Court Opinion

ID: 9900751
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-11-20 13:08:21.326714+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:21:16.875437
License: Public Domain

Opinion issued November 16, 2023

                                        In The

                                Court of Appeals
                                       For The

                           First District of Texas
                              ————————————
                                NO. 01-23-00450-CV
                             ———————————
                     IN THE INTEREST OF E.D., A CHILD

                    On Appeal from the 315th District Court
                            Harris County, Texas
                      Trial Court Case No. 2021-01279J

                                  O P I N I O N

      The trial court rendered a decree terminating M.D.’s parental rights as to her

youngest son. The mother appeals, arguing that the evidence is legally and factually

insufficient to support the trial court’s best-interest finding. We affirm the decree.
                                  BACKGROUND

      The child at issue was born on August 9, 2021, at an estimated gestational age

of 40 weeks. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services took him into

its care shortly after his birth because both he and the mother tested positive for

cocaine in the hospital. Later, the Department sought termination of the mother’s

parental rights as to this child. The parties tried this parental-termination suit to the

bench over the course of four nonconsecutive days: August 1, 2022; November 1,

2022; December 15, 2022; and February 16, 2023. Several witnesses testified.

      Mae Sta Ana testified as the custodian of records for Memorial Hermann

Southwest Hospital. Via this witness, the child’s ad litem introduced the child’s

medical records into evidence. These records show that the child’s meconium—his

first stool after birth—tested positive for cocaine. The records also show that the

mother tested positive for cocaine contemporaneously in her urine, but she denied

any history of drug abuse and denied having used cocaine in this specific instance.

      Bruce Jeffries testified as the owner and custodian of records for National

Screening Services. During his testimony, the parties introduced records relating to

the mother’s drug tests.

      Terri Holstead testified as the custodian of records for Texas Alcohol and

Drug Testing Services. During her testimony, additional records relating to the

mother’s drug tests were introduced.

                                           2
       Together, the records from these two companies show that the mother took

multiple drug tests during this suit, a number of which were negative for illegal

drugs. But she tested positive several times throughout the suit, including for:

       ●   cocaine in her urine sample on October 26, 2021;
       ●   cocaine in her urine sample on November 9, 2021;

       ●   cocaine in her urine sample on February 2, 2022;

       ●   cocaine in her hair sample on April 1, 2022;

       ●   cocaine in her hair sample on April 6, 2022;
       ●   cocaine in her hair sample on July 7, 2022;
       ●   methamphetamine in her urine sample on November 28, 2022; and

       ●   cocaine and methamphetamine in her hair sample on December 15, 2022.
       Jeffries testified that hair follicle tests show drug use within the last ninety

days, whereas a urine test shows use within the last one to three days. Regarding the

July 7, 2022 positive hair result, Jeffries opined that the result indicated more than a

single use but not everyday use. Jeffries agreed that this result could be residual from

prior cocaine use, and he also agreed that the mother tested negative for drug use

later in July.

       Jeffries was asked if substances can cause false positives. He unequivocally

denied the possibility, stating that the technology being used “is at the highest level

ever, so false positives are no longer in effect.” In particular, Jeffries denied that

medications can produce a false positive result for a different drug. So, for example,

                                           3
if a patient is taking the prescription drug Metformin, Jeffries opined that it cannot

produce a false positive result for methamphetamine. But Jeffries conceded that if a

prescription drug contains amphetamine, by way of illustration, the amphetamine

will be detected by the test.

         Regarding the mother’s positive test result for cocaine in her urine when the

child was born, Jeffries stated it was impossible for this result to stem from earlier

cocaine use when she was only five months pregnant (something the mother had

claimed to be the case at one point in time). This would be true whether the positive

drug test result was from her urine or from her hair.

         Denise Bradley, a licensed professional counselor, testified about her

counseling of the mother for substance abuse. Bradley started seeing the mother in

December 2021 and stopped doing so in February 2022 because “her drug tests were

all negative and she was doing very well.” Bradley began seeing the mother again

in March 2022 “because she had a relapse.” Initially, the mother denied relapsing

but then admitted using cocaine. Bradley stopped seeing the mother again in July

2022, having once again successfully counseled her for both parenting and substance

abuse.

         In July 2022, Bradley learned the Department was considering returning the

child to the mother, and the Department asked Bradley her opinion. Bradley

recommended family counseling. Bradley was going to conduct this family

                                           4
counseling but ultimately did not do so because the mother relapsed once again.

When Bradley discharged the mother from counseling in July, the mother took a

drug test the same day. The test was positive for cocaine. Bradley was initially

willing to counsel the mother again but decided against doing so because the mother

denied using drugs despite the test result. In other words, Bradley declined to counsel

the mother further because she was dishonest about her drug use. Without honesty,

Bradley explained, it is impossible to help someone through counseling.

      Bradley was asked whether she had concerns about the mother’s honesty

during counseling. Bradley said that she did not most of the time. Bradley testified

that the mother “seemed very sincere” but also “was very hard to read.” Bradley only

thought the mother had lied about her drug use when “there was a positive drug test”

that contradicted the mother as to her drug use.

      Bradley testified that the mother spoke about her children—the child at issue

as well as her older son who is not involved in this proceeding—during counseling.

Bradley said the mother expressed love for her children. And the mother also made

it clear that she wanted her children returned.

      Bradley agreed that maintaining sobriety can be difficult and that a person

who relapses can become sober again. But she testified that she has concerns about

family reunification when a parent continues to test positive for drug use. Bradley

opined that parental drug use puts children “at high risk” in that the mother could be

                                          5
arrested, overdose, or be under the influence around the children. Bradley also stated

that the children could get hold of the drugs and could be exposed to other people

who are using illegal drugs.

      When the mother testified, she acknowledged testing positive for cocaine

while pregnant. She gave conflicting testimony as to how many times she used

cocaine while pregnant, testifying once on one occasion and twice on another. In

either case, the mother insisted that she did not know she was pregnant when she

used cocaine. She also gave conflicting testimony as to how far along she was in her

pregnancy when she used cocaine. Initially, she testified that she was about five

months pregnant. Later, the mother claimed she did not know how far along she had

been. Medical records contradict her first account; in a medical record, it states that

the mother knew she was pregnant in January 2021, before the five-month mark.

      The mother further acknowledged that she has a history of cocaine use. She

testified that she first used cocaine sometime around 2012, after another of her sons

died. Medical records state that the son in question died in 2011 at the age of three

years old, having choked to death on a cherry pit. One of the mother’s sisters was

supervising this child when this happened.

      The mother acknowledged that she went to rehab in 2016.

                                          6
      The mother also admitted she was charged with possession of cocaine in 2018

but explained that the drugs belonged to her husband. She performed court-ordered

services, and the possession charge was later dismissed.

      The mother said she began using cocaine again when her mother died in 2019

or 2020—the mother’s testimony was conflicting as to the year. In her November

trial testimony, the mother maintained she had only used cocaine once since her

mother’s death, the time when she was pregnant with the child. In her December

trial testimony, however, the mother testified she had used cocaine four times

between 2019 and her present testimony. She maintained in her December trial

testimony that the last time she used cocaine was in March 2022. She attributed

subsequent positive drug test results for cocaine to residual cocaine remaining in her

hair sample reflecting prior use. She acknowledged testing positive for

methamphetamine as well but characterized this result as a false positive from taking

other medicines. That said, she agreed that she had not taken Desoxyn, the lone

prescription drug that is methamphetamine and thus could cause a positive test result

for that drug (per the testimony of Jeffries).

      The mother testified she was maintaining sobriety. She said she understands

she must remain sober for her children. After Bradley declined to counsel her further,

the mother obtained a new therapist—Alvaro Solis. She is willing to continue seeing

him to maintain her sobriety. However, during her final day of testimony in February

                                           7
2023, the mother admitted that she had relapsed and used cocaine again in December

2022.

        The mother acknowledged that she was told she would need to complete her

family service plan to maintain her parental rights. She understood that maintaining

her sobriety was a part of her service plan, and she agreed that she had failed to

remain sober during this case. The mother further understood that being truthful with

her service providers was part of her service plan, and she agreed that she failed to

be honest with Bradley during counseling.

        The mother acknowledged missing two or three drug tests. But she denied she

failed to take these tests because she was using drugs. She said she missed one due

to a broken phone and another due to not reading a message about the drug test in

time to keep the appointment.

        The mother testified that she has had the same apartment for a year-and-a-

half. According to the mother, the Department and Child Advocates visited her

apartment and did not request that she make any changes to it. She has a crib for the

child, baby toys, and everything necessary for him.

        The mother testified she has had a job installing carpet and flooring for a year

and three months. According to her, this job provides enough income to support

herself and her children. The mother further testified that in the future her friend

Vivian could babysit the child when she works.

                                            8
      The mother testified that even if the child was not returned to her, a sister

could take him. But she conceded that she had a falling out with one of her three

sisters after their mother’s death and that another sister has a substance-abuse

problem. As to the third sister, the one the mother had in mind to care for the child,

the mother agreed that she had not provided the Department with contact information

for this sister. This third sister said she would take the child but only if she did not

have to interact with child protective services.

      The mother testified about her older son. He was 13 years old when she

testified in December. According to the mother, her older son now resides with her

friend Vivian and has done so since the mother tested positive for cocaine while

pregnant with her younger son—at the insistence of “another social worker.” Though

the mother later clarified that her older son had returned to her custody for a three-

month period due to COVID within Vivian’s family, the mother said she did not

recall which three months. Before her older son moved in with Vivian, he had lived

with his mother. At present, she makes an effort to take this son to school every day.

      Vivian Janitza Perdomo Morio, the mother’s friend who cares for her older

son, testified that she has known the mother for three years. According to Vivian,

the mother comes to Vivian’s home and makes breakfast for the older son each

morning and then drops him off at school. The mother returns in the evening to make

dinner for him. In addition, the mother visits on weekends, sometimes staying at

                                           9
Vivian’s home. The mother provides groceries for her older son. Vivian has never

seen the mother under the influence of drugs, and Vivian could care for the mother’s

younger child if the mother could not. Vivian would be willing to take in this child.

      On cross-examination, Vivian conceded that she had not been aware that the

mother had used cocaine during the three years in which they have been friends. She

agreed the mother’s younger child deserves a sober parent.

      Jasmine Bryant, the conservatorship worker assigned to the case, testified that

the child first came into the Department’s care after the mother and child both tested

positive for cocaine when he was born. According to Bryant, the mother did not

initially admit she had used cocaine while pregnant. The mother was provided with

information for a substance-abuse program while she was in the hospital, but Bryant

said the mother expressed no interest.

      The Department provided the mother with a family service plan, which was

made an order by the trial court. As part of this plan, the mother had to fulfill multiple

requirements, several of which she completed. But these requirements also included

substance-abuse counseling with Bradley, who unsuccessfully discharged the

mother for testing positive and being untruthful about her drug use. To date, the

mother has not successfully completed the substance-abuse counseling required by

her court-ordered service plan.

                                           10
      Bryant testified that the major issue in this case has been and remains

substance abuse. The Department informed the mother that her parental rights were

at stake if she did not maintain her sobriety. Nevertheless, the mother had multiple

positive drug tests during the pendency of this case. She also missed drug tests in

August 2022 after testing positive for cocaine the month beforehand. Bryant found

the mother’s positive drug test results late in the case—November 2022 and

afterward—to be especially concerning because they indicated lack of progress with

respect to sobriety. During this case, the mother has not had six consecutive months

of sobriety.

      Bryant was also concerned about the mother’s continued dishonesty as to her

drug use. As long as the mother continues to be dishonest about drugs, she cannot

get the help she needs from service providers, like Bradley. The mother already

engaged in counseling with Bradley two different times unsuccessfully, and now is

trying a third time with another counselor.

      Bryant opined that it is in the child’s best interest for the mother’s parental

rights to be terminated. Bryant reasoned that the child “needs to be able to live in a

drug-free establishment” and the “the mother has not maintained sobriety.” It would

be difficult for the mother to care for him while under the influence of drugs.

      Bryant stated the child has been in a foster placement since he left the hospital.

This placement is the only home he has ever known. The child is “doing very well”

                                          11
there and receives the “care and love” he needs. He appears bonded to the foster

parents and calls them “mom” and “dad.”

      On cross-examination, Bryant agreed that she had been to the mother’s

apartment, which was clean, and that the mother had a crib for the child. Bryant had

also verified the mother’s lease and that she was employed. The mother has been

consistent in terms of her home and employment.

      Bryant acknowledged that the mother has consistently visited the child during

the pendency of the case, missing only a few visits. During visits, the mother was

appropriate, loving, and bonded with the child. The mother brought her older son

during some visits. Bryant agreed that the mother’s older son was very fond of and

affectionate with the child. The two boys seem bonded, according to Bryant. Bryant

also agreed that the mother has been very vocal about wanting the child returned.

      Bryant testified the mother has not provided information for any relatives who

potentially could care for the child. The first time Bryant heard of the possibility that

one of the mother’s sisters could care for the child was at trial, and the mother has

not provided Bryant with the contact information for this sister.

      Esther Gonzalez, the Child Advocates coordinator assigned to this case,

testified that Child Advocates has been involved since October 2021. She testified

that the child resides in a foster home, where he has been since the case’s inception.

According to Gonzalez, the child is “doing really well” in his foster home, which

                                           12
consists of him and his foster parents. The child has bonded with his foster parents.

The foster parents wish to adopt the child if he becomes available for adoption. In

Gonzalez’s opinion, the foster parents are meeting all of the child’s physical and

emotional needs. Child Advocates favors adoption because it is in the child’s best

interest to be in a safe, drug-free environment, which the mother has not been able

to provide. Gonzalez stated that the mother has used illegal drugs throughout the

case, noting that as recently as December 2022, the mother tested positive for drugs.

Gonzalez also voiced concern about the mother’s dishonesty about her drug use and

“other dishonest statements” made during the case.

      Gonzalez was questioned about a mediation that was held a few weeks before

trial began. At this mediation, the parties negotiated a partial mediated settlement

agreement concerning unsupervised visitation with the child. Child Advocates did

not join this agreement because the mother had not demonstrated a six-month period

in which she was sober. But Gonzalez conceded that both the mother and child

seemed happy during visits, and that the mother is affectionate and appropriate

during these visits. She agreed that the mother appears bonded with both of her

children.

      Gonzalez testified she had never been told that the mother’s older son had

resided with Vivian during the pendency of this case. Gonzalez said the first time

she heard this was at trial. She stated she previously spoke with Vivian in July 2022,

                                         13
and Vivian told her the older son lived with the mother. Gonzalez testified that the

mother has never provided any information regarding the sister who ostensibly could

care for the younger child.

      The child’s foster father testified. He stated that the Department placed the

child in his home immediately after the child was discharged from the hospital. The

child had been with him and his wife ever since. The three of them—the foster father,

foster mother, and child reside together. Both foster parents work, so the child goes

to an academy at a local church during the day. The child enjoys his time at the

academy and has friends there.

      The foster father described the child as “a very active little boy.” At home, the

child listens to music, sings, and watches Bluey—a cartoon. He plays with his toys,

interacts with his foster parents, and is beginning to walk. The foster father testified

that the child has bonded with him and his wife, noting that the child refers to them

as “dada” and “mama,” respectively. When they enter the room, the child “lights up,

he laughs, he gets very excited.” The foster father confirmed that he and his wife

intend to adopt the child, if the biological mother’s parental rights are terminated.

He conceded that he and his wife had not discussed the possibility of visits between

the child and his older brother, as this issue had not yet been brought to their

attention.

                                          14
      After the four days of trial, the trial court briefly reopened the evidence on

April 18, 2023, for the purpose of admitting into evidence an additional drug test

result. The urine and hair samples in question were collected from the mother on the

final day of trial—February 16, 2023. Both the mother’s urine and hair tested

positive for methamphetamine.

      The trial court rendered a decree terminating the mother’s parental rights as

to the child (and also as to an absent father, who has not appealed). As predicate

grounds for termination, the trial court relied on the mother’s child endangerment,

noncompliance with a court-ordered family service plan, use of an illegal drug in a

way that endangered her son’s health or safety, and causing him to be born addicted

to an illegal drug. See TEX. FAM. CODE § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (O), (P), (R). The

trial court also found termination was in the child’s best interest. See id.

§ 161.001(b)(2). The mother now appeals from the trial court’s decree.

                                   DISCUSSION

      M.D. concedes the evidence suffices to support the trial court’s findings that

termination of her parental rights is warranted based on grounds of child

endangerment, noncompliance with a court-ordered family service plan, use of an

illegal drug in a way that endangered her son’s health or safety, and causing him to

be born addicted to an illegal drug. See id. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (O), (P), (R). But

she contends the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to support the trial

                                          15
court’s finding that termination of her parental rights is in her son’s best interest. See

id. § 161.001(b)(2). M.D. maintains the evidence relating to her son’s best interest

consists almost entirely of conclusory opinions, not clear and convincing evidence.

                 Legal Standard for Terminating Parental Rights

      A parent’s rights to the care, custody, and management of his or her child are

constitutional in scope. Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 758–59 (1982); In re

M.S., 115 S.W.3d 534, 547 (Tex. 2003). But parental rights are not absolute; the

Department may seek termination of the rights of those who are not fit to accept the

responsibilities of parenthood. In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355, 361 (Tex. 2003). The

primary focus in a termination suit is protecting the child’s best interest. Id.

      To terminate parental rights under the Texas Family Code, the Department

must establish that a parent committed one or more statutorily enumerated predicate

acts or omissions and that termination is in the child’s best interest. FAM.

§ 161.001(b)(1)–(2). The Department need only establish one of these statutorily

enumerated predicate acts or omissions, along with the best-interest finding. See id.;

In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d at 362. But the Department must make these showings by

clear and convincing evidence. FAM. § 161.001(b). Clear and convincing evidence

is “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.

                                           16
      The best-interest inquiry is separate and distinct from the one concerning the

predicate grounds for termination of parental rights. In re A.J.D.-J., 667 S.W.3d 813,

821 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2023, no pet.). But evidence used to prove

predicate grounds for termination may be probative of a child’s best interest. In re

A.A.A., 265 S.W.3d 507, 516 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2008, pet. denied).

      Multiple nonexclusive factors bear on a child’s best interest. Holley v. Adams,

544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976). These nonexclusive factors include:

      •   the child’s desires;

      •   the child’s emotional and physical needs now and in the future;
      •   the emotional and physical danger to the child now and in the future;

      •   the parental abilities of those seeking custody;

      •   the programs available to assist them to promote the child’s best interest;

      •   their plans for the child or the plans of the agency seeking custody;
      •   the stability of the home or proposed placement;
      •   the acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate the existing parent–
          child relationship is not proper; and

      •   any excuse for the parent’s acts or omissions.
Id.; Yonko v. Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., 196 S.W.3d 236, 243 (Tex.

App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, no pet.). These nonexclusive factors are not

exhaustive, no one factor is controlling, and a single factor may be adequate to

support a finding that termination of the parent–child relationship is in a child’s best

                                          17
interest on a particular record. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 27 (Tex. 2002); In re J.M.T.,

519 S.W.3d 258, 268 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2017, pet. denied).

      In evaluating a child’s best interest, we also may consider several factors set

forth in section 263.307 of the Family Code. In re D.L.W.W., 617 S.W.3d 64, 81

(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2020, no pet.); see FAM. § 263.307(a)–(b) (stating

that prompt placement of child in safe environment is presumed to be in child’s best

interest and enumerating 13 factors courts should consider in deciding whether

child’s parents are willing and able to provide child with safe environment).

          Legal and Factual Sufficiency Review in Termination Cases

      In this appeal, the sole issues are legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence.

Due to the elevated burden of proof in a termination suit—clear and convincing

evidence—we do not apply the traditional formulations of legal and factual

sufficiency on appeal. In re A.C., 560 S.W.3d 624, 630 (Tex. 2018); see also FAM.

§ 101.007 (clear and convincing evidence is “proof that will produce in the mind of

the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the truth of the allegations”).

      In a legal-sufficiency review in a termination case, we cannot ignore

undisputed evidence contrary to a finding, but we must otherwise assume the

factfinder resolved disputed facts in the finding’s favor. In re A.C., 560 S.W.3d at

630–31; see In re K.M.L., 443 S.W.3d 101, 112–13 (Tex. 2014) (reviewing court

credits evidence supporting finding if reasonable factfinder could and disregards

                                            18
contrary evidence unless reasonable factfinder could not). The evidence is legally

insufficient if, viewing all the evidence in the light most favorable to a finding and

considering undisputed contrary evidence, a reasonable factfinder could not form a

firm belief or conviction that the finding is true. In re A.C., 560 S.W.3d at 631.

      In a factual-sufficiency review in a termination case, we must weigh disputed

evidence contrary to a finding against all the evidence in the finding’s favor. Id. We

consider whether the disputed evidence is such that a reasonable factfinder could not

resolve the conflicting evidence in the finding’s favor. Id. The evidence is factually

insufficient if, in view of the entire record, the disputed evidence that a reasonable

factfinder could not credit in the finding’s favor is so significant that the factfinder

could not have formed a firm belief or conviction that the finding is true. Id.

      In reviewing for evidentiary sufficiency, however, we must not usurp the

factfinder’s role. In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d 498, 503 (Tex. 2014). Deciding whether,

and if so to what degree, to credit the evidence is the factfinder’s role, not ours. In

re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 346 (Tex. 2009). The factfinder is the sole arbiter of

witness credibility. Id.; In re J.S., 584 S.W.3d 622, 634 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st

Dist.] 2019, no pet.). In a bench trial, the trial judge is the factfinder who weighs the

evidence, resolves evidentiary conflicts, and evaluates witnesses’ credibility. In re

R.J., 579 S.W.3d 97, 117 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2019, pet. denied).

                                           19
                                        Analysis

      The dispositive issue in this appeal is whether the mother’s substance-abuse

problem is severe enough for a factfinder to reasonably find by clear and convincing

evidence that the termination of her parental rights is in her child’s best interest.

      Illegal drug use is a recurring theme in our parental-termination appeals. But

evidence of drug use is not invariably legally and factually sufficient to support a

finding that termination of parental rights is in a child’s best interest. In re A.J.D.-J.,

667 S.W.3d at 825. For example, we have discounted evidence of a parent’s illegal

drug use when it occurred years beforehand. See, e.g., Yonko, 196 S.W.3d at 245

(discounting mother’s drug use because it had occurred before she became pregnant

with child and many years before termination case); In re B.M.R., 84 S.W.3d 814,

820 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, no pet.) (discounting parents’ substance

abuse due to participation in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous and

lack of evidence of abuse within last several years). We likewise have discounted

evidence of a parent’s illegal drug use when it was not recent, and he or she has

shown significant progress in maintaining sobriety. See, e.g., In re D.L.W.W., 617

S.W.3d at 88–89 (discounting parents’ drug use because they “had not tested positive

for narcotics use or alcohol use for a significant amount of time”).

      A continuing pattern of illegal drug use, however, implicates most of the

Holley factors and will support a finding that termination of parental rights is in a

                                            20
child’s best interest. See, e.g., In re N.J.H., 575 S.W.3d 822, 834–36 (Tex. App.—

Houston [1st Dist.] 2018, pet. denied) (holding father’s history of drug use and

continued drug use during case bore on second, third, fourth, and seventh Holley

factors—child’s emotional and physical needs, emotional and physical danger to

child, father’s parental abilities, and stability of home—and supported best-interest

finding); In re K.P., 498 S.W.3d 157, 174–75 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016,

pet. denied) (holding mother’s continuing drug use, evidenced by repeatedly testing

positive for drugs, bore on third, fourth, and eighth Holley factors—emotional and

physical danger to child, mother’s parental abilities, and parental acts or omissions

indicating improper parent–child relationship—and supported best-interest finding);

Doe v. Brazoria Cty. Child Protective Servs., 226 S.W.3d 563, 567, 574–75 (Tex.

App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.) (holding mother’s drug addiction spanning

seven or eight years and continuing drug use even after rehabilitation attempts bore

on second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth Holley factors—child’s emotional

and physical needs, emotional and physical danger to child, mother’s parental

abilities, programs available to assist parent to promote child’s best interest, stability

of home, and parental acts or omissions indicating improper parent–child

relationship—and supported best-interest finding).

      Here, the mother’s history of illegal drug use spans more than a decade and

continued through trial. The mother testified she first used cocaine around 2012. The

                                           21
record does not disclose the details of her use in terms of its frequency or

consequences, but it was significant enough to require rehab in 2016. The mother

implicitly claims rehab was successful until 2019 or 2020, when she used cocaine

again. However, she was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine before

then in 2018. In any event, she and her child tested positive for cocaine when he was

born in 2021, after which the Department initiated this termination proceeding. And

the mother has repeatedly tested positive for cocaine and, more recently,

methamphetamine throughout the pendency of this proceeding through 2023.

Though many details are missing, a reasonable factfinder could conclude from this

broad outline that the mother has not been drug-free for most of the past decade.

      The full extent of the mother’s illegal drug use is not clear from the record.

But this lack of clarity is largely attributable to the mother, who repeatedly

misrepresented her drug use. She initially denied using cocaine when her son was

born. She lied to her substance-abuse counselor, so much so that the counselor

refused to continue counseling her. The mother claimed to not be using illegal drugs

or else to have stopped using them multiple times under oath during the pendency

of this proceeding only to subsequently test positive for cocaine and

methamphetamine. There was not a consecutive six-month period during the

pendency of this case in which the mother’s drug tests were negative for illegal

drugs, and three tests late in the case—November and December 2022 and February

                                         22
2023—were positive for illegal drugs. Notably, the December and February samples

were collected the same days the mother testified at trial.

      The record in this appeal discloses several circumstances from which the trial

court may have reasonably found the mother’s drug use was particularly serious.

      First, the evidence shows the mother used cocaine while pregnant with the

child. A mother’s use of illegal drugs during pregnancy endangers the physical

wellbeing of her unborn child. See In re J.W., 645 S.W.3d 726, 733, 749 (Tex. 2022)

(stating in case in which child’s meconium tested positive for opiates,

amphetamines, benzodiazepine, barbiturates, and methadone that mother’s use of

drugs while pregnant created dangerous environment for child). The mother denied

she knew that she was pregnant at the time. But the trial court could have reasonably

disbelieved her denial. Notably, a medical record indicates the mother was aware of

her pregnancy in January 2021—at least six months before she gave birth. In

addition, in the hospital the mother’s urine tested positive for cocaine, and the expert

testimony at trial was that a urine sample only detects drug use within a few days.

      Second, the evidence shows that the mother’s drug use involves so-called hard

drugs—cocaine and methamphetamine in particular—rather than less destructive

ones. See TEX. HEALTH & SAFETY CODE § 481.102(3)(D), (6) (including both

cocaine and methamphetamine in Penalty Group 1 of controlled substances); In re

A.J.D.-J., 667 S.W.3d at 826 (distinguishing between hard drugs, like

                                          23
methamphetamine, and less destructive drugs, like marijuana). A factfinder may

reasonably attach greater significance to the use of more destructive narcotics. See

In re A.A., 670 S.W.3d 520, 530 (Tex. 2023) (noting that parental use of

methamphetamine poses immediate danger to child’s physical health and safety); In

re A.J.D.-J., 667 S.W.3d at 826 (holding that factfinder could reasonably find use of

hard drugs was of more serious nature and directly implicated parental fitness). And

though the mother denied the accuracy of the test results showing methamphetamine

use, claiming they were false positives, a factfinder may reasonably credit laboratory

drug test results over a denial of drug use. See, e.g., In re S.C.F., 522 S.W.3d 693,

703 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2017, pet. denied) (holding trial court sitting

as factfinder was entitled to credit lab reports and witness testimony over father’s

denial of drug use and his claim that positive drug test result was false).

      Third, the mother has repeatedly relapsed into drug use despite multiple

rehabilitative efforts. She went to rehab in 2016 but later began using cocaine again

at some point. In 2021–22, she went through more than one round of substance-

abuse counseling with Bradley but relapsed each time soon after counseling had

ended. In general, a factfinder may reasonably infer from evidence of past illegal

drug use that a parent is at risk for continuing drug use. In re J.M.T., 519 S.W.3d at

269. When, as here, the evidence shows the parent returned to drug use after

rehabilitation, the factfinder may reasonably find that the parent will, in all

                                          24
likelihood, continue using drugs and therefore continues to pose a risk to his or her

child’s wellbeing. See, e.g., Cervantes-Peterson v. Tex. Dep’t of Family & Protective

Servs., 221 S.W.3d 244, 254–55 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, no pet.) (en

banc) (holding mother’s use of cocaine during pregnancy endangered child and

failure to stay off drugs despite rehabilitative efforts allowed factfinder to reasonably

find she could continue to endanger child in affirming trial court’s best-interest

finding). Under these circumstances, the factfinder may also reasonably find that the

parent likely will not benefit from additional rehabilitative efforts. See, e.g., In re

A.M., 495 S.W.3d 573, 581 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2016, pet. denied)

(stating that father’s willingness and ability to improve was called into question by

his positive test for methamphetamine use less than one month after he completed

substance-abuse counseling).

      Fourth, the evidence shows that the mother repeatedly tested positive for

cocaine, and later methamphetamine, during the pendency of this case even though

her drug use was what led to the removal of the child from her custody and despite

being told that his return to her custody was contingent upon her being drug-free. A

factfinder may reasonably find that a parent’s continued drug use after removal of a

child and with knowledge that his or her parental rights are at stake is especially

salient because drug use under these circumstances shows either an inability or

unwillingness to place the responsibilities of parenthood ahead of the parent’s desire

                                           25
to use drugs. In re A.J.D.-J., 667 S.W.3d at 825. In addition, the factfinder may

reasonably place more weight on this circumstance when, as here, a very young child

is involved due to his or her relative helplessness and vulnerability. See id. (writing

that parental intoxication is incompatible with care of very young children); see also

In re B.D.A., 546 S.W.3d 346, 361 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2018, pet.

denied) (describing four-, five-, and seven-year-olds as vulnerable due to ages).

      Fifth, the mother has continued to use illegal drugs despite a prior drug-related

criminal prosecution. In 2018, she was charged with possession of cocaine; this

charge was dismissed only after she completed court-ordered services. In general, a

parent’s use of illegal drugs is indicative of instability in the home in part because it

exposes a child not only to the possibility that the parent may be impaired but also

to the possibility that the parent may be jailed. In re N.J.H., 575 S.W.3d at 834–35.

Here, the mother has confronted the possibility of jailtime but remains undeterred.

A factfinder may reasonably find that the possibility of incarceration and the

accompanying instability in the home are more than mere theoretical possibilities

when a parent continues using drugs after a drug-related criminal prosecution. Cf. In

re K.C.M., 4 S.W.3d 392, 399 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1999, pet. denied)

(holding evidence factually insufficient to support termination due to evidence that

mother who was jailed for drug offense had turned her life around afterward). We

acknowledge that the mother insisted the cocaine she was prosecuted for possessing

                                           26
was not hers, but the trial court was entitled to disbelieve her. See, e.g., Yonko, 196

S.W.3d at 244 (holding that factfinder could have reasonably disbelieved mother’s

testimony denying responsibility for assault for which she was criminally charged).

      Sixth, the evidence shows that the mother has lied about her continuing drug

use in an effort to minimize or conceal it. A parent’s continuing use of illegal drugs

combined with a lack of candor about her continuing use poses a risk to a child’s

wellbeing. See, e.g., Wyatt v. Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., 193 S.W.3d 61,

70 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, no pet.) (stating that mother’s lack of

candor in drug assessment and continuing drug use exacerbated emotional and

physical danger her misbehavior posed to her children). As Bradley, the mother’s

former counselor, testified at trial, the mother cannot benefit from counseling or

rehabilitative efforts so long as she remains untruthful about her illegal drug use. A

factfinder may reasonably discount a parent’s asserted commitment to sobriety when

the evidence shows the parent has been untruthful about her use of illegal drugs.

      In sum, contrary to the mother’s contention that virtually no evidence supports

the trial court’s best-interest finding, there is ample evidence from which a fact-

finder could reasonably find by clear and convincing evidence that she has a serious,

longstanding drug problem, and that termination is in her child’s best interest due to

her serious, longstanding drug problem. See FAM. § 263.307(b)(8) (including

“whether there is a history of substance abuse by the child’s family” among factors

                                          27
that “should be considered by the court” when “determining whether the child’s

parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment”); see, e.g.,

In re A.C., 394 S.W.3d 633, 638, 642 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no pet.)

(holding strong evidence of pattern of cocaine use during pregnancy, after removal

of child from mother’s care, and after mother had drug treatment suggested mother

was unwilling and unable to give her child safe environment, which is among

primary considerations in deciding whether termination is in child’s best interest);

Cervantes-Peterson, 221 S.W.3d at 255 (holding use of narcotics during pregnancy

and continued use afterward, standing alone, was legally sufficient to support

factfinder’s finding that termination of parental rights was in child’s best interest).

      We acknowledge that the evidence concerning issues other than the mother’s

drug use is largely not adverse to her. Thus, the record is by no means one-sided.

For example, unlike parents in many other termination suits, the mother consistently

visited her child, was bonded with the child (though apparently not as bonded with

the child as the foster parents, whom the child refers to as “mama” and “dada”) and

has insisted that she desires to be reunited with her child throughout this case. The

mother is employed, has stable housing, and wants to provide a home for the child.

      Ultimately, however, this undisputed evidence does not tilt the balance in the

mother’s favor because the evidence as a whole shows that her sincere desire to be

the parent of her very young child is compromised by her illegal drug use. See In re

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K.M.L., 443 S.W.3d at 116–17 (concluding that evidence was legally sufficient to

support best-interest finding despite evidence that mother “had bonded with her

child, loved and missed her child, and continued to check on the child”); In re L.M.,

104 S.W.3d 642, 648 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, no pet.) (concluding

evidence was factually sufficient to support best-interest finding despite evidence

that mother “cared about her daughter and wanted custody of her”). One key factor

that a factfinder should consider when evaluating whether termination of parental

rights is in a child’s best interest is “the willingness of a child’s family to effect

positive changes.” In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam). A

factfinder could reasonably find on this record that the mother lacks the willingness

or ability to overcome her illegal drug problem and therefore also lacks the ability

to realize her sincere aspiration to be an effective parent to her child.

      Moreover, another key factor a factfinder should take into account is “the

stability of a proposed placement.” In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d at 116. It is undisputed

that the child’s foster parents provide him with a safe, stable, drug-free home. In

contrast, the evidence establishes that the mother, whose drug test results show she

was still using drugs when this suit was tried, cannot provide her child with a drug-

free home now, and a factfinder could reasonably find based on the evidence as a

whole, including the mother’s repeated relapses and lack of candor about her drug

use, that she in all likelihood will not be able to provide her child with a drug-free

                                           29
home in the future. As the best-interest inquiry is child-centered, we cannot discount

or minimize the level of permanence the child has with his foster parents. See In re

J.W., 645 S.W.3d at 747 (saying court could not discount or minimize permanence

achieved by child who had lived with his foster family since he was one month old).

      We also acknowledge that the record contains evidence that the mother

remains involved in the care and upbringing of her 13-year-old son, though he

apparently does not currently reside with her. The mother urges this court to take

into consideration the fact that termination of her rights as to her younger son could

adversely impact the relationship between the boys. She also suggests that

termination of her rights here would be inappropriate because the Department has

not likewise sought termination of her parental rights with respect to her older son.

      We reject the mother’s position for at least three independent reasons.

      First, the evidence concerning the mother’s role in her older son’s life

generally consisted of her own testimony and the testimony of her friend Vivian. As

the sole judge of witness credibility, the trial court sitting as factfinder could have

disbelieved their testimony in whole or part. In this regard, we note that the mother

potentially undermined her own credibility by being untruthful on other matters. As

to Vivian, though she said she had known the mother for three years, Vivian testified

that she did not know the mother was using drugs during this period. A factfinder

                                          30
could have reasonably found this testimony called into question either Vivian’s

truthfulness or the extent of her knowledge about the mother’s parental fitness.

      Second, while we agree that termination of the mother’s rights as to her

younger son but not her older one is somewhat incongruous, we can only address

the appeal before us, which solely concerns her rights as to the younger son. As we

have held before, “best-interest determinations must be made individually, on a

child-by-child basis, even with respect to children in the same family.” In re A.J.D.-

J., 667 S.W.3d at 835. Hence, when a parent’s rights as to multiple children are at

stake, the evidence can result in the parent losing his or her parental rights as to one

child but not others, whether in the same or different proceedings. See id. at 835–36.

Here, only the mother’s rights as to one of her two children is at issue. This

procedural posture does not logically compel a factfinder to refrain from terminating

the mother’s parental rights on the basis that it can only do so with respect to one

child rather than both. See id. (concluding that decree that did not terminate mother’s

parental rights as to other children rendered in one parental-termination suit did not

compel same result as to another child in different parental-termination suit).

      Finally, we reject the mother’s position because, on the facts before us, it

effectively constitutes a plea to leave her younger son in limbo indefinitely. As we

have observed in the past, the “need for certainty and permanence, including the

establishment of a stable home and familial relationships, is the paramount

                                          31
consideration in a best-interest decision.” Id. at 834; see also FAM. § 263.307(a)

(providing that prompt and permanent placement of child in safe environment is

presumed to be in child’s best interest). Certainty and permanence cannot be

achieved as long as the mother retains her rights, and the factfinder was not obliged

to opt for a disposition less severe than termination in the face of clear and

convincing evidence that the mother has a continuing drug problem that likely will

prevent her from discharging her parental responsibilities going forward. See In re

M.S., 115 S.W.3d at 548 (stating child has interest in rendition of final decision so

that adoption to stable home or return to parents is not unduly prolonged).

                                  CONCLUSION

      In conclusion, viewing all the evidence in the light most favorable to the trial

court’s best-interest finding and considering undisputed contrary evidence, we hold

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

termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the best interest of the child.

Therefore, the evidence is legally sufficient to support the termination decree.

Furthermore, in view of the entire record, we hold the disputed evidence the trial

court could not have reasonably credited in the best-interest finding’s favor is not so

significant that the trial court could not have formed a firm belief or conviction that

termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the best interest of the child. Thus,

the evidence likewise is factually sufficient to support the termination decree.

                                          32
      We affirm the trial court’s decree terminating the mother’s parental rights.

                                              Gordon Goodman
                                              Justice

Panel consists of Justices Goodman, Rivas-Molloy, and Guerra.

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