and

contacted the Department on three occasions to ensure the cards reached K.W.

and B.Y. According to Mack, Appellant never contacted the Department to

request a visit with the children. Mack testified that the first time she heard

that Appellant had expressed second thoughts about relinquishing her parental

rights was at the termination trial in April 2008.

      At trial, Mack testified that Appellant had not provided K.W. and B.Y.

with a stable environment. Mack stated that the Appellant moved the children

around a lot and assigned several of her numerous partners the job of

disciplining the children.   One of Appellant’s partners physically abused the

children, causing bruising. And the Department ruled that there was “reason

to believe” Appellant was not protective of her children after she allowed her

                                       17
current partner, Patterson, to discipline K.W. and B.Y. by spanking them,

bruising them, and leaving marks on them. The Department also found “reason

to believe” in the case alleging abuse of B.Y. by his maternal grandfather during

a visit in 2006. Ample evidence supported the conclusions that Appellant lacks

parental abilities and Appellant’s acts and omissions indicated her relationship

with K.W. and B.Y. was not a proper relationship.

4.    Excuses for the acts or omissions of Appellant

      Appellant admitted that she knowingly and voluntarily signed irrevocable

affidavits relinquishing her parental rights, but she testified that she wanted her

children back. She testified she would take classes to learn to deal with their

disorders and that she had been reading about the children’s diagnoses.

Despite this assertion, Appellant failed to complete any of the services provided

for her by the Department up to the time of trial. Appellant testified that she

tried to call the Department to schedule visitation with K.W. and B.Y. but she

could not remember the dates she tried to call and did not leave messages each

time she called.

      Considering all the evidence relevant to the Holley factors, we hold that

a factfinder could reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction that

termination of Appellant’s parental rights as to K.W. and B.Y. is in their best

interest. Accordingly, we hold that the evidence was legally sufficient. We

                                        18
also hold, based on the entire record, that the evidence was factually sufficient

to support the trial court’s best interest finding. Thus, we overrule Appellant’s

second issue.

      Conclusion

      Having overruled both of Appellant’s issues, we affirm the trial court’s

termination order.

                                            ANNE GARDNER
                                            JUSTICE

PANEL: DAUPHINOT and GARDNER, JJ.; and DIXON W. HOLMAN, J. (Senior
Justice, Retired, Sitting by Assignment).

DELIVERED: February 19, 2009

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