Court Opinion

ID: 4027930
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-08-24 15:20:23.760423+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:08:46.164488
License: Public Domain

In The
                                    Court of Appeals
                           Seventh District of Texas at Amarillo

                                             No. 07-16-00190-CV

                        IN THE INTEREST OF E.N. AND J.N., CHILDREN

                              On Appeal from the 108th District Court
                                        Potter County, Texas
                 Trial Court No. 86,260-E, Honorable Douglas Woodburn, Presiding

                                              August 22, 2016

                                    MEMORANDUM OPINION
                        Before CAMPBELL and HANCOCK and PIRTLE, JJ.

       N.D., the mother of E.N. and J.N.,1 appeals the trial court’s judgment terminating

her rights to the children.2 N.D. presents one issue to the Court for consideration. By

her issue, N.D. contends that the evidence is factually insufficient to support the trial

court’s finding that termination of her parental rights is in the best interest of the

children. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(2) (West Supp. 2016).3 We will affirm.

       1
          Pursuant to the Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.8, we will refer to the parties and the
children by initials only.
       2
           The father, A.N., filed an affidavit of relinquishment and is not a party to this appeal.
       3
           Further reference to the Texas Family Code will be by reference to “section ____” or “§ ____.”
                           Factual and Procedural Background

       When N.D. arrived at the hospital on November 5, 2014, to deliver her child, J.N.,

she was demonstrating erratic behavior that concerned the hospital staff. Later that

day, N.D. gave birth to J.N. The hospital ran a drug screen on N.D. and a meconium

drug screen on J.N. and both tested positive for methamphetamine.

       At the request of N.D., hair follicle tests were run on her older child, E.N., and the

results were positive for methamphetamine.         At N.D.’s request, the Department of

Family and Protective Services (Department) ran a second hair follicle test on E.N. and

the results again were positive for methamphetamine.          N.D. told the Department’s

investigator that she had only tried methamphetamine once and she could not

understand why E.N. would test positive. After receiving the results from the drug tests,

the Department instigated removal proceedings as to both E.N. and J.N.

       The Department filed its original petition for protection of a child, for

conservatorship, and, in the alternative, for termination in suit affecting the parent-child

relationship on November 14, 2014.          The Department was appointed temporary

managing conservator of the children on November 25, 2014, following an adversary

hearing.   The children were initially placed with N.D.’s sister; however, they were

removed and placed into foster care when it became apparent the sister would not pass

a home study.

       The Department conducted a family group conference to prepare a service plan

whereby N.D. could regain the custody of her children.            N.D. participated in the

conference and signed documentation agreeing to the service plan. The service plan

                                             2
contained nine items that N.D. was required to complete to fully comply with the plan.

They were as follows:

      (1) Obtain and maintain stable housing;

      (2) Obtain and maintain stable employment sufficient to meet her and the
      children’s needs for a minimum of six months;

      (3) Provide information to the Department within five days of any change
      in residence, phone number, or employment;

      (4) Complete a substance abuse assessment with OSAR4 and follow any
      recommendations;

      (5) Attend parenting classes;

      (6) Participate in a psychological evaluation;

      (7) Complete rational behavior therapy;

      (8) Attend individual counseling, a minimum of six sessions; and

      (9) Maintain a drug-free lifestyle and submit to random drug testing.

      At trial, Mary Zahler, the Department caseworker, testified that N.D. failed to

complete the required services. N.D. also testified that she failed to complete all of the

required services. N.D. failed to maintain stable employment. At the time of trial, she

was unemployed and had been so for a period of time. N.D. completed her rational

behavioral therapy; however, after completing the class she took her daughter, who was

not a child subject to this proceeding, out of an after-school program without the

permission of the father, who was the custodial parent. N.D. ended up taking the child

to an emergency room for unknown reasons. As to her individual counseling sessions,

N.D. completed five of the required six sessions, but the counseling was suspended on

the recommendation of the counselor until such time as N.D. had completed drug

      4
          Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral Center.
                                                 3
treatment. N.D. failed to submit herself for drug testing on a number of occasions, and,

on all of the occasions she did submit for testing, she tested positive for the presence of

drugs.

         Roberta Bobbie Allen was appointed to provide individual counseling therapy for

N.D.     Allen testified that, at the first session, N.D. admitted to abusing controlled

substances, primarily marijuana and cocaine.                  Allen further testified that N.D. had

significant problems with admitting that she was addicted to controlled substances.

Additionally, N.D.’s attendance at the counseling sessions was sporadic. N.D. attended

her first session with Allen on April 29, 2015, and then failed to attend follow-up

sessions scheduled for May 13 and May 20, 2015. Allen did not see N.D. again until a

session on September 8, 2015. While discussing what N.D. had done to address her

substance addiction since the first meeting, N.D. stated she had started the ACADA5

program twice but dropped out because she felt it was a poor fit and she felt

uncomfortable. Allen opined that this behavior was a simple avoidance technique on

the part of N.D. Allen suggested that N.D. try the Celebrate Recovery program offered

through local churches. At a later session, N.D. reported that she did not like that

program and she did not think it fit her. This reinforced Allen’s belief that N.D. was

simply employing an avoidance technique to avoid facing her substance abuse issues.

         At the third session with Allen on September 26, 2015, N.D. told Allen that she

finally admitted and accepted the fact that she was an addict. When N.D. returned for

her fourth session with Allen, she indicated that she had tried a twelve-step program but

discontinued attendance because she felt that program was too far along to meet her

needs.         At the final counseling session on October 29, 2015, N.D. appeared
         5
             Amarillo Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
                                                      4
“disheveled” and was “guarded” in her discussion with Allen. Allen opined that this was

a regression from her last visit. During this visit, N.D. reverted to her former opinion that

she was not ready to accept that she was an addict. Further, Allen testified that N.D.

had difficulty during the session tracking the thread of any conversation. Allen opined

that this difficulty could have been the result of substance use.         This opinion was

confirmed the following day when N.D. tested positive for methamphetamine.

       Following the October 29 session, N.D. cancelled sessions scheduled for

November 9 and November 16.             As a result of N.D.’s lack of progress, Allen

recommended that N.D. receive inpatient care and discontinue her outpatient therapy

sessions.

       At trial, Allen opined that she would have concerns returning the children to

N.D.’s custody. This was based upon the continuing issue with substance abuse and

the resultant safety concerns for the children that the continued substance abuse would

generate.

       N.D. testified at the final hearing that she was requesting additional time to

complete an inpatient rehabilitation treatment program. She further admitted that she

had used drugs as recently as fifteen days before the final hearing. When asked if she

could pass a drug test on the day of the final hearing, she replied that she could not.

N.D. testified that she had submitted a new OSAR assessment two weeks before the

final hearing and was just waiting for a bed to open up to begin the program. However,

when asked if she brought any paper work to court that would corroborate either her

OSAR testing or the fact that she had been admitted into the program subject to bed

availability, she was unable to provide any records.

                                             5
       N.D.’s testimony about her plans for the children were nebulous at best.

Although she continues to live in the same apartment she has lived in for the preceding

nine years, she was not employed on the date of the final hearing. N.D. stated she still

had her license to be an L.V.N. and a phlebotomist and was going to attempt to get

back into nursing.   However, she did admit on cross-examination that she had not

worked in nursing for the preceding five or six years. She was also forced to admit that,

on that date, she would not pass a drug screening if she were to apply. By her own

testimony, N.D. admitted she had a very poor support system in place to assist her with

the children.

       When testifying about E.N. and J.N.’s current placement in foster care, Zahler

testified that the children are doing “really well” and that the foster parents have bonded

to the children. Further, Zahler testified that the foster parents have been very proactive

in seeking medical care for E.N. because of some issues regarding his hearing.

       At the conclusion of the testimony, and after receiving the recommendations of

the Department and the CASA volunteer, the trial court found by clear and convincing

evidence that N.D.’s parental rights should be terminated. The trial court found that the

evidence proved that N.D. committed the following predicate acts enumerated in section

161.001(b)(1): subsections (D), (E), (I), (O), (P), and (R). See § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E),

(I), (O), and (R). Further, the trial court found by clear and convincing evidence that it

was in the best interest of the children to terminate N.D.’s parental rights.         See

161.001(b)(2).

       N.D. has perfected her appeal and presents a single issue for our consideration.

N.D. contends that the evidence is factually insufficient to support the trial court’s

                                             6
determination that it was in the best interest of the children to terminate her parental

rights. Disagreeing with appellant, we will affirm the trial court’s judgment.

                                    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); see Santosky v. Kramer,

455 U.S. 745, 758–59, 102 S. Ct. 1388, 71 L. Ed. 2d 599 (1982). A decree terminating

this natural right is complete, final, irrevocable, and divests for all time that natural right

as well as all legal rights, privileges, duties, and powers between the parent and child

except for the child’s right to inherit. Holick, 685 S.W.2d at 20. That being so, we are

required to strictly scrutinize termination proceedings. In re G.M., 596 S.W.2d 846, 846

(Tex. 1980). However, parental rights are not absolute, and the emotional and physical

interests of a child must not be sacrificed merely to preserve those rights. In re C.H., 89
S.W.3d 17, 26 (Tex. 2002).

       The Texas Family Code permits a court to terminate the parent-child relationship

if the petitioner establishes both (1) one or more acts or omissions enumerated under

section 161.001(b)(1), and (2) that termination of the parent-child relationship is in the

best interest of the child. § 161.001(b). Though evidence may be relevant to both

elements, each element must be proved, and proof of one does not relieve the burden

of proving the other. See In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28. While both a statutory ground

and best interest of the child must be proved, only one statutory ground is required to

terminate parental rights under section 161.001(b). See In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355,

362 (Tex. 2003). Therefore, we will affirm the trial court’s judgment of termination if

legally and factually sufficient evidence supports any one of the grounds found in the

                                              7
judgment, provided the record shows that it was also in the best interest of the child for

the parent’s rights to be terminated. See id.

       Due process requires the application of the clear and convincing standard of

proof in cases involving involuntary termination of parental rights.           In re J.F.C., 96
S.W.3d 256, 263 (Tex. 2002); see § 161.206(a) (West 2014). “‘Clear and convincing

evidence’ means the 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.” § 101.007 (West 2014). This standard, which focuses on whether a

reasonable jury could form a firm belief or conviction, retains the deference a reviewing

court must have for the factfinder’s role. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 26.

       When reviewing the factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting a judgment of

termination, we determine “whether the evidence is such that a factfinder could

reasonably form a firm belief or conviction about the truth of the [Department]’s

allegations.” Id. at 25. In conducting this review, we consider whether the disputed

evidence is such that a reasonable factfinder could not have resolved the disputed

evidence in favor of its finding. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. “If, in light of the entire

record, the disputed evidence that a reasonable factfinder could not have credited in

favor of the finding is so significant that a factfinder could not reasonably have formed a

firm belief or conviction, then the evidence is factually insufficient.” Id.

                                    Best Interest of the Children

       N.D.’s single issue is that the evidence was factually insufficient to support the

trial court’s determination that termination of her parental rights was in the best interest

of the children. We will, therefore, review the trial court’s determination pursuant to the

                                               8
guidance of the Texas Supreme Court in Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72

(Tex. 1976).

       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 overcome that presumption. See In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex.

2006) (per curiam). The Texas Supreme Court has recognized a non-exhaustive list of

factors that are pertinent to the inquiry whether termination of parental rights is in the

best interest of the child: (1) the desires of the child, (2) the emotional and physical

needs of the child now and in the future, (3) the emotional and physical danger to the

child now and in the future, (4) the parental abilities of the individuals seeking custody,

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

child, (6) the plans for the child by these individuals or by the agency seeking custody,

(7) the stability of the home or proposed placement, (8) the acts or omissions of the

parent which may indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one,

and (9) any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at

371–72; see also § 263.307 (West Supp. 2016) (providing extensive list of factors that

may be considered in determining child's best interest). In examining the best interest

of the child, we may consider evidence that was also probative of the predicate act or

omission. See In re C.H. 89 S.W.3d at 28. The best interest determination may rely on

direct or circumstantial evidence, subjective facts, and the totality of the evidence. In re

N.R.T., 338 S.W.3d 667, 677 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2011, no pet.).

       We begin our analysis with the understanding that N.D. does not contest the trial

court’s findings of clear and convincing evidence of a number of predicate acts that

                                             9
support its determination to terminate N.D.’s parental rights. Unchallenged predicate

findings are binding on the appellate court. In re K.M., No. 07-16-00120-CV, 2016 Tex.

App. LEXIS 6886, at *6 (Tex. App.—Amarillo June 29, 2016, no pet.) (mem. op.). Of

particular concern, for purposes of our analysis, is the trial court’s findings that N.D.

knowingly placed or knowingly allowed the children to remain in conditions or

surroundings which endangered the physical or emotional well-being of the children, §

161.001(b)(1)(D); engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the children with persons

who engaged in conduct which endangers the physical or emotional well-being of the

children, § 161.001(b)(1)(E); failed to comply with the provisions of a court order that

specifically established the actions necessary for the parent to obtain the return of the

children who has been in the temporary managing conservatorship of the Department, §

161.001(b)(1)(O); used a controlled substance, as defined by Chapter 481, Health and

Safety Code, in a manner that endangered the health or safety of the children, §

161.001(b)(1)(P); and been the cause of the child being born addicted to alcohol or a

controlled substance, other than a controlled substance legally obtained by prescription.

The fact that these findings go unchallenged are probative evidence that termination is

in the best interest of the child. See In re E.C.R., 402 S.W.3d 239, 249–50 (Tex. 2013)

(citing In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28).

       Turning to an analysis of the Holley factors, we first look at the desires of the

children. At the time of trial, the children, were approximately two- and one-year old. At

such an age, they are too young to express their desires. However, there was evidence

in front of the trial court that the children had bonded with their foster family. Such a

bonding may be considered by the trial court when the children are too young to

express a desire and are otherwise well-cared for by the foster family and have spent a
                                           10
minimal amount of time with a parent. See In re S.R., 452 S.W.3d 351, 369 (Tex.

App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. denied).         Under the facts of our case, the

Department removed the children within days of J.N.’s birth. At the time of trial, there

was evidence that J.N. had not seemed to bond with N.D. and that, because of her

continued drug abuse, N.D. had not had visitation with the children for at least five

months. Therefore, under the evidence, the desires of the child factor weighs in favor of

the trial court’s best interest determination.

         We will review the emotional and physical needs of the children now and in the

future and the emotional and physical danger to the children now and in the future

together. The record reveals that, at the time of J.N.’s birth, he tested positive for

methamphetamine. At the time of his testing, N.D. and the other child, E.N., also tested

positive for methamphetamine.          Throughout the sixteen-month course of these

proceedings, N.D. never took a drug test in which she did not test positive for some

controlled substance. In addition, there were numerous times when N.D. refused to be

tested which leads to the conclusion that she would have tested positive, had she

submitted to the testing. See In re K.C.B., 280 S.W.3d 888, 895 (Tex. App.—Amarillo

2009, pet denied). Further, N.D. admitted while testifying that, on the date of the trial,

she could not pass a drug test. These are important matters in weighing this particular

Holley factor.

         A parent’s admissions and past history are relevant to the best interest

determination. See In re D.M., 58 S.W.3d 801, 814 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001, no

pet.).   The trial court is allowed to consider the parent’s history of drug use and

irresponsible choices. See In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 345 (Tex. 2009) (holding that

                                                 11
a parent’s use of narcotics may qualify as an endangering course of conduct). Further,

continued drug use during the pendency of the proceedings is evidence of an inability to

provide for a stable environment and provide for the children’s emotional and physical

needs. See In re Y.G., No. 07-11-00349-CV, 2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 1572, at *19 (Tex.

App.—Amarillo Feb. 29, 2012, no pet.) (mem. op.). The record further reveals that N.D.

has not maintained any stable employment during the pendency of these proceedings

and has failed to comply with the court-ordered service plan. These factors support the

proposition that N.D. would continue her endangering conduct despite her denials at

trial. See In re J.D., 436 S.W.3d 105, 119 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, no

pet). Our review of the record leads us to the conclusion that the evidence weighs

heavily in favor of the trial court’s determination of the best interest of the children.

       The next Holley factor looks at the parental abilities of the individuals seeking

custody. In reviewing the evidence cogent to this factor, we may consider a parent’s

previous neglect or inability to meet the children’s physical and emotional needs. See

In re Y.G., 2012 Tex. App. LEXIS 1572, at *19. The failure of a parent to avail herself of

the programs offered by the Department is evidence that the parent lacks the desire to

better her parenting capabilities. See In re W.E.C., 110 S.W.3d 231, 245 (Tex. App.—

Fort Worth 2003, no pet.).

       Although D.N. testified that she had completed many of the requirements of the

court-ordered service plan, the fact remains that the root problem—drug dependency—

had not been addressed. This permeates the entire proceeding. Until this issue is

addressed, we are left with the proposition that N.D. will put her desires before the

needs of the children.

                                              12
       Additionally, the testimony reveals that the children are doing very well with the

foster family. The testimony was that they have bonded to their foster parents and the

foster parents have taken clear steps to protect the children and ensure their health.

Accordingly, this factor weighs heavily in favor of termination being in the best interest

of the children.

       Regarding the plans for the children and the stability of the proposed placement,

the record is equally clear. First, N.D. testified that although she had a three-bedroom

apartment with lowered rent, she did not have any support within the community.

Further, N.D. was unemployed. N.D. posited that she would go back to nursing, as she

still has her license. However, upon cross-examination, N.D. admitted that, as of the

date of the trial, she could not pass a drug screen that would be required to obtain a

nursing position. In essence, N.D.’s plans for the children were, at best, speculative.

On the other hand, the Department’s plan was for the foster family to adopt.

Considering that the evidence reflected that the children were bonded to the foster

family and included within the foster family’s extended family gatherings and activities,

this plan had specifics and definiteness to it. See In re B.S.W., No. 14-04-00496-CV,

2004 Tex. App. LEXIS 11695, at *25 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Dec. 23, 2004, no

pet.) (mem. op.). Further, N.D.’s plan for the children hinged upon the unfounded hope

that she would defeat her dependency. The children would be in continued foster care

while she hoped she could recover from her addiction. This would not be in the best

interest of the children.   See id.    This Holley factor weighs heavily in favor of

termination.

                                           13
       Looking at the next Holley factor, the acts or omissions of the parent which

indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one, we need not

review the entire record. We have seen from the record that N.D. has continuously

maintained a lifestyle that included drug abuse.            J.N. was born addicted to

methamphetamine. During the pendency of these proceedings, N.D. continued her

drug abuse. She has not maintained any type of employment and has no real concrete

plans for the children. This factor weighs heavily in favor of termination.

       The last Holley factor is the excuses for acts and omissions. At trial, and during

counseling, N.D. maintained that much of her drug addiction was linked to her

unresolved grief over her mother’s death. Missing from this proffered excuse is any

testimony about what N.D. was doing or planning to do to resolve this issue.          As

presented, this excuse offers nothing that would cause us to alter our opinion. As such,

this factor also weighs heavily in favor of termination.

       From our review of the record, the evidence is factually sufficient to support the

proposition that the trial court could reasonably form a firm belief or conviction that

termination of N.D.’s parental rights was in the best interest of the children. See In re

C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 25. N.D.’s issue is overruled.

                                            Conclusion

       Having overruled N.D.’s single issue, we affirm the trial court’s judgment

terminating N.D.’s parental rights.

                                                  Mackey K. Hancock
                                                      Justice
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