Court Opinion

ID: 5124825
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-11-10 08:14:58.45959+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:22:45.165488
License: Public Domain

In The
              Court of Appeals
Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana

                  No. 06-21-00061-CV

        IN THE INTEREST OF B.C., A CHILD

        On Appeal from the 307th District Court
                Gregg County, Texas
            Trial Court No. 2019-832-DR

      Before Morriss, C.J., Burgess and Stevens, JJ.
       Memorandum Opinion by Justice Burgess
                                        MEMORANDUM OPINION

            The Department of Family and Protective Services (the Department) filed a petition to

terminate Mother’s parental rights to her son, eight-year-old Brandon.1 After a bench trial, the

trial court terminated Mother’s parental rights after finding that (1) she knowingly placed or

allowed the child to remain in conditions or surroundings that endangered his physical or

emotional well-being, (2) she engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the child with persons

who engaged in conduct that endangered his physical or emotional well-being, (3) she failed to

comply with the provisions of a court order that specifically established, under Section

161.001(b)(1)(O), the actions necessary for her to obtain the child’s return, (4) she used a

controlled substance in a manner that endangered the health or safety of the child, as described in

Section 161.001(b)(1)(P) of the Texas Family Code, and (5) termination of parental rights was in

the child’s best interests. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (O), (P), (b)(2)

(Supp.).

            In her sole point of error on appeal, Mother asks whether termination of her parental

rights was “within the best interest of” her son. Because Mother does not expressly question the

sufficiency of the evidence supporting the trial court’s finding and because she recites evidence

showing that the trial court’s ruling was supported by legally sufficient evidence, we interpret

her point of error as a challenge to the factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting the best-

interest finding. Because we conclude that the evidence was factually sufficient to support the

1
    We use pseudonyms to protect the identity of the child. See TEX. R. APP. P. 9.8.
                                                            2
finding that termination of Mother’s parental rights was in Brandon’s best interests, we affirm

the trial court’s judgment.

I.     Standard of Review

       “The natural right existing between parents and their children is of constitutional

dimensions.” In re L.E.S., 471 S.W.3d 915, 919 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015, no pet.) (quoting

Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20 (Tex. 1985)). “Indeed, parents have a fundamental right to

make decisions concerning ‘the care, custody, and control of their children.’” Id. (quoting Troxel

v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000)). “Because the termination of parental rights implicates

fundamental interests, a higher standard of proof—clear and convincing evidence—is required at

trial.” Id. (quoting In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d 498, 502 (Tex. 2014)). This Court is “required to

‘engage in an exacting review of the entire record to determine if the evidence is . . . sufficient to

support the termination of parental rights.’” Id. at 919–20 (quoting In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d at

500). “[I]nvoluntary termination statutes are strictly construed in favor of the parent.” Id. at 920

(quoting In re S.K.A., 236 S.W.3d 875, 900 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2007, pet. denied) (quoting

Holick, 685 S.W.2d at 20)).

       “In order to terminate parental rights, the trial court must find, by clear and convincing

evidence, that the parent has engaged in at least one statutory ground for termination and that

termination is in the child’s best interest.” Id. (citing In re E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d 796, 798 (Tex.

2012)). “‘Clear and convincing evidence’ is that ‘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

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established.’” Id. (quoting TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 101.007); see In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336,

344 (Tex. 2009). “This standard of proof necessarily affects our review of the evidence.” Id.

       “There is a strong presumption that keeping a child with a parent is in the child’s best

interest.” In re J.A.S., Jr., No. 13-12-00612-CV, 2013 WL 782692, at *7 (Tex. App.—Corpus

Christi Feb. 28, 2013, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (citing In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex.

2006) (per curiam)). “Termination ‘can never be justified without the most solid and substantial

reasons.’” In re N.L.D., 412 S.W.3d 810, 822 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2013, no pet.) (quoting

Wiley v. Spratlan, 543 S.W.2d 349, 352 (Tex. 1976)).

       In determining the best interests of the child, courts consider the following Holley factors:

       (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.

Id. at 818–19 (citing Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976)); see In re E.N.C.,

384 S.W.3d 796, 807 (Tex. 2012); see also TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(b). “There is no

requirement that the party seeking termination prove all nine factors.” In re N.L.D., 412 S.W.3d

at 819 (citing In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 27 (Tex. 2002)). Also, we may consider evidence used

to support the grounds for termination of parental rights in the best-interest analysis. In re C.H.,

89 S.W.3d 17, 28 (Tex. 2002).

       We interpret Mother’s complaint as a challenge to the factual sufficiency of the evidence.

“In our review of factual sufficiency, we give due consideration to evidence the trial court could

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have reasonably found to be clear and convincing.” In re L.E.S., 471 S.W.3d at 920 (citing In re

H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 109 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam)). “We consider only that evidence the

fact-finder reasonably could have found to be clear and convincing and determine ‘whether the

evidence is such that a fact[-]finder could reasonably form a firm belief or conviction about the

truth of the . . . allegations.’” Id. (quoting In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at 109 (quoting In re C.H.,

89 S.W.3d at 25) (citing In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 264, 266 (Tex. 2002))). “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.” Id. (quoting In re J.F.C., 96

S.W.3d 256, 266 (Tex. 2002)). To make this determination, we undertake “an exacting review

of the entire record with a healthy regard for the constitutional interests at stake.” Id. (quoting

In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d at 503 (quoting In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 26)).

       “Despite the profound constitutional interests at stake in a proceeding to terminate

parental rights, ‘the rights of natural parents are not absolute; protection of the child is

paramount.’” Id. (quoting In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355, 361 (Tex. 2003) (quoting In re J.W.T.,

872 S.W.2d 189, 195 (Tex. 1994)) (citing In re M.S., 115 S.W.3d 534, 547 (Tex. 2003))). “A

child’s emotional and physical interests must not be sacrificed merely to preserve parental

rights.” Id. (quoting In re C.A.J., 459 S.W.3d 175, 179 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015, no pet.)

(citing In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 26)).

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II.    The Evidence at Trial

       The evidence at trial showed that Mother was addicted to drugs. Alisha Santiago, the

Department’s conservatorship worker, testified about Mother’s history with Child Protective

Services (CPS). Mother admitted that she did not have custody of three other children and was

jailed for failing to pay child support. Santiago said that CPS was involved in another pending

case involving Mother after both she and her youngest child tested positive for amphetamine.

       As for Brandon, Adam Brown, an investigator with the Department, said that he was

previously removed from Mother’s care because of her drug use and was supposed to be in the

custody of his Father. Prior to the last removal of the child, Brown testified that he received an

intake alleging that Brandon was living with Mother and multiple unknown roommates, that

someone had sexually abused Brandon, and that he was acting out sexually in class by “rubbing

his private areas on other girls’ bottoms.” Brown spoke with Brandon’s schoolteacher, who said

that Brandon started school nine weeks late, had accumulated sixteen absences, was behind

academically, and had a lot of behavior problems.

       Santiago testified that Brandon was found in unsafe conditions with people whom he did

not know that were engaging in drug use. Mother admitted that she had left Brandon in the care

of someone in a hotel room where syringes were found. Brown spoke with Brandon, who said

that he was left alone by Mother with people he did not know. Brandon also said he had

witnessed domestic violence between his parents, including an incident where Father tried to run

Mother over with a car, and Brown found police reports confirming the domestic disturbance.

According to Brown, Father was worried that Mother was back on drugs. Brown spoke with

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Mother, who admitted that she had used methamphetamine daily for several months and

marihuana on the day they spoke. Santiago believed that Mother’s drug use, exposure to family

violence, and late enrollment in school endangered Brandon’s physical or emotional well-being.

           Brandon was removed from Mother and returned to Father’s care. Santiago testified

about the court-ordered family service plans for Mother and said that she failed to complete a

second ETCADA2 assessment, in-patient drug treatment, parenting classes, and individual

counseling; did not maintain stable employment; was homeless; and engaged in criminal activity.

Santiago also testified that Mother failed to submit to random drug testing on nineteen occasions

and tested positive for drugs during the pendency of the case.

           Mother admitted that she had not completed her family service plan, including in-patient

treatment for her methamphetamine addiction. She said that the treatment required her to stop

taking Suboxone, a synthetic drug used to treat drug addiction, but that she could not “just stop

taking it.” Mother said that she had no transportation to make appointments and that the

COVID-19 pandemic also affected the availability of services but admitted that she “got to a

point that [she] got really discouraged.” She admitted that she used methamphetamine the day

before trial, had previously parented Brandon while under the influence of drugs, and could not

provide the child with a positive home. Mother also said that she was living in a hotel room,

received unemployment, and cleaned houses when she was able to, which was not very often.

Although she could not verbalize the impact of her behavior on the child, Mother knew that her

unstable living environment and drug use affected Brandon to some degree.

2
    ETCADA is the East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
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       According to Santiago, Mother loved Brandon, and the child knew who she was. Even

so, Santiago said Mother did not regularly visit Brandon and failed to maintain significant

contact with him. After her in-person visits were suspended, Santiago reported that Brandon

would get upset and cry after telephone visits because he missed Mother and was upset about the

circumstances. Santiago testified that telephone visits were suspended after the child said he no

longer wished to speak to Mother and, as a result, Brandon did not speak to Mother for four

months.

       Mother said that she had a strong bond with Brandon and loved him. Father testified that

Mother was “really sweet and a really good mother without the drugs” and made sure that

Brandon was fed and taken to school. He could not say whether it was in Brandon’s best interest

for her parental rights to be terminated. Father also added that Brandon needed Mother, that

Brandon would “want his daddy and his mother,” and that the case had “been really hard for

him.” Robert Mayfield, a family friend, testified that Mother was an exemplary mom who loved

Brandon and cared for him well. According to Mayfield, Mother and Brandon were inseparable

and shared a tremendous bond.

       Even so, Santiago testified that it was in Brandon’s best interests that Mother’s parental

rights be terminated and that Father be granted sole managing conservatorship. Santiago said

that Brandon was in the care of his Father since the pendency of the case and was attending

school regularly, meeting his educational requirements, improving his behavior, and generally

thriving. Grant Malone, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), testified that he had no

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concerns about Father’s parental ability and that it was in the child’s best interest for Mother’s

parental rights to be terminated and for Father to be appointed sole managing conservator.

       After hearing this evidence, the trial court terminated Mother’s parental rights.

III.   Analysis of the Holley Factors

       As for the first Holley factor, there was evidence in the record that, although Brandon did

not wish to visit with Mother over the phone, Mother and Brandon loved each other and had a

strong bond. Father testified that Brandon would want to be with Mother. As a result, we find

that the first Holley factor weighs against terminating Mother’s parental rights. Even so, we find

the remaining factors weigh in favor of termination.

       Considering the second factor, Brandon was an eight-year-old child who was behind

academically, had witnessed domestic violence, and was experiencing behavioral issues,

including acting out sexually in class. Father testified that Brandon, though improving, was still

having a hard time. Even though the child’s emotional needs were great, Mother had no stable

job, no transportation, and minimal income. Mother said at the time she testified, “Right now,

I’m staying in . . . the Motel 6,” but Santiago testified that she was homeless during the pendency

of the case. See In re C.A.J., 459 S.W.3d 175, 183 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015, no pet.) (“A

parent who lacks stability, income, and a home is unable to provide for a child’s emotional and

physical needs.” (quoting In re J.T.G., No. 14-10-00972-CV, 2012 WL 171012, at *17 (Tex.

App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 19, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.))). Mother knew that her

unstable living environment and drug use affected Brandon and admitted that she could not

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currently provide Brandon with a positive home. We find that the second Holley factor weighs

in favor of termination.

       In evaluating the third through eighth Holley factors, we recognize that “[e]vidence of

past misconduct or neglect can be used to measure a parent’s future conduct.” Id. (quoting In re

I.R.K.N., No. 10-13-00455-CV, 2014 WL 2069281, at *7 (Tex. App.—Waco May 15, 2004, pet.

denied) (mem. op.)); Ray v. Burns, 832 S.W.2d 431, 435 (Tex. App.—Waco 1992, no writ)

(“Past is often prologue.”). “A parent’s inability to provide adequate care for her child, lack of

parenting skills, and poor judgment may be considered when looking at the child’s best

interests.” N.L.D., 412 S.W.3d at 819 (citing In re C.A.J., 122 S.W.3d 888, 893 (Tex. App.—

Fort Worth 2003, no pet.)).      “[P]arental drug abuse is also a factor to be considered in

determining a child’s best interests.” Id. (citing In re M.R., 243 S.W.3d 807, 820 (Tex. App.—

Fort Worth 2007, no pet.)).

       The record showed that Mother had a longtime drug addiction, which had led to her loss

of custody of other children, including one who tested positive for amphetamine. Brandon was

also previously removed from Mother due to her drug use. This time while in her care, Brandon

was found in a hotel room with strangers who had syringes and, according to Santiago, were

engaging in drug use. Mother, who told Brown that she used methamphetamine daily, admitted

that she had parented Brandon while under the influence of drugs. Mother’s lengthy history of

drug abuse and poor decisions established that she had been a danger to Brandon, and Santiago

testified that Mother’s addiction and poor life choices would continue to endanger the child.

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       Also, Mother did not complete her family service plan, including parenting classes and

in-patient substance-abuse treatment, and failed to avail herself of individual counseling because

she became discouraged. She did not conquer her drug addiction, which was necessary to

becoming a capable parent to Brandon. Mother’s failure to ensure that Brandon attended school

while in her care, use of drugs during the pendency of this case, including the day before trial,

and failure to attend in-person visitations indicated that the existing parent-child relationship

with Brandon was not a proper one. At the time of trial, Mother had no stable home and

presented no cogent plan for Brandon’s return. On the other hand, the Department showed that

Father was a capable parent who cared well for Brandon. We find that Holley factors three

through eight weigh in favor of terminating Mother’s parental rights.

       As for the last Holley factor, Mother cited transportation issues and COVID-19 as the

reason for failing to complete some portions of the family service plan. Even so, Mother had no

excuse for her continued methamphetamine use. Her testimony that she used the drug on the day

before trial only served to emphasize her addiction.

       Considering the Holley factors and viewing all the evidence, we conclude that the trial

court could have reasonably formed a firm belief or conviction that termination of Mother’s

parental rights was in Brandon’s best interests. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(2). As a

result, we overrule Mother’s sole point of error.

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      IV.    Conclusion

      We affirm the trial court’s judgment.

                                              Ralph K. Burgess
                                              Justice

Date Submitted:      October 29, 2021
Date Decided:        November 4, 2021

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