Court Opinion

ID: 4306523
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-08-23 12:17:51.200633+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:38:24.482813
License: Public Domain

Fourth Court of Appeals
                                          San Antonio, Texas
                                     MEMORANDUM OPINION

                                              No. 04-18-00264-CV

                    IN THE INTEREST OF N.M.H., J.K.H., and J.J.W., Children

                       From the 37th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas
                                    Trial Court No. 2016PA02357
                                 John D. Gabriel Jr., Judge Presiding 1

Opinion by:       Marialyn Barnard, Justice

Sitting:          Sandee Bryan Marion, Chief Justice
                  Karen Angelini, Justice
                  Marialyn Barnard, Justice

Delivered and Filed: August 22, 2018

AFFIRMED

           Appellant mother (“Mother”) appeals the trial court’s order terminating her parental rights

to her children, N.M.H., J.K.H. and J.J.W. 2 On appeal, Mother contends the evidence is legally

and factually insufficient to support the trial court’s finding that termination of her parental rights

is in the best interest of her children. We affirm the trial court’s order of termination.

                                                  BACKGROUND

           The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (the “Department”) became

involved with the family after Mother posted a video to Facebook showing herself and a cousin in

1
  The Honorable Michael E. Mery is the presiding judge of the 37th Judicial District Court, Bexar County Texas. The
Honorable John D. Gabriel Jr., retired, was sitting by assignment and signed the termination order at issue in this
appeal.
2
  The trial court also terminated the parental rights of J.J.W.’s father and the unknown father of N.M.H. and J.K.H.
However, neither father filed a notice of appeal challenging the trial court’s termination order. Accordingly, they are
not parties to this appeal.
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a car smoking marijuana and drinking while N.M.H., J.K.H., and J.J.W. were in the back seat. At

the time the Department investigation began, N.M.H. and J.K.H were fifteen months old and J.J.W.

was three months old. 3

        The children were removed and placed with a foster family. The children remained with

the foster family during the course of the investigation. After the removal, the Department created

a service plan for Mother, requiring her to: (1) complete a drug assessment; (2) complete individual

therapy; (3) complete a psychological evaluation and follow all recommendations based on the

evaluation; (4) submit to all random drug tests; (5) maintain legal, verifiable employment and

provide check stubs proving employment; (5) complete a parenting course; and (6) maintain safe,

stable housing. The service plan goals required that Mother demonstrate a willingness and ability

to protect her children, manage her anger, appropriately cope with daily stresses, and place the

needs of her children before her own. Mother completed the mandated drug assessment and

recommended outpatient drug treatment. She also completed individual therapy, a psychological

evaluation, and a parenting course. However, Mother failed to comply with certain portions of her

service plan. More specifically, Mother failed to follow recommendations made as a result of her

psychiatric evaluation, did not provide proof of safe housing, failed to submit to some of the

requested drug tests, tested positive for marijuana at her last random drug test — which was taken

a week prior to trial, and provided only one employment paystub over the course of a year and a

half. Ultimately, the Department filed a petition to terminate Mother’s parental rights.

        At the final hearing, the Department presented evidence in support of its petition seeking

to terminate Mother’s parental rights. The Department caseworker, Alkeshia Daniels, testified the

Department’s primary concerns with Mother were her continued drug use and her failure to comply

3
  N.M.H., J.K.H., and J.J.W. are Mother’s three youngest children. There is evidence in the record to suggest Mother
lost custody of her three older children.

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with her psychiatrist’s recommendations with regard to medication to treat her bipolar disorder.

Ms. Daniels also stated the Department had considered returning the children to Mother, but

decided against it after Mother was arrested for possession of marijuana and then later tested

positive for marijuana use. Ms. Daniels opined it was in the best interests of the children for

Mother’s parental rights to be terminated.

       The children’s foster father also testified. He advised the court that the children were

developmentally behind when they first came to live with his family. However, since the

placement, they have shown great improvement and are now doing very well. He also stated he

and his wife desire to adopt the children if Mother’s parental rights are terminated.

       Mother also testified, along with a one of her friends, Courtland. Both testified that

although Mother had made poor decisions in the past, she had learned from her mistakes and

desired and deserved to have her children returned.

       At the conclusion of the hearing, the trial court terminated Mother’s parental rights finding

she: (1) failed to support her children in accordance with her ability; (2) failed to comply with the

provisions of a court order that specifically established the actions necessary for her to obtain the

return of the children; and (3) used a controlled substance in a manner that endangered the health

or safety of her children and continued to use a controlled substance after completing a court-

ordered substance abuse treatment program. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(F), (O),

(P) (West Supp. 2017). The trial court further found termination of Mother’s parental rights would

be in the best interests of the children. See id. § 161.001(b)(2). Based on its findings, the trial

court rendered an order terminating Mother’s parental rights. Thereafter, Mother timely perfected

this appeal.

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                                              ANALYSIS

       On appeal, Mother does not challenge the evidence regarding the trial court’s findings

under section 161.001(b)(1) of the Texas Family Code (“the Code”). See id. § 161.001(b)(1)(F),

(O), (P). Rather, Mother contends the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to support the

trial court’s finding that termination of her parental rights was in her children’s best interests. See

id. § 161.001(b)(2). According to Mother, the State ignored many of the Holley factors when

presenting its case. See Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976). Mother states she

has a strong bond with her children, never used drugs in the children’s presence, never abused or

neglected the children, and has a job and safe housing. Therefore, she argues, it is in the best

interests of the children to return them to her.

                                        Standard of Review

       A trial court may terminate a parent’s rights to her children only if it finds by clear and

convincing evidence that the parent committed an act prohibited by section 161.001(b)(1) of the

Code and termination is in the best interests of the children.          See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN.

§ 161.001(b)(1), (b)(2). “Clear and convincing evidence” is defined as “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.” Id. § 101.007. Courts require this heightened standard of review because

termination of a parent’s right to her children results in permanent and severe changes for both the

parent and children, thus, implicating due process concerns. See In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d 498, 502

(Tex. 2014).

       When reviewing the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence, we apply the well-

established standards of review. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §§ 101.007, 161.206(a); In re J.P.B.,

180 S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005) (legal sufficiency); In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 108 (Tex.

2006) (factual sufficiency). In sum, an appellate court must determine whether the evidence is
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such that a trier of fact could reasonably form a firm belief or conviction that termination of

parental rights was in the child’s best interest. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 263 (Tex. 2002).

         In conducting a sufficiency review, we may not weigh a witness’s credibility because it

depends on appearance and demeanor, and these are within the domain of the trier of fact. In re

J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573. Even when such issues are found in the appellate record, we must refer

to the fact finder’s reasonable resolutions. Id.

                                 Best Interests — Applicable Law

         In a best interest analysis, we apply the non-exhaustive Holley factors. See Holley, 544
S.W.2d at 371–72. In analyzing the evidence within the Holley framework, we note that evidence

of each Holley factor is not required before a court may find that termination is in a child’s best

interest. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 27 (Tex. 2002). In other words, and contrary to Mother’s

argument in this case, the absence of evidence as to some of the Holley factors does not preclude

a fact finder from reasonably forming a strong conviction or belief that termination is in the child’s

best interest.   See id.   Moreover, in conducting our review of a trial court’s best interest

determination, we focus on whether termination is in the best interest of the child — not the best

interest of the parent. In re D.M., 452 S.W.3d 462, 468–69 (Tex. App—San Antonio 2014, no

pet.).

         In addition to the Holley factors, we recognize there is 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).

However, promptly and permanently placing a child in a safe environment is also presumed to be

in the child’s best interest. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(a). Thus, to determine whether a

child’s parent is willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment, we also consider

the factors set forth in section 263.307(b) of the Code. Id. § 263.307(b).

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       Additionally, evidence that proves one or more statutory grounds for termination may be

probative to prove termination is in the child’s best interest. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28 (holding

same evidence may be probative of both section 161.001(1) grounds and best interest, but such

evidence does not relieve the State of its burden to prove best interest). In conducting a best

interest analysis, a court may consider not only direct evidence, but circumstantial evidence,

subjective factors, and the totality of the evidence. In re E.D., 419 S.W.3d 615, 620 (Tex. App.—

San Antonio 2013, pet. denied). Finally, a trier of fact may measure a parent’s future conduct by

her past conduct in determining whether termination of parental rights is in the child’s best interest.

Id.

                                             Application

       As indicated above, the trial court heard testimony from four witnesses at the final hearing:

Ms. Daniels — the Department caseworker, the foster father, Mother, and Mother’s friend,

Courtland. The foster father testified the twins, N.M.H. and J.K.H., were approximately two and

a half at the time of the final hearing; J.J.W., the youngest child, was one and a half years old.

Thus, they are too young to express their desires with regard to conservatorship. See TEX. FAM.

CODE ANN. § 263.307(b)(1) (child’s age and physical and mental vulnerabilities); Holley, 544
S.W.2d at 371–72. However, when a child is too young or unable to express his desires, a fact

finder may consider that he has bonded with his foster family, is well cared for by them, and has

spent minimal time with the parent. In re J.D., 436 S.W.3d 105, 118 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th

Dist.] 2014, no pet.) (citing In re J.M., 156 S.W.3d 696, 706 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, no pet.));

In re U.P., 105 S.W.3d 222, 230 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied).

       Mother, Ms. Daniels and the foster father all testified Mother had a bond with her children.

However, Ms. Daniels stated that although Mother was permitted visitation with her children twice

a month by court order, she did not attend all of the visits afforded to her. According to Ms.
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Daniels, some of the reasons Mother gave for not attending visits were that she did not want to

have to take the children with her to a housing appointment or on the bus with her. This concerned

Ms. Daniels because it demonstrated Mother’s lack of ability to care for the children in everyday

situations. Ms. Daniels and the foster father both testified that following visits with Mother, the

children were often returned hungry, tired, dirty, and without proper attire for the weather

conditions. The foster father further stated the children seemed agitated after visits with Mother.

       On the other hand, the children are thriving in their foster home. The evidence shows the

children are bonded with their foster family, including their foster parents and foster brothers. See

In re J.D., 436 S.W.3d at 118; In re U.P., 105 S.W.3d at 230. The children have been with their

foster family for more than half of their lives. Id. According to Ms. Daniels, the children see their

foster parents as “mom” and “dad” and they are the ones the children turn to when they are hurt,

crying, hungry, or sick. Ms. Daniels testified the children’s current placement meets their physical

and emotional needs. Ms. Daniels also stated the children are comfortable and safe with their

foster family and if Mother’s parental rights are terminated, she saw no reason they could not be

placed permanently with the foster family.

       Ms. Daniels also testified that Mother has not provided monetary support for the children

since she took over the case. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(b)(12) (whether child’s family

demonstrates adequate parenting skills); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371-72. Mother provided only one

paycheck stub to the Department. The paycheck stub was for a call-center job she started months

after the children were removed. Prior to that, Mother had been generally unemployed or failed

to provide paycheck stubs for the few sporadic jobs she claimed to have. Mother claims she

recently leased a new apartment, but was unable to provide a copy of the lease or any other form

of proof that she was leasing the property. See Doyle v. Tex. Dep’t of Protective & Regulatory

Servs., 16 S.W.3d 390, 398 (Tex. App.—El Paso, 2000, pet. denied) (holding that parent’s failure
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to provide stable home and provide for child’s needs contributes to finding that termination of

parental rights is in child’s best interest). This evidence demonstrates Mother’s inability to

maintain a stable home and provide economically for the children. See Doyle, 16 S.W.3d at 398;

In re M.R., 243 S.W.3d 807, 821 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2007, no pet.). On this basis, the trial

court could have determined Mother lacks the abilities needed to parent her young children. See

Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72.

       With regard to emotional and physical danger to the children, there is evidence Mother

engaged in substance abuse, has not followed her psychiatrist’s recommendations with regard to

treating her bipolar disease, and has her phone number and photos posted on multiple escort

websites. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(b)(6) (results of psychiatric or psychological

evaluations of child’s parents); id § 263.307(b)(8) (history of substance abuse by child’s family);

id. § 263.307(b)(10) (willingness and ability of child’s family to accept and complete counseling

services); id. § 263.307(b)(11) (willingness and ability of child’s family to effect positive

environmental and personal change); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72. Although Mother completed

outpatient drug treatment, she was subsequently arrested for marijuana possession and thereafter

tested positive for marijuana during a random drug test just a week before the final hearing. See

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(b)(8); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371–72; In re L.R.G., 498 S.W.3d
195, 204 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2016, pet. denied) (holding that parent’s drug use

supports finding that termination is in child’s best interest); In re M.L.C., No. 04-17-00459-CV,

2017 WL 6597828, at *5 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Dec. 27, 2017, pet. denied) (mem. op.)

(holding parent’s criminal activities and history are relevant to best interest analysis). Moreover,

the trial court could have reasonably determined that because of her drug use, Mother would be

unable to properly care for her children. See In re J.M.T., 519 S.W.3d 258, 269 (Tex. App.—

Houston [1st Dist.] 2017, pet. denied) (stating parental drug use reflects poor judgement, which
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demonstrates inability to provide adequate care for child); In re E.D., 419 S.W.3d at 620

(highlighting that trial court may measure parent’s future conduct by past conduct when making

best interest determination); see also TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(b)(12) (whether child’s

family demonstrates adequate parenting skills). Thus, based on evidence of Mother’s drug use

and inability to complete important aspects of her service plan, the trial court could have

reasonably determined termination was in the best interest of the children. Id.

       Accordingly, after considering all the evidence in the light most favorable to the best

interests finding, we conclude the trial court could have reasonably formed a firm belief or

conviction that termination of Mother’s parental rights was in her children’s best interests. See In

re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573; In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at 108. Although Mother argues the

Department failed to produce evidence as to each Holley factor, the law is clear that evidence of

each Holley factor is not required before a court may find that termination is in a child’s best

interest. See, e.g., In re C.H.L., No. 04-17-00525-CV, 2017 WL 6597827, at *5 (Tex. App.—San

Antonio Dec. 27, 2017, no pet.) (mem. op.) (citing In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27); In re M.L.C.,

2017 WL 6597828, at *3; In re S.J.R.-Z., 537 S.W.3d 677, 691 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2017,

pet. denied) (“In fact, evidence of only one factor may be sufficient for a fact finder to reasonably

form a firm belief or conviction that termination is in a child’s best interest.); see also In re C.H.,
89 S.W.3d at 27.

       In addition, Mother has not challenged the trial court’s findings that she: (1) failed to

support her children in accordance with her ability; (2) failed to comply with the provisions of a

court order that specifically established the actions necessary for her to obtain the return of her

children; and (3) used a controlled substance in a manner that endangered the health or safety of

her children and continued to use a controlled substance after completing a court-ordered substance

abuse treatment program. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(F), (O), (P). Although not
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dispositive, grounds for termination are nevertheless probative on the issue of best interest. In re

C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28. We therefore hold the evidence is sufficient to support the trial court’s

finding that termination of Mother’s parental rights was in the best interests of her children.

                                         CONCLUSION

       Based on the foregoing, we overrule Mother’s sufficiency challenge. We affirm the trial

court’s termination order.

                                                   Marialyn Barnard, Justice

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