Court Opinion

ID: 2898351
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-08 23:33:47.540391+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:36:54.641010
License: Public Domain

NO. 07-09-0187-CV

                             IN THE COURT OF APPEALS

                      FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                     AT AMARILLO

                                        PANEL A

                               DECEMBER 18, 2009
                         ______________________________

                IN THE INTEREST OF V.M.O. AND K.A.O., CHILDREN
                      _________________________________

            FROM THE 364TH DISTRICT COURT OF LUBBOCK COUNTY;

          NO. 2008-542,899; HONORABLE BRADLEY UNDERWOOD, JUDGE
                        _______________________________

Before CAMPBELL and HANCOCK and PIRTLE, JJ.

                               MEMORANDUM OPINION

      This is an appeal from an order terminating the parental rights of appellant P. O.1

to his children V.M.O. and K.A.O. after a bench trial in a proceeding brought by appellee,

the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. We affirm the trial court’s

judgment.

                                      Background

      Appellant married Sara in October 2000. V.M.O. and K.A.O. are the children born

to the couple during their three-year marriage. V.M.O. was born in 2000, K.A.O. in 2003.

      1
        We use appellant’s initials pursuant to appellate procedure rule 9.8. Tex. R. App.
P. 9.8(b).
Sara also had a child, C.T., with her former husband. C.T. was born in 1994. In May

2006, appellant was convicted by a jury of injury to a child, C.T.,2 and sentenced to fifteen

years of imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He was still serving

his sentence at the time of the termination proceeding.

       In April 2008, the Department of Family and Protective Services (“the Department”)

filed a petition to terminate the parental rights of appellant.3 On May 22, 2009, the court

held a final hearing on the Department’s petition. In addition to the documentary evidence

of appellant’s conviction for his injury of C.T., the court heard testimony concerning that

offense. A psychologist testified that C.T., nine years old at the time of the incident, told

him appellant severely physically abused him, used an electrical cord on his back, and hit

him with other objects.

       Sara testified she and appellant smoked marijuana together outside while the

children were asleep inside the home. Sara also testified that appellant used other drugs

in the past, including speed. She further testified appellant slapped her “a few times”

during their marriage. She also testified she found out about C.T.’s injuries the day after

they occurred. She got a call from Child Protective Services telling her she needed to

come get C.T. from school. When she arrived, they showed her C.T.’s injuries. She

described them as “[h]is bottom was like full of bruises like that (indicating), from the

       2
           See Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 22.04 (Vernon 2003).
       3
        The Department’s petition also sought termination of Sara’s parental rights and
those of C.T.’s father. Sara signed a voluntary relinquishment of her parental rights, and
the court terminated her rights based on that relinquishment. The court also terminated
those of C.T.’s father, who has not appealed the judgment of termination.

                                             2
spankings. And then on the leg, I saw a bruise that was the length of a belt, the length of

the flat end of the part of the belt. You could literally–you could literally see that on him.

That was the most horrifying day of my life.” She testified appellant told her C.T. did not

look both ways going across the street and was almost hit. Appellant told Sara he took

C.T. home and disciplined him but did not tell her that he hit C.T.4

       Sara testified appellant attempted to correspond with her and the children after he

was incarcerated in 2006. She also told the court V.M.O. was aware of what happened to

C.T. and sometimes told Sara she remembered seeing appellant hurt C.T. Sara further

testified that she was “extremely happy” with the placement of her three children with her

parents and that she voluntarily relinquished her parental rights so that her parents could

proceed with the adoption of her children. She testified it was in her children’s best interest

for her rights to her three children, as well as appellant’s rights to V.M.O. and K.A.O., be

terminated. The psychologist and a therapist testified that the children were doing well in

their grandparents’ home and desired to remain there.

       Of the several predicate grounds the Department alleged supported termination of

appellant’s parental rights, the court found four to be true, and found termination was in the

children’s best interest.5 The final order terminating appellant’s rights was entered on May

       4
       Sara also testified she recalled a prior incident in which CPS called and told her
appellant had punched C.T. in the stomach.
       5
       The court also specifically found that the injuries to C.T. constituted serious injury
as contemplated by section 22.04 of the Penal Code.

                                              3
27, 2009. Thereafter, appellant filed a motion for new trial that was overruled by operation

of law. This appeal followed.

                                         Analysis

Grounds for Termination

       The four predicate grounds found by the court to support termination, pursuant to

section 161.001 of the Family Code,6 were that appellant:

       (1)     knowingly placed or knowingly allowed the children to remain in conditions

               or surroundings which endangered their physical or emotional well-being;

       (2)     engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the children with persons who

               engaged in conduct which endangered their physical or emotional well-being;

       (3)     had been convicted or [had] been placed on community supervision,

               including deferred adjudication community supervision, for being criminally

               responsible for the death or serious injury of a child under the following

               sections of the Penal Code or adjudicated under Title 3 for conduct that

               caused the death or serious injury of a child and that would constitute a

               violation of one of the following Penal Code sections:

                      § 22.021 (aggravated sexual assault)

       6
           See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1) (Vernon 2009).

                                             4
                    § 22.04 (injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual); and

      (4)    knowingly engaged in criminal conduct that has resulted in appellant’s

             conviction of an offense and confinement or imprisonment and inability to

             care for the children for not less than two years from the date of filing the

             petition.

      See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1)(D), (E), (L), (Q) (Vernon 2009).

Sufficiency of the Evidence Supporting Termination

Challenge to the Grounds

      In appellant’s first two issues, he challenges the evidence supporting the grounds

on which the trial court determined his parental rights should be terminated. A

parental-rights termination decree must be based on a finding of at least one predicate

ground and a finding that termination is in the best interest of the child. Tex. Fam. Code

Ann. § 161.001 (Vernon 2009). Both elements must be established and proof of one

element does not relieve the petitioner of the burden of proving the other. Holley v.

Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 370 (Tex. 1976); In re J.O.A., 262 S.W.3d 7, 22

(Tex.App.–Amarillo 2008), aff’d as modified and remanded, 283 S.W.3d 336 (Tex. 2009).

      As noted, the trial court found in its written order that the termination of appellant’s

parental rights was appropriate under subsections (D), (E), (L) and (Q) of Section

161.001(1). Appellant, however, has challenged the sufficiency of the evidence supporting

                                             5
termination only under subsection (L) of section 161.001(1), and raises no appellate

complaint regarding the court’s findings under subsections (D), (E) or (Q). “Only one

predicate finding under section 161.001(1) is necessary to support a judgment of

termination.” In re A.V. and J.V. 113 S.W.3d 355, 362 (Tex. 2003). If multiple predicate

grounds are found by the trial court, we will affirm based on any one ground because only

one is necessary for termination of parental rights. In re S.N., 272 S.W.3d 45, 49

(Tex.App.–Waco 2008, no pet.). The unchallenged findings supporting termination under

subsections (D), (E) and (Q) are binding on us,7 and suffice to support the trial court's

judgment. See Perez v. Texas Dep't of Protective & Regulatory Servs., 148 S.W.3d 427,

434 (Tex.App.–El Paso 2004, no pet.); In re L.M., 104 S.W.3d 642, 647 (Tex.App.–

Houston [1st Dist.] 2003, no pet.). See also In re A.C., No. 07-07-0354-CV, 2008 WL
1744333 (Tex.App.–Amarillo April 16, 2008, no pet.) (mem. op.). Accordingly, we need not

address appellant’s challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence supporting termination

under subsection (L), In re S.N., 272 S.W.3d at 49, and we overrule his first and second

issues.

Challenge to the Best Interests

       In appellant’s third issue, he challenges the trial court’s finding that termination of

his parental rights was in the best interests of his children.

       7
       Flowers v. Texas Dep’t of Human Resources, Tarrant County Welfare Unit, 629
S.W.2d 891 (Tex.App.–Fort Worth 1982, no writ).

                                              6
       The Department contends we may not consider appellant’s best interest issue on

appeal because it was not included in his statement of points. Section 263.405(b) of the

Family Code requires a party who intends to appeal a final order terminating parental rights

to file “a statement of the point or points on which the party intends to appeal” with the trial

court “[n]ot later than the 15th day after the date a final order is signed [.]” Tex. Fam. Code

Ann. § 263.405(b) (Vernon 2009). Section 263.405(i) states: “[t]he appellate court may not

consider any issue that was not specifically presented to the trial court in a timely filed

statement of the points on which the party intends to appeal or in a statement combined

with a motion for new trial. For purposes of this subsection, a claim that a judicial decision

is contrary to the evidence or that the evidence is factually or legally insufficient is not

sufficiently specific to preserve an issue for appeal.” Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.405(i).

       Here, appellant filed a motion for new trial that appears to contain his statement of

points. We agree with the Department that the pleading does not specifically present an

issue challenging the trial court’s best interest finding. The appellate issue is not preserved

for our review.8 See In the Interest of M.G., No. 07-09-0137-CV, 2009 WL 3735444

(Tex.App.–Amarillo, November 9, 2009, no pet. h.) (mem. op.) (similarly finding sufficiency

challenge to evidence supporting best interest finding precluded because of absence of

       8
        At oral argument, the parties made argument concerning the possible effect on this
case of In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336 (Tex. 2009). We agree with the Department that
J.O.A. has no application to this case. Appellant does not contend the statute requiring a
statement of points is unconstitutional as applied to him, nor does he contend he has been
deprived of the effective assistance of counsel. Id. at 339. See also In re A.B., No. 10-09-
00137-CV, 2009 WL 3487790 (Tex.App.–Waco Oct. 28, 2009, no pet.) (mem. op.)
(applying J.O.A. similarly).

                                               7
issue in statement of points). Moreover, even if we are mistaken and appellant’s pleading

can be read to present such an issue, we find it has no merit.

       Like that supporting the statutorily-enumerated predicate grounds for termination,

the evidence supporting a trial court’s finding that termination of parental rights is in the

best interest of the child must be clear and convincing. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001;

In Interest of G.M., 596 S.W.2d 846, 847 (Tex. 1980). Clear and convincing evidence is

that measure or degree of proof which 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. In re J.F.C.,

96 S.W.3d 256, 264 (Tex. 2002); In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 26 (Tex. 2002).

       When reviewing factual findings required to be made by clear and convincing

evidence, we apply a standard of review that reflects this burden of proof. In re S.M.L., 171
S.W.3d 472, 476 (Tex.App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.). When reviewing the legal

sufficiency of the evidence, we consider all of the evidence in the light most favorable to

the finding to determine whether a reasonable fact finder could have formed a firm belief

or conviction that the finding was true. Id., citing In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. In doing

so, we assume the fact finder resolved disputed facts in favor of the finding if a reasonable

fact finder could do so, and we disregard all evidence that a reasonable fact finder could

have disbelieved or found to have been incredible. Id. However, because of the heightened

standard, we must also be mindful of any undisputed evidence contrary to the finding and

consider that evidence in our analysis. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266 (“Disregarding

                                              8
undisputed facts that do not support the finding could skew the analysis of whether there

is clear and convincing evidence”).

       Under a factual sufficiency review, we also must determine whether a fact finder

could reasonably form a firm belief or conviction about the truth of the allegations. In re

S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d at 476. When reviewing a factual sufficiency challenge, the analysis

is somewhat different in that we must consider all of the evidence equally, both disputed

and undisputed. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. 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 have reasonably formed a firm belief or conviction,

then the evidence is factually insufficient. In re S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d at 476 (citing In re

J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266).

       Appellant’s specific contention is that the evidence is legally and factually insufficient

to support the finding because the Department failed to ask any witness at trial whether

termination of appellant’s rights was in the best interest of the children. The record does

not support appellant’s argument. The children’s mother Sara, their therapist, and the

Department’s supervisor all testified in response to questioning that it was in the best

interests of the children that the respective parents’ rights be terminated.9 Moreover,

        9
          The therapist and Sara both responded to the Department’s question to them about
the children’s best interest. The Department supervisor answered affirmatively in response
to a question by the attorney ad litem.

                                               9
nothing in the case law requires that best interest be established by testimony responding

to that precise question. See, e.g., Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 370; In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at

28.

       In evaluating whether termination is in a child's best interest, courts commonly apply

a set of non-exclusive Holley factors: (1) the desires of the child; (2) the emotional and

physical needs of the child now and in the future; (3) any emotional or physical danger to

the child now and in the future; (4) the parenting ability of the individuals seeking custody;

(5) the programs available to assist those individuals to promote the best interest of the

child; (6) the plans for the child by those individuals seeking custody; (7) the stability of the

home; (8) the acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate that the existing

parent-child relationship is not a proper one; and (9) any excuse for the acts or omissions

of the parents. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 372. In addition, a court may infer that past

conduct endangering the well being of a child may recur in the future if the child is returned

to the parent. In re T.L.S., 170 S.W.3d 164, 166 (Tex.App.–Waco 2005, no pet.); Williams

v. Williams, 150 S.W.3d 436, 451 (Tex.App.–Austin 2004, pet. denied). Too, evidence

establishing the statutory grounds for termination may also illustrate that termination is in

the child's best interest. In re D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d 567, 574 (Tex.App.–Amarillo 2003, no

pet.), citing In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 24.

                                               10
       The Holley factors focus on the best interest of the child, not that of the parent.

Patterson v. Brist, 236 S.W.3d 238, 240 (Tex.App.–Houston [1st Dist] 2006, pet. dism'd);

Dupree v. Texas Dep't Prot. & Reg. Servs., 907 S.W.2d 81, 86 (Tex.App.–Dallas 1995, no

writ). The law recognizes a strong presumption that the best interest of a child will be

served by preserving the parent-child relationship. Swate v. Swate, 72 S.W.3d 763, 767

(Tex.App.–Waco 2002, pet. denied). But it recognizes also that the prompt and permanent

placement of the child in a safe environment is presumed to be in the child’s best interest.

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307 (Vernon 2009); In re J.F., No. 02-08-0183-CV, 2009 WL
806889, *6 (Tex.App.–Fort Worth March 26, 2009, no pet.) (mem. op.).

       As noted, Sara, the therapist, and the Department

supervisor all testified it was in the best interests of the children for appellant’s parental

rights to be terminated. Their opinions are supported by the evidence that the children had

a good home with their maternal grandparents and desired to remain with them. The court

well could have considered appellant’s conviction for injury to C.T. to indicate a risk of

danger from similar actions by appellant in the future, and to cast doubt on his parenting

abilities. The evidence of V.M.O.’s memories of seeing appellant hurt C.T. could have

indicated to the trial court that the parent-child relationship was not a proper one.

Appellant is serving a fifteen-year prison sentence for injuring C.T. While incarceration

alone is not a sufficient basis on which to terminate his rights, it is an additional factor

bearing on the best interest of children. See Rogers v. Department of Family and

Protective Services, 175 S.W.3d 370, 378 (Tex.App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, pet. dism’d

                                             11
w.o.j.) (mem. op.) (noting lengthy prison sentence as factor in best interest analysis). See

also In re E.P., Nos. 13-06-033-CV, 13-06-034-CV, 2008 WL 458509, *4-5

(Tex.App.–Corpus Christi Feb. 21,2008, no pet.) (mem. op.) (finding fifteen-year sentence

primary factor regarding best interests). The evidence of appellant’s history of violence

against women bears on his ability to provide a stable home for his children. The record

indicates appellant was convicted of sexual assault in 1993, an offense requiring him to

register as a sex offender in Texas, and of misdemeanor assault of his ex-wife in 1995.

Sara testified appellant slapped her during their marriage and testified the two engaged in

drug use outside the home while the children were inside asleep.         The evidence also

indicates appellant did little to provide for his children or ensure they were cared for while

he was incarcerated.

       Evidence contrary to the finding includes appellant’s demonstrated interest in his

children and evidence he took advantage of programs designed to improve his parenting

skills, including a parenting class and a stress management class.

       Considering all the evidence in relation to the best interest factors in the light most

favorable to the court’s findings, we conclude a reasonable trier of fact could have formed

a firm belief or conviction that termination was in the children’s best interest. And viewing

all the evidence in a neutral light, we conclude that the disputed and undisputed evidence

favoring and disfavoring the finding permits a reasonable factfinder to form a firm

conviction and belief that termination was in V.M.O. and K.A.O.’s best interests. The

evidence supporting the court’s finding that termination of appellant’s parental rights was

                                             12
in the children’s best interests is legally and factually sufficient. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d
367; In re S.M.L.D., 150 S.W.3d 754, 756 (Tex.App.–Amarillo 2004, no pet.). We overrule

appellant’s third issue.10

         Having overruled each of appellant’s issues, we affirm the judgment of the trial

court.

                                                        James T. Campbell
                                                            Justice

         10
        Our conclusion appellant did not have a meritorious argument that the evidence
supporting the trial court’s best interest finding was insufficient provides an additional
reason for finding In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336 does not affect our disposition of this
appeal.

                                            13