Court Opinion

ID: 4193596
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-08-05 04:25:00.767409+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:39:36.864659
License: Public Domain

IN THE
    TENTH COURT OF APPEALS

         No. 10-17-00079-CV

IN THE INTEREST OF A.N.M., A CHILD

    From the County Court at Law
         Ellis County, Texas
      Trial Court No. 92813CCL

                and

            IN THE
    TENTH COURT OF APPEALS

         No. 10-17-00081-CV

IN THE INTEREST OF J.C.M., A CHILD

    From the County Court at Law
         Ellis County, Texas
      Trial Court No. 91157CCL
                                MEMORANDUM OPINION

        In numerous issues in appellate cause numbers 10-17-00079-CV and 10-17-00081-

CV, appellants, Amy and Doug, challenge the trial court’s orders terminating their

parental rights to their children, A.N.M. and J.C.M.1 Because we overrule all of Amy and

Doug’s issues in both appeals, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.2

            I.      AMY AND DOUG’S MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND THE TRIAL COURT’S
                                 MONITORED-RETURN ORDERS

        In her first three issues in both appellate cause numbers, Amy challenges the trial

court’s monitored-return orders, as well as the trial court’s denial of her motions to

dismiss. In his first two issues in appellate cause number 10-17-00081-CV, the case

involving J.C.M., Doug also complains about the trial court’s monitored-return orders

and the denial of his motion to dismiss. Specifically, the parties contend in these issues

that the trial court should have granted their motions to dismiss because “[o]nce the trial

court revoked the order for monitored return[,] the previous deadlines came back into

effect. At the moment the trial court revoked the order for monitored return[,] the case

        1 We use the pseudonyms Amy and Doug for the mother and father of the children in compliance
with the requirement of Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.8 to protect the identities of the parties. See
TEX. R. APP. P. 9.8. Furthermore, as this is a memorandum opinion and the parties are familiar with the
facts, we only recite those necessary to the disposition of the case. See id. at R. 47.1, 47.4.

        2 The Department filed one brief addressing all issues brought forth by Amy and Doug in both
appellate cause numbers. Accompanying the Department’s brief in both cause numbers are motions to
exceed the word limit. Specifically, the Department requests permission to exceed the word limit by 3,150
words. Given that the Department has filed one brief addressing all issues raised in both appellate cause
numbers by both parents, we grant both motions.

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                        Page 2
had already went past the previous deadlines.” The parties further argue that the trial

court did not have authority to fix the deadline problem, but rather could only dismiss

the lawsuits. In addition, Amy independently argues that the trial court erred in ordering

a “conditional” monitored return.3

A.      Applicable Law

        “A motion to dismiss a case is a matter ordinarily addressed to the sound judicial

discretion of the trial court.” In re C.T., No. 12-11-00384-CV, 2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 8248,

at *6 (Tex. App.—Tyler Sept. 28, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (citing City of Waco v. Tex.

Coffin Co., 472 S.W.2d 800, 804 (Tex. App.—Waco 1971, writ ref’d n.r.e.)). “Therefore, we

review the trial court’s ruling on a motion to dismiss for an abuse of discretion.” Id.

(citing Tex. Coffin Co., 472 S.W.2d at 804); see, e.g., In re K.E., No. 07-13-00082-CV, 2013 Tex.

App. LEXIS 11270, at *3 (Tex. App.—Amarillo Aug. 30, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.)

(applying an abuse-of-discretion standard to a determination of the dismissal date under

chapter 263 of the Family Code); In re M.D.W., No. 02-13-00013-CV, 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS

7956, at **12-13 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth June 27, 2013, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (per

curiam). A trial court abuses its discretion if it acts arbitrarily or unreasonably. See

Downer v. Aquamarine Operators, Inc., 701 S.W.2d 238, 241-42 (Tex. 1985); see also In re C.T.,

2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 8248, at *3.

        3We recognize that many of the arguments made by Amy and Doug in these issues were
previously raised in petitions for writ of mandamus that this Court denied. However, because of the
summary nature of the denial of the petitions for writ of mandamus, we will address these issues here.

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                   Page 3
B.      Analysis

        In appellate cause number 10-17-00081-CV, the Department filed its original

petition to terminate Amy and Doug’s parental rights as to J.C.M. and another child that

is not the focus of this appeal on March 9, 2015.4 In a subsequent permanency-hearing

order signed on August 27, 2015, the trial court set the dismissal date for the suit as March

14, 2016, as required by section 263.401(a) of the Family Code. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN.

§ 263.401(a) (West Supp. 2016). On January 28, 2016, the trial court signed an order

retaining the suit on the court’s docket and extending the dismissal date pursuant to

section 263.401(b) of the Family Code until September 5, 2016. See id. § 263.401(b). In July

2016, Amy and Doug each filed motions requesting the monitored return of J.C.M.

Thereafter, on August 17, 2016, the trial court signed an order for monitored return,

wherein the trial court denied Doug’s request for monitored return but granted a

monitored return to Amy. As a result of this order, the dismissal date was extended to

February 13, 2017, pursuant to section 263.403(b) of the Family Code. See id. § 263.403(b)

(West 2014).

        Among the conditions of the order for monitored return was that Amy must

provide the Department with her work schedule and a child-care plan and ensure that

J.C.M. had no contact with Doug. Because Doug failed to leave her home, Amy filed a

motion on August 31, 2016, seeking to modify the order for monitored return to allow

        4   The Department filed its termination petition as to A.C.M. on December 16, 2015.

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                   Page 4
her more time to comply with the order and to enable placement. On September 15, 2016,

the trial court granted the modification request and ordered that J.C.M. be placed with

Amy on September 16, 2016.

        When delivery of J.C.M. was attempted at Amy’s home on September 16, 2016, the

Department learned that Doug continued to reside at the home, which constituted a

violation of the conditions of the monitored-return order. Therefore, on September 16,

2016, the Department filed a motion to revoke the monitored-return order and to set a

new dismissal date. In its motion, the Department recounted the unsuccessful monitored

return and requested that the dismissal date be reset to March 13, 2017.

        On September 22, 2016, the trial court entered its “Order Revoking Monitored

Return and Setting New Dismissal Date” with the following findings:

        THE COURT FINDS pursuant to §263.403(c) of the Texas Family Code that
        the child was unable to be placed into the home of [Amy] on or before
        September 1, 2016 and also on or before September 16, 2016, due to failure
        of the parents to comply with the requirements as set forth in the Order for
        Monitored Return on August 17, 2016, and/or Order Modifying Monitored
        Return on September 15, 2016.

              THE COURT FURTHER FINDS that the child’s parents are
        unwilling or unable to provide the child with a safe environment at this
        time. Therefore, [J.C.M.] requires substitute care at this time.

(Emphasis in original). The trial court then found “pursuant to §263.403(c) of the Texas

Family Code that a new dismissal date, being a date not later than the 180th day after the

date the child is moved from the home of the parent, being September 16, 2016, the date

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                           Page 5
of failed placement, under §263.403(c), shall be scheduled” and scheduled the new

dismissal date as March 15, 2017.

        Shortly thereafter, Amy and Doug filed separate motions to dismiss, alleging that

the trial court’s entry of the “Order Revoking Monitored Return and Setting New

Dismissal Date” nullified the original monitored-return order and that the case was now

beyond the dismissal date established under section 263.401 of the Family Code. In a

letter dated October 11, 2016, the trial judge noted the following:

        It was not the Court’s intention, nor the legal effect, that the Order Revoking
        the Monitored Return legally nullify the entire prior Orders. Even
        assuming arguendo that nullification was the effect of the September 22 nd
        Order, we are still within the 20 day restricted appeal window. To remove
        any uncertainty that may exist for the parties, I have this day entered an
        Order Vacating Order Revoking Monitored Return and Setting New
        Dismissal Date. The parents should pursue compliance with the Monitored
        Return Orders with all due haste.

The trial court then denied both Amy and Doug’s motions to dismiss and entered an

order vacating the “Order Revoking Monitored Return and Setting New Dismissal Date.”

In its order, the trial court specifically mentioned that the controlling orders in place are

the August 17, 2016 monitored-return order and the September 15, 2016 order modifying

monitored return.5

        Section 263.401 of the Family Code provides that the Department’s lawsuit

requesting termination of parental rights must be dismissed on the first Monday after the

        5   On appeal, Amy and Doug do not challenge the August 17, 2016 and September 15, 2016 orders.

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                     Page 6
first anniversary of the date the court rendered the first temporary order naming the

Department as temporary managing conservator unless the court has commenced a trial

on the merits or granted a one-time extension under subsection (b). See TEX. FAM. CODE

ANN. § 263.401; see also In re A.H.J., No. 05-15-00501-CV, 2015 Tex. App. LEXIS 10440, at

*5 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 8, 2015, pet. denied) (mem. op.). Notwithstanding section

263.401, however, the trial court may retain jurisdiction of a case if it: (1) finds that the

retention is in the best interest of the child; (2) orders a Department-monitored return of

the child to a parent; and (3) continues the Department as temporary managing

conservator of the child. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.403(a); see also In re A.H.J., 2015

Tex. App. LEXIS 10440, at **5-6.

        If a child placed with a parent under this section must be moved from that
        home by the department before the dismissal of the suit or the
        commencement of the trial on the merits, the court shall, at the time of the
        move, schedule a new date for dismissal of the suit unless a trial on the
        merits has commenced. The new dismissal date may not be later than the
        original dismissal date established under Section 263.401 or the 180th day
        after the date the child is moved under this subsection, whichever date is
        later.

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.403(c).

        Here, despite the titling of the complained-of orders, the record reflects that it was

the trial court’s intent to conclude any efforts by the Department to place the child with

Amy and not to divest itself of jurisdiction over the suit. See Ryland Enter., Inc. v.

Weatherspoon, 355 S.W.3d 664, 666 (Tex. 2011) (emphasizing that “courts should

acknowledge the substance of the relief sought despite the formal styling of the pleading”
In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                            Page 7
(citing TEX. R. CIV. P. 71; State Bar of Tex. v. Heard, 603 S.W.2d 829, 833 (Tex. 1980))); see

also In re A.H.J., 2015 Tex. App. LEXIS 10440, at *10 (“It is the content of the order rather

than its label that controls our analysis.”). This is especially true in light of the trial court’s

clarification letter dated October 11, 2016.

        However, despite the foregoing, Amy argues, without citation to authority, that

section 263.403 does not provide for “conditional returns” and that a child should not be

placed in the home if there are conditions or existing concerns. See id. Amy further argues

that section 263.403(c) requires “strict compliance” and attempts to blame the

Department for the failure to place the child back in her home. See id. The record

demonstrates that the trial court ordered J.C.M. returned to Amy’s house on two different

occasions. On the last occasion, September 16, 2016, the Department effectively removed

the child from placement with Amy because of her failure to comply with the trial court’s

order requiring no contact between the child and Doug—a registered sex offender.

Therefore, the removal of J.C.M. from placement with Amy authorized the trial court to

set a new dismissal date pursuant to section 263.403(c). See id.

        Nevertheless, even if we were to conclude that the trial court was not authorized

to schedule a new dismissal date pursuant to section 263.403, nothing in the statute

indicates that dismissal is an appropriate or necessary remedy. See id. In fact, the Texas

Supreme Court has noted that the statutory dismissal dates in termination cases are not

jurisdictional. See In re Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., 273 S.W.3d 637, 642 (Tex. 2009);

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                Page 8
see also In re J.B.W., 99 S.W.3d 218, 224 n.27 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, pet. denied.

Moreover, nothing in section 263.403 suggests that the failure to schedule a new dismissal

date upon the children’s return to foster care results in dismissal of the suit if trial has not

commenced by the previous dismissal date. See, e.g., L.H. v. Tex. Dep’t of Family &

Protective Servs., No. 03-15-00673-CV, 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 1838, at *10 (Tex. App.—

Austin Feb. 24, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) (“The statute [section 263.403] does not,

however, provide a consequence for a trial court’s failure to schedule a new date at the

time of the move.”); In re A.H.J., 2015 Tex. App. LEXIS 10440, at *9 (“The former statute

explicitly stated that if the trial court failed to make specific findings of extraordinary

circumstances, it must dismiss the suit. While certain findings are required by section

263.403, unlike the former section 263.401(b) at issue in J.H.G., there is nothing in section

263.403 suggesting the failure to make such findings would preclude retention of the case

on the docket. We conclude the trial court’s October 2 oral rendition was sufficient to

maintain the case on its dockets pursuant to section 263.403 and was timely rendered

before the October 6 dismissal date. Accordingly, the trial court did not err in denying

appellant’s motion to dismiss.” (internal citation omitted)); In re J.C.J., 2006 Tex. App.

LEXIS 7169, at **14-16 (Tex. App.—Dallas Aug. 15, 2006, not pet.) (mem. op.) (“Father’s

argument is premised on the assumption that the statutory requirement that the trial

court schedule a new dismissal date upon the child’s return to foster care is jurisdictional.

However, just because a statutory requirement is mandatory does not mean it is

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                              Page 9
jurisdictional. The issue is what consequences follow the failure to comply, and nothing

in section 263.403 suggests that the failure to schedule a new dismissal date upon the

children’s return to foster care results in dismissal of the suit if no final order is rendered

by the previous dismissal date. Father’s contention to the contrary mistakenly rests on

the requirement in section 263.401(b) that the court cannot retain a termination suit on its

docket unless it renders an order which, among other things, includes a new dismissal

date. No such language is contained in section 263.403.” (internal citations & emphasis

omitted)).

        Therefore, based on the foregoing, and because the February 13, 2017 deadline

stated in the unchallenged August 17, 2016 order for monitored return had not yet

arrived, we cannot conclude that the trial court abused its discretion in denying Amy and

Doug’s motions to dismiss. 6 See Tex. Coffin Co., 472 S.W.2d at 804; see also In re C.T., 2012

Tex. App. LEXIS 8248, at *6; In re D.O.A.I., Nos. 11-16-00141-CV, 11-16-00142-CV, & 11-

16-00143-CV, 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 12655, at *5 (Tex. App.—Eastland Nov. 30, 2016, no

pet.) (mem. op.) (per curiam) (concluding that the trial court did not err in denying

        6  In the alternative, we also note that the trial court has plenary power over interlocutory orders
and has the power to set those orders aside any time before a final judgment is entered. See Fruehauf Corp.
v. Carrillo, 848 S.W.2d 83, 84 (Tex. 1993) (“A trial court has plenary power over its judgment until it becomes
final. The trial court also retains continuing control over interlocutory orders and has the power to set
those orders aside any time before a final judgment is entered.” (internal citations omitted)). Thus, the trial
court had plenary power to correct, amend, or clarify the complained-of interlocutory order here—the
order vacating the “Order Revoking Monitored Return and Setting New Dismissal Date.” See, e.g., In re
A.H.J., No. 05-15-00501-CV, 2015 Tex. App. LEXIS 10440, at *10 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 8, 2015, pet. denied)
(mem. op.) (“Consequently, the trial court was not limited to correcting clerical error[s] and clearly retained
the power to correct the October 16 order.”).

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                          Page 10
appellant’s motions to dismiss based on section 243.403(c) when the dismissal date, as set

by order of the trial court, had not yet arrived when appellant filed her motions to

dismiss). Accordingly, we overrule Amy’s first three issues in both appellate cause

numbers and Doug’s first two issues in appellate cause number 10-17-00081-CV.

       II.      SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE BEST-INTEREST FACTORS

        In their remaining issues, Amy and Doug challenge the trial court’s best-interest

finding as to both children. Specifically, Amy and Doug highlight conflicts in the

testimony and assert witness bias in an attempt to show that the evidence supporting the

trial court’s best-interest finding is insufficient. We disagree.

A.      Applicable Law

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

161.001 of the Family Code, the petitioner must establish one predicate act listed under

subsection (b)(1) of the statute and that termination is in the best interest of the child. TEX.

FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001 (West Supp. 2016); see 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 decisions must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. TEX.

FAM. CODE ANN. §§ 161.001, 161.206(a) (West 2014). Evidence is clear and convincing if it

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

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                            Page 11
the allegations sought to be established.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 101.007 (West 2014).

Due process demands this heightened standard because termination results in

permanent, irrevocable changes for the parent and child. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 263

(Tex. 2002); see In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d 611, 616 (Tex. 2007).

        In evaluating the evidence for legal sufficiency in parental-termination cases, we

determine whether the evidence is such that a factfinder could reasonably form a firm

belief or convictions that the grounds for termination were proven. In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d
570, 573 (Tex. 2005). We review all the evidence in the light most favorable to the finding

and judgment. Id. We resolve any disputed facts in favor of the finding if a reasonable

factfinder could have done so. Id. We disregard all contrary evidence that a reasonable

factfinder could have disbelieved. Id. We consider undisputed evidence even if it is

contrary to the finding. Id. That is, we consider evidence favorable to termination if a

reasonable factfinder could, and we disregard contrary evidence unless a reasonable

factfinder could not. Id. 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 defer to the

factfinder’s determination, as long as they are not unreasonable. Id. at 573.

        In reviewing the factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting termination, we

give due deference to the factfinder’s findings and do not supplant the judgment with

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

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                         Page 12
entire record, a factfinder could reasonably form a firm conviction or belief that the parent

violated section 161.001(b)(1) and that the termination of the parent-child relationship

would be in the best interest of the child. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001; In re C.H., 89
S.W.3d 17, 28 (Tex. 2002). 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. In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at 108.

        In both appellate cause numbers, the trial court determined that the Texas

Department of Family and Protective Services established numerous predicate acts or

omissions under section 161.001(b)(1) of the Family Code committed by Amy and Doug.

However, on appeal, Amy and Doug do not challenge the predicate grounds for

termination. See In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28 (holding that the same evidence may be

probative of both section 161.001(b)(1) predicate grounds and the best-interest grounds);

In re S.L., 421 S.W.3d 34, 37 (Tex. App.—Waco 2013, no pet.) (“An unchallenged finding

of a predicate violation is binding and will support the trial court’s judgment, and we

may affirm the termination on that finding and need not address the other grounds for

termination.”); see also In re G.S., No. 14-14-00477-CV, 2014 Tex. App. LEXIS 10563, at *30

(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Sept. 23, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) (“The unchallenged

predicate findings under section 161.001(1)(E), endangering conduct, are binding and

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                          Page 13
may be considered as evidence related to the court’s best interest finding.”). Instead, they

focus on the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the trial court’s best-interest finding.

        In determining the best interest of a child, a number of factors have been

considered, including: (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; (6) the plans for the child by these

individuals; (7) the stability of the home; (8) the acts or omissions of the parent that may

indicate 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).

This list is not exhaustive, but simply indicates factors that have been or could be

pertinent. Id. at 372. Furthermore, undisputed evidence of just one factor may be

sufficient in a particular case to support a finding that termination is in the best interest

of the child. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27. On the other hand, the presence of scant evidence

relevant to each factor will not support such a finding. Id.

        The Holley factors focus on the best interest of the child, not the best interest of the

parent. Dupree v. Tex. Dep't Prot. & Reg. Servs., 907 S.W.2d 81, 86 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1995,

no writ). The goal of establishing a stable permanent home for a child is a compelling

state interest. Id. at 87. The need for permanence is a paramount consideration for a

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                             Page 14
child's present and future physical and emotional needs. In re S.H.A., 728 S.W.2d 73, 92

(Tex. App.—Dallas 1987, writ ref'd n.r.e.) (en banc).

        The same evidence proving acts or omissions under section 161.001(b)(1) of the

family code has been held to be probative of best interest of the child. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d

at 28. Moreover, evidence of past misconduct or neglect can be used to measure a parent's

future conduct. See Williams v. Williams, 150 S.W.3d 436, 451 (Tex. App.—Austin 2004,

pet. denied); Ray v. Burns, 832 S.W.2d 431, 435 (Tex. App.—Waco 1992, no writ) ("Past is

often prologue."); see also In re A.M., 385 S.W.3d 74, 82-83 (Tex. App.—Waco 2012, pet.

denied) (concluding that evidence of mother's history of neglecting and endangering

children by exposing them to domestic violence supported trial court's finding that

termination was in child's best interest). A parent’s history, admissions, drug abuse, and

inability to maintain a lifestyle free from arrests and incarcerations are relevant to the

best-interest determination. In re D.M., 58 S.W.3d 801, 814 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001,

no pet.). Evidence of a recent improvement does not absolve a parent of a history of

irresponsible choices. See Smith v. Tex. Dep't Protective & Regulatory Servs., 160 S.W.3d
673, 681 (Tex. App.—Austin 2005, no pet.); see also In re T.C., No. 10-10-00207-CV, 2010

Tex. App. LEXIS 9685, at *20 (Tex. App.—Waco Dec. 1, 2010, pet. denied) (mem. op.).

B.      Discussion

        Here, witnesses testified to Doug and Amy’s history of drug use. See In re C.A.J.,

122 S.W.3d 888, 893 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.) (noting that a parent’s

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                           Page 15
continued drug use poses emotional and physical danger to the child now and in the

future); see also In re S.N., 272 S.W.3d 45, 52 (Tex. App.—Waco 2008, no pet.) (stating that

a parent’s illegal drug use is relevant to determining present and future risk to a child’s

physical and emotional well-being). Courtney Lovasz, a CPS caseworker, testified that

the Department became involved with J.C.M. after he tested positive for cocaine at birth.

Amy admitted to using cocaine “like a couple of times” while pregnant with J.C.M.,

including at least one time with Doug. At trial, Doug admitted to testing positive for

cocaine during the Department’s investigation and acknowledged that he signed a form

stating that he had used marihuana and cocaine around the time of J.C.M.’s birth. Amy

stated that she continued to use cocaine while pregnant with A.C.M., though she

emphasized that “[i]t was just like a couple of times.” Amy tested positive for cocaine on

a hair strand in August and December 2015. The record demonstrates that Amy did not

provide an excuse for her failure to show for a drug test on September 30, 2016, though

she did test negative for drugs and alcohol on July 22, September 22, and November 17,

2016, and January 11, 2017.

        Lovasz further explained that Doug tested positive for: (1) cocaine in August 2015;

(2) marihuana and cocaine in December 2015; (3) cocaine in March 2016; and (4) alcohol

in July and November 2016. Doug testified that he used cocaine between February and

November 2015 and that he drank beer in 2015 through January 2016. Additionally, the

record reflects that Doug failed to show for court-ordered drug tests in September

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                         Page 16
through November 2016 and January through February 2017. See In re C.R., 263 S.W.3d
368, 374 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008, no pet.) (“The trial court could reasonably infer Davis

avoided taking the drug tests because she was using drugs.” (citing In re J.T.G., 121
S.W.3d 121, 131 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.))). Doug also conceded that he was

prohibited from cutting, coloring, or altering his hair but acknowledged that he had done

so.

        In addition to their troubles with drugs, both Amy and Doug had extensive

criminal histories. See In re R.W., 129 S.W.3d 732, 739 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2004, pet.

denied) (“As a general rule, conduct that subjects a child to a life of uncertainty and

instability endangers the physical and emotional well-being of a child.”); see also In re

A.W., No. 06-07-00118-CV, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 996, at **9-10 (Tex. App.—Texarkana

Feb. 12, 2008, no pet.) (mem. op.) (“The evidence of Wardsworth’s repeated incarcerations

suggests that he would likely be unable to meet the emotional and physical needs of A.W.

now and in the future and that his parenting skills are seriously suspect.”); Karl v. Tex.

Dep’t of Protective & Regulatory Servs., No. 03-03-00655-CV, 2004 Tex. App. LEXIS 6288, at

*11-12 (Tex. App.—Austin July 15, 2004, no pet.) (mem. op.) (noting that a parent’s

engaging in criminal conduct endangers the emotional well-being of a child because of

the parent’s resulting incarceration). Amy was twice caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart in

New Mexico in the presence of her older child. Amy also confirmed that she had been

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                       Page 17
arrested for ten felony counts of issuing worthless checks in New Mexico. As a result of

these crimes, Amy’s parental rights to her oldest child were terminated.7

        Doug’s criminal history includes: (1) a 1991 conviction for aggravated sexual

assault of a child under fourteen years of age; and (2) a 2004 conviction for assaulting his

brother. The record also contained criminal complaints against Doug pertaining to

driving while intoxicated in 2007 and 2009, battery of a household member in 2008 and

2012, a 2011 public affray that was originally filed as battery against a household member,

and driving with a suspended license in 2013. Additionally, during the pendency of the

proceedings, Doug was under indictment for failing to register as a sex offender.

        Additionally, both Amy and Doug failed to comply with numerous orders of the

trial court. Doug has eight children with several different women. He admitted that he

has a duty to support all of his eight children, including those involved in these cases;

however, Doug stated that he has not paid child support for any of his children.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the Department attempted a monitored return of the

children. But because Doug failed to leave the home, both Amy and Doug violated the

terms of the order for monitored return. The record also shows that neither Amy nor

Doug completed their court-ordered service plans. Doug emphasized that he completed

his sex-offender services and parenting classes, though he could not recall when he

attended court-ordered classes for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or

        7   Amy’s oldest child has been adopted by her mother, who lives in New Mexico.

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                              Page 18
Celebrate Recovery.8 See, e.g., In re C.C., 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 12277, at **39-40 (Tex.

App.—Waco Nov. 16, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.) (“A factfinder may infer that a parent’s

failure to complete her court-ordered services, and in particular drug-treatment services,

indicate a continuing danger to the children.” (citing In re B.A., No. 04-13-00246-CV, 2013

Tex. App. LEXIS 10841, at **4-5 (Tex. App.—San Antonio Aug. 28, 2013, no pet.) (mem.

op.))). Moreover, as noted in the trial court’s findings of fact and supported by the record,

Amy “failed to comply with the family service plan requirement to attend Narcotics

Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous/Celebrate Recovery and document all attendance to

the assigned caseworker.” Nevertheless, Amy did attend some counseling classes,

though counselor Philip Garvin testified that Amy has a tendency to relapse into drug

use in the instances when Doug also relapses. And finally, in violation of the trial court’s

temporary orders in these cases, both Amy and Doug failed to provide to the Department:

(1) copies of their income-tax returns for the past two years or bank statements; and (2) a

Medical History Report.

        The record also includes testimony from Amy’s mother and the foster-care mother

of the children indicating that Amy is afraid of Doug and that Amy and Doug lack the

wherewithal to support the children.9 See In re O.R.F., 417 S.W.3d 24, 39 (Tex. App.—

        8Counselor Philip Garvin opined that he was unsure if Doug would be able to remain drug free
because of Doug’s relapse “at such a critical point in his first case, I’m not sure if he would continue to
make those right decisions or not.”

        9Witnesses also recounted a bruise on Amy’s face that occurred after Amy and Doug attended an
outing with Doug’s family. The foster-care mother testified that Amy told her that Doug’s family beat her

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                       Page 19
Texarkana 2013, no pet.) (noting that evidence offered to prove grounds for termination,

the amount of contact between the natural parents and child, the natural parent’s ability

to provide support, and the quality of care rendered by the child’s caregiver are all

relevant to determining if termination is in the best interest of the child (citing In re C.H.,
89 S.W.3d at 28))); see also In re C.C., 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 12277, at **40-41 (“A parent’s

failure to show that he or she is stable enough to parent children for any prolonged period

entitles the factfinder to determine that this pattern would likely continue and that

permanency could only be achieved through termination and adoption. A factfinder may

also consider the consequences of its failure to terminate parental rights and that the best

interest of the children may be served by termination so that adoption may occur rather

than the temporary foster-care arrangement that would result if termination did not

occur.” (internal citations & quotations omitted)). Throughout the case, Amy has been

unable to provide the Department with an adequate plan for child care while she works.

Moreover, Amy is afraid of losing the house if Doug is no longer allowed to live there.

        The Department also presented evidence that the children are thriving in their

current placement and that they have overcome drug withdrawals that were present at

the time of birth. The foster-care mother indicated an intent to adopt the children. Penny

Casebolt, the Court Appointed Special Advocate for the children, stated that the children

up; however, Amy denied this at trial and testified that she got caught in the middle of an altercation
between Doug’s family and other people.

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                   Page 20
appear to be “comfortable” in their placement and that the children have stability with

the foster-care mother. Casebolt believed that the children had bonded with the foster-

care mother, not Amy and Doug. Casebolt recounted that Doug had not visited the

children since July 2016, despite her observation of Doug in his front yard during his

scheduled visitation.

        Based on our review of the record, we find that the above-mentioned evidence

supports several of the Holley factors and that those factors weigh in favor of the trial

court’s order terminating Amy and Doug’s parental rights. Therefore, considering all the

evidence in relation to the Holley factors in the light most favorable to the trial court’s

best-interest finding, we hold that a reasonable factfinder could have formed a firm belief

or conviction that termination of Amy and Doug’s parental rights was in the children’s

best interest. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371-72; see also In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573. We

further hold that, viewing the evidence in a neutral light in relation to the Holley factors,

the trial court could have reasonably formed a firm belief or conviction that termination

was in the children’s best interest. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371-72; see also In re C.H., 89
S.W.3d at 28. Accordingly, we conclude that the evidence is legally and factually

sufficient to support the trial court’s best-interest finding.10 As such, we overrule all of

Amy and Doug’s remaining issues.

        10And to the extent that the parties complain that the Department’s witnesses were biased, we note
that such an argument implicates the credibility of the witnesses at trial. As noted earlier, we cannot weigh

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                         Page 21
                                           III.    CONCLUSION

        Having overruled all of Amy and Doug’s issues on appeal, we affirm the

judgments of the trial court.

                                                         AL SCOGGINS
                                                         Justice

Before Chief Justice Gray,
       Justice Davis, and
       Justice Scoggins
Affirmed
Opinion delivered and filed August 2, 2017
[CV06]

witness-credibility issues that depend on the appearance and demeanor of the witnesses, for that is within
the province of the factfinder. See In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 573-74 (Tex. 2005).

In the Interest of A.N.M. & J.C.M., children                                                      Page 22