Court Opinion

ID: 3069895
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-10-16 00:19:26.548191+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:46:51.506919
License: Public Domain

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

                                      No. 06-14-00089-CV

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

                           On Appeal from the County Court at Law
                                     Cass County, Texas
                               Trial Court No. CCL14TA142

                         Before Morriss, C.J., Moseley and Carter,* JJ.
                                 Opinion by Justice Moseley

_______________
*Jack Carter, Justice, Retired, Sitting by Assignment
                                                 OPINION
         Alice Jenson brought suit to terminate Larry Jenson’s parental rights to C.A.J. 1 After a

bench trial, the trial court found (1) that Larry had been convicted for being criminally

responsible for conduct that caused the serious injury of a child, (2) that Larry’s behavior would

constitute indecency with a child, (3) that Larry knowingly placed or knowingly allowed C.A.J.

to remain in conditions or surroundings which endangered her physical or emotional well-being,

(4) that Larry engaged in conduct or knowingly placed C.A.J. with persons who engaged in

conduct which endangered her physical or emotional well-being, and (5) that termination of

Larry’s parental rights was in C.A.J.’s best interest. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(1)(D),

(E), (L)(iv), (2) (West 2014). Accordingly, the trial court terminated Larry’s parental rights to

C.A.J. On appeal, Larry argues that the evidence is legally and factually insufficient 2 to support

any of the statutory grounds for termination and the trial court’s finding regarding the best

interest of the child.

         We overrule Larry’s points of error and affirm the trial court’s termination of his parental

rights to C.A.J.

1
 To protect the confidentiality of the children involved, this Court will refer to all involved adult parties by fictitious
names and to all minor children with initials. See TEX. R. APP. P. 9.8(b)(C)(2).
2
 Although in one portion of his brief, Larry eschews a claim of factual insufficiency, in another portion of his brief
he employs arguments which would raise factual sufficiency concerns. In the interest of justice, we discuss both
legal and factual sufficiency.

                                                            2
I.        Sufficient Evidence Supports a Statutory Ground for Termination

          A.     Standard of Review

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

dimensions.” Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20 (Tex. 1985). Due to the gravity of the parent-

child relationship, we strictly scrutinize parental-rights termination proceedings; when construing

the predicate grounds for termination of parental rights, “‘involuntary termination statutes are

strictly construed in favor of the parent.’” 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). To terminate an individual’s

parental rights to his child, the trial court must find, by clear and convincing evidence, the

existence of both of the following statutory requirements: (1) that the parent has engaged in one

of the statutory grounds for termination and (2) that termination is in the child’s best interest.

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001 (West 2014); In re E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d 796, 798 (Tex. 2012);

In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 23 (Tex. 2002). The clear and convincing burden of proof has been

defined as that “measure or 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 established.” TEX. FAM.

CODE ANN. § 101.007 (West 2014); see C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 23. Due process demands this

heightened standard. E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 802 (citing In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 263 (Tex.

2002)).

          In a legal sufficiency review, termination findings are given appropriate deference. See

In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 266 (Tex. 2002); Smith v. Tex. Dep’t of Protective & Regulatory

Servs., 160 S.W.3d 673, 679 (Tex. App.—Austin 2005, no pet.). In such cases, we consider all

                                                 3
the evidence in the light most favorable to the findings to determine whether the fact-finder

could reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction that the grounds for termination were

proven. E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 802–03 (citing J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266); In re J.P.B., 180
S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005) (per curiam); In re J.L.B., 349 S.W.3d 836, 846 (Tex. App.—

Texarkana 2011, no pet.). We assume that the fact-finder resolved disputed facts in favor of the

findings if a reasonable fact-finder could do so. E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 802–03 (citing J.F.C., 96
S.W.3d at 266); J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573. Conversely, we disregard evidence that the fact-

finder may have reasonably disbelieved or testimony from witnesses whose credibility may

reasonably be doubted. E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 802–03 (citing J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266); J.P.B.,
180 S.W.3d at 573.

       The inquiry in a factual sufficiency review is whether the evidence, viewed in a neutral

light, “is such that a fact-finder could reasonably form a firm belief or conviction about the truth

of the . . . allegations.” C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 25; J.L.B., 349 S.W.3d at 846. If, in weighing

disputed evidence, the fact-finder could have reasonably resolved the conflicts to form a firm

conviction that the allegations constituting the grounds for termination were true, then the

evidence is factually sufficient, and the termination findings must be upheld. C.H., 89 S.W.3d at

18–19; see J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266.        In applying this standard in light of the clear and

convincing standard, we must be careful not to “‘be so rigorous that the only factfindings that

could withstand review are those established beyond a reasonable doubt.’” In re R.A.L., 291
S.W.3d 438, 443 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2009, no pet.) (quoting In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105,

108 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam)).

                                                 4
       “Only one predicate finding under [S]ection 161.001(1) is necessary to support a

judgment of termination when there is also a finding that termination is in the child’s best

interest.” In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355, 362 (Tex. 2003); In re K.W., 335 S.W.3d 767, 769 (Tex.

App.—Texarkana 2011, no pet.); In re N.R., 101 S.W.3d 771, 775 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2003,

no pet.). “‘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.’” K.W., 335 S.W.3d

at 769 (quoting In re D.S., 333 S.W.3d 379, 388 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2011, no pet.)).

       While a parent’s rights to “‘the companionship, care, custody, and management,’”

Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 758–59 (1982) (quoting Stanley v. Illinois, 405 U.S. 645, 651

(1972)), of his children are constitutional interests “far more precious than any property right,”

“‘the rights of natural parents are not absolute; protection of the child is paramount.’” A.V., 113
S.W.3d at 361 (quoting In re J.W.T., 872 S.W.2d 189, 195 (Tex. 1994)); see 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. C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 26.

       B.      The Evidence

       The record of the termination hearing demonstrated that Larry was a drug addict. He

admitted to the trial court that he had abused drugs like methamphetamine and marihuana on a

regular basis for most of his life. Larry’s mother testified that Larry tried to quit using drugs

“[v]ery many . . . times.” Larry’s brother testified that Larry sought help through numerous drug

treatment programs, but eventually succumbed to his addiction. As a result of his drug use,

Larry had been confined in state jail three times, and he also served a sentence of imprisonment

                                                5
in the penitentiary. Larry, who was thirty-four years old at the time of the termination hearing,

testified, “I’ve spent more . . . time in prison or in TDC or Texas custody from the time I’ve been

a kid to now . . . .” While Larry was incarcerated, his daughter, C.A.J., was born to Alice. By

the time Larry was released, C.A.J. was one and one-half years old.

       After Larry served his prison sentence, he resumed his relationship with Alice, C.A.J.,

and Alice’s two other children by another man, E.C. and N.C. According to the testimony of

Larry and his biological mother, Larry fell in love with all of Alice’s children and, once again,

decided to turn his life around by refraining from illegal drug use. During a period of sobriety,

Larry married Alice and became a good provider and a loving father.

       At the termination hearing, Alice testified that Larry used drugs “off and on” during their

relationship. She explained that she would “kick him out,” but that he would “clean up and

come home.”     However, Larry claimed that he was sober for almost five years—until an

argument led to his decision to leave Alice and relapse. Even though Larry knew that his drug

use was a danger to C.A.J., E.C., and N.C., Larry admitted that he used drugs towards the end of

his marriage to Alice. Larry testified that after he left Alice, he started socializing with old

friends who were using drugs, put himself “in the wrong places at the wrong time,” had “a weak

moment,” and resumed his drug use.

       On June 1, 2012, Alice allowed Larry to take the children on a camping trip. While the

children were in his care, Larry smoked methamphetamine. That night, while he was still under

the influence of illegal drugs, Larry penetrated eleven-year-old E.C.’s vagina with his fingers

while she was sleeping. Alice drove to the campsite on the following morning. She testified that

                                                6
Larry and his friends, who had recently arrived, were gathered in the parking lot while her three

children were swimming in a lake, unsupervised by any adult. Because Alice believed that

Larry’s friends were using drugs, she gathered the children and drove away. Alice testified that

Larry did not see the children after this camping trip and made no attempt to do so.

       As of the entry of Alice and Larry’s divorce decree in September 2012, E.C. had made no

outcry of abuse. However, shortly after the divorce decree was entered, Larry became suicidal

and purposefully overdosed on “a bunch of Valium and Soma and stuff.” Referring to Larry’s

indecent act with E.C., Larry’s brother testified that Larry “tr[ied] to commit suicide because he

couldn’t live with the shame of what he’d done.” Larry’s suicide attempt was unsuccessful.

According to Alice, Larry confessed to the act of indecency with E.C. as soon as he was revived.

Larry told the trial court that he was consumed with guilt and confessed his act to Alice and a

few other family members because he “wanted to make sure [that E.C.] was okay mentally and

physically” and “had the counseling she needed.”

       Alice reported Larry’s confession to law enforcement officers. On December 13, 2012,

pursuant to his plea of no contest, Larry was convicted of indecency with a child by contact, was

sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, and was returned to the penitentiary for a second time.

He was still incarcerated at the time of the termination hearing. Although he confessed the act of

indecency with E.C. to the trial court, Larry testified that the only time he used illegal drugs in

front of the children was during the camping trip. He assured the trial court that he loved all of

                                                7
Alice’s children and that he was willing to do anything to prevent the termination of his parental

rights to C.A.J. 3

            After hearing the evidence, the trial court terminated Larry’s parental rights to C.A.J.

            C.       Analysis

            Larry argues that the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to support the trial

court’s decision to terminate his parental rights. His main argument centers on the requirements

set out in Section 161.001(1)(L) of the Texas Family Code. As written, subsection L provides

for termination if a parent has been convicted “‘for being criminally responsible for the death or

serious injury of a child’ under various Penal Code sections, including a conviction for

indecency with a child under Section 21.11 of the Penal Code.” In re L.S.R., 60 S.W.3d 376, 379

(Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001), pet. denied, 92 S.W.3d 529, 530 (Tex. 2002) (per curiam)

(quoting TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(1)(L)(iv)). Larry admits that he was previously

convicted of indecency with a child (which is one of the enumerated offenses listed in subsection

L), but he maintains that there was no evidence that E.C. sustained serious injury as a result of

his crime. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(1)(L)(iv).

            In support of his argument, Larry cites to a few opinions from our sister courts suggesting

that subsection L requires a finding of serious injury to a child and that such a finding cannot be

inferred from the mere commission or conviction of indecency with a child. See Vidaurri v.

Ensey, 58 S.W.3d 142, 145–46 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2011, no pet.); see also R.F. v. Tex. Dep’t

of Fam. & Protective Servs., 390 S.W.3d 63, 73–74 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2012, no pet.); In re

3
    Larry’s brother testified that Larry should not be allowed around children without supervision.
                                                             8
A.L., 389 S.W.3d 896, 900 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.); but see L.S.R., 92
S.W.3d at 530 (disavowing “any suggestion that . . . indecency with a child, generally, does not

cause serious injury”); L.S.R., 60 S.W.3d at 379.          Here, we take note of the facts and

circumstances of Larry’s conviction and will determine whether these, along with the other

evidence adduced at trial, were sufficient for the trial court to make a finding under Section

161.001(1)(E) of the Texas Family Code.

       Alice alleged that Larry either engaged in conduct or knowingly placed C.A.J. with

persons who engaged in conduct which endangered her physical or emotional well-being. See

TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(1)(E). Endanger “means more than a threat of metaphysical

injury or potential ill effects of a less-than-ideal family environment.” E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at

803. It “‘means to expose to loss or injury.’” In re N.S.G., 235 S.W.3d 358, 367 (Tex. App.—

Texarkana 2007, no pet.) (quoting Tex. Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533

(Tex. 1987)).

       Subsection E “‘refers only to the parent’s conduct, as evidenced not only by the parent’s

acts, but also by the parent’s omissions or failures to act.’” Id. at 366–67 (quoting In re S.K., 198
S.W.3d 899, 902 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006, pet. denied)).            “‘The conduct to be examined

includes what the parent did both before and after the child was born.’” Id. at 367 (quoting S.K.,
198 S.W.3d at 902); see E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 804–05. “‘To be relevant, the conduct does not

have to have been directed at the child, nor must actual harm result to the child from the

conduct.’” In re Z.M., No. 06-14-00068-CV, 2015 WL 293395, at *6 (Tex. App.—Texarkana

Jan. 23, 2015, no pet. h.) (quoting Perez v. Tex. Dep’t of Protective & Regulatory Servs., 148

                                                 9
S.W.3d 427, 436 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2004, no pet.)); see E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 803; N.S.G.,
235 S.W.3d at 367. “However, termination under this ground ‘must be based on more than a

single act or omission; a voluntary, deliberate, and conscious course of conduct by the parent is

required.’” Z.M., 2015 WL 293395, at *6 (quoting Perez, 148 S.W.3d at 436).

       “‘Because it exposes the child to the possibility that the parent may be impaired or

imprisoned, illegal drug use may support termination under section 161.001(1)(E).’” In re A.L.,

06-14-00050-CV, 2014 WL 5204888, at *7 (Tex. App.—Texarkana Oct. 8, 2014, no pet.) (mem.

op.) (quoting Walker v. Tex. Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., 312 S.W.3d 608, 617 (Tex.

App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, pet. denied)). “‘Drug use and its effect on a parent’s life and

his ability to parent may establish an endangering course of conduct.’” J.L.B., 349 S.W.3d at

348 (quoting N.S.G., 235 S.W.3d at 368); see In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 345 n.4 (Tex. 2009)

(“‘Evidence of illegal drug use or alcohol abuse by a parent is often cited as conduct which will

support an affirmative finding that the parent has engaged in a course of conduct which has the

effect of endangering the child.’”) (quoting In re S.N., 272 S.W.3d 45, 52 (Tex. App.—Waco

2008, no pet.)).

       The evidence at trial demonstrated that Larry had a long history of drug abuse and

incarceration. Larry had tried to seek assistance with his addiction several times, but returned to

his vice during “weak moment[s].” As a result of his addiction, Larry was incarcerated during

the first one and one-half years of C.A.J.’s life. Although Larry claimed that he remained drug

free while he was married to Alice, Alice testified that she kicked Larry out of the house several

                                                10
times for using drugs. 4 After Larry left Alice, he continued socializing with friends who were

drugs users. When C.A.J. was five years old, Larry used methamphetamine and committed a

heinous crime by molesting E.C. By committing the offense of indecency with a child while

under the influence of methamphetamine, Larry demonstrated the danger of his drug addiction.

According to Alice, on the day after he molested E.C., Larry was socializing with drug users

while her children swam in the lake unsupervised. At the time of the termination hearing, Larry

was incarcerated and had not seen C.A.J. for over two years.

         The evidence demonstrated that Larry had a serious drug addiction and engaged in

criminal behavior (including conduct that endangered children) while under the influence of

illicit drugs; he also had a long history of relapses from resolutions to abstain from the use of

those drugs. Based on all of the evidence introduced in this case, we conclude that the trial court

could readily have reached the necessary firm conviction or belief that Larry engaged in a course

of conduct which endangered C.A.J.’s physical or emotional well-being.

II.      Sufficient Evidence Supports the Trial Court’s Best-Interest Finding

         Next, Larry argues that even if there was evidence supporting one of the statutory

grounds for termination, the evidence was insufficient to establish that termination of his parental

rights was in C.A.J.’s best interest.

         There is a strong presumption that a child’s interest is best served by preserving the

conservatorship of the parents; however, clear and convincing evidence to the contrary may

4
 In termination cases, “[w]hen there is conflicting evidence, it is the province of the trier of fact to resolve such
conflicts.” Jordan v. Dossey, 325 S.W.3d 700, 713 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet. denied) (citing City
of Keller v. Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 820 (Tex. 2005)).
                                                         11
overcome the presumption. In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam); In re

K.S., 420 S.W.3d 852, 855 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2014, no pet.).                In deciding whether

termination would be in the best interest of the child, the trial court may consider this

nonexclusive list of factors:

       (A) the desires of the child; (B) the emotional and physical needs of the child now
       and in the future; (C) the emotional and physical danger to the child now and in
       the future; (D) the parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody; (E) the
       programs available to assist these individuals to promote the best interest of the
       child; (F) the plans for the child by these individuals or by the agency seeking
       custody; (G) the stability of the home or proposed placement; (H) the acts or
       omissions of the parent which may indicate that the existing parent-child
       relationship is not a proper one; and (I) any excuse for the acts or omissions of the
       parent.

Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976) (citations omitted); K.S., 420 S.W.3d at

855. It is unnecessary to prove all of these factors as a condition precedent to parental-rights

termination. C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27. Also, evidence offered to prove grounds for termination,

contact between the natural parent and child, and degree of financial support are all relevant to

determining if termination is in the best interest of the child. See C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28.

       In what appears to be an attempt to describe C.A.J.’s desires concerning the termination,

Larry, his mother, and his brother all testified that Larry loved C.A.J. and was an active part of

her life. However, a description of Larry’s love for his child and the fact that he was an active

part of her life does not provide us with evidence concerning the desires of the child herself.

There is no other evidence of the desires of the child. Accordingly, the Holley factor regarding

the desires of the child is neutral. See E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 808.

                                                12
       C.A.J. was approximately seven years old at the time of the termination hearing. The

emotional and physical needs of the child now and in the future are great.            Due to his

incarceration, Larry had no income and no suitable home and would not likely be able to meet

C.A.J.’s needs. Alice testified that Larry had not paid child support in two years.    “‘A parent

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

needs.’” Z.M., 2015 WL 293395, at *9 (quoting In re J.T.G., 14-10-00972-CV, 2012 WL
171012, at *17 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Jan. 9, 2012, pet. denied) (mem. op.)). We

find that the second Holley factor weighs in favor of termination.

       As to the third and fourth Holley factors, “‘[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.) (citing

Williams v. Williams, 150 S.W.3d 436, 451 (Tex. App.—Austin 2004, pet. denied); Ray v. Burns,

832 S.W.2d 431, 435 (Tex. App.—Waco 1992, no writ) (“Past is often prologue.”)). Although

there was evidence that although Larry had attempted (with some periodic success) to be a good

father, he admitted that he smoked methamphetamine while C.A.J. was in his care. Larry’s long

history of drug abuse and the devastating decisions he made while under the influence

established that he was a danger to C.A.J. Larry’s failure to remain drug free in the past speaks

volumes about his parental ability and suggests a substantial likelihood that he could be a danger

to C.A.J. in the future. We find that the third and fourth Holley factors weigh in favor of

termination.

                                                13
       Next, Larry needed to beat his drug addiction in order to promote C.A.J.’s best interests.

Yet, Larry and his family testified that he had previously attended drug education classes and

treatment programs without success. We find that the fifth Holley factor weighs in favor of

termination.

       Larry pled with the trial court to permit him to continue supervised visits with C.A.J. His

brother testified that Larry should not be left unsupervised with children. Because Larry was

incarcerated at the time of trial, there was little testimony of his plans for C.A.J. We find that the

sixth and seventh Holley factors weigh in favor of termination.

       Larry’s choice to use drugs while C.A.J. was in his care, his commission of indecency

with a child, and his long absences from C.A.J.’s life due to his incarceration indicated that his

existing parent-child relationship with C.A.J. was not a proper one. Larry offered his drug

addiction as an excuse for his acts. We find that the eighth and ninth Holley factors weigh in

favor of termination.

       Considering the Holley factors, and in light of all of the evidence, we find that the trial

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

parental rights was in the best interest of C.A.J. Therefore, we conclude that the evidence was

legally and factually sufficient to support the best-interest finding. Accordingly, we overrule

Larry’s legal and factual sufficiency challenges.

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III.   Conclusion

       We affirm the trial court’s judgment.

                                               Bailey C. Moseley
                                               Justice

Date Submitted:       February 25, 2015
Date Decided:         February 27, 2015

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