In re the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of: D.B., M.S., D.S. (Minor Children), and L.B. (Mother) v. The Indiana Department of Child Services (mem. dec.) ( 2020 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D),
this Memorandum Decision shall not be FILED
regarded as precedent or cited before any May 06 2020, 9:38 am
court except for the purpose of establishing CLERK
the defense of res judicata, collateral Indiana Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
and Tax Court
estoppel, or the law of the case.
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Katharine Vanost Jones Curtis T. Hill, Jr.
Evansville, Indiana Attorney General of Indiana
Natalie F. Weiss
Deputy Attorney General
Indianapolis, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
In re the Termination of the May 6, 2020
Parent-Child Relationship of: Court of Appeals Case No.
19A-JT-2420
D.B., M.S., D.S. (Minor Children),
Appeal from the Vanderburgh
and Superior Court
L.B. (Mother), The Honorable Renee Allen
Appellant-Respondent, Ferguson, Magistrate
Trial Court Cause Nos.
v. 82D04-1901-JT-164
82D04-1901-JT-165
The Indiana Department of 82D04-1903-JT-609
Child Services,
Appellee-Petitioner,
Robb, Judge.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-2420 | May 6, 2020 Page 1 of 31
Case Summary and Issue
[1] L.B. (“Mother”) appeals the termination of her parental rights to three of her
children and presents the sole issue of whether the juvenile court’s order
terminating her parental rights was clearly erroneous. Concluding it was not,
we affirm.
Facts and Procedural History
[2] Mother has four biological children, three of whom are the subject of this
appeal: D.B.,1 born December 28, 2004; D.S., born September 21, 2010; and
M.S., born July 21, 2012 (collectively “Children”). R.S. is the biological father
of D.B., and W.S. is the biological father of D.S. and M.S.2
[3] On November 13, 2017, the Department of Child Services (“DCS”) received a
report alleging that Mother was asleep and unresponsive, and Children got
themselves up for school and missed the school bus. On November 14, a DCS
family case manager (“FCM”) visited the home and Mother eventually
admitted she had used methamphetamine the day before and multiple times
over the last few weeks. Children were removed immediately and placed with
1
In their briefs, both parties refer to this child as “Dra.S.” or “Dr.S.” However, the initials of this child’s
name provided in the record and on the juvenile court’s termination order are “D.B.” As such, we refer to
this child as “D.B.” throughout this opinion. In addition, we note that the State incorrectly identifies
Mother’s initials as “M.C.” when the correct initials are “L.B.”
2
Ultimately, both fathers voluntarily relinquished their parental rights to their respective children and do not
participate in this appeal. Therefore, we have limited our recitation of the facts to those pertaining to
Mother.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-2420 | May 6, 2020 Page 2 of 31
their maternal aunt. On November 16, DCS filed separate petitions alleging the
Children were children in need of services (“CHINS”) due to Mother’s
substance abuse issues. Before the initial hearing, a court appointed special
advocate (“CASA”) for Children was named. The juvenile court held an
initial/detention hearing on November 21 during which the juvenile court
entered a denial on Mother’s behalf. Mother began taking drug screens on
November 28.
[4] The juvenile court adjudicated Children CHINS on December 5. Following a
hearing on January 2, 2018, the juvenile court entered a dispositional order
requiring Mother to (among other things): complete a substance abuse
assessment and all recommended treatment; refrain from drug and alcohol use;
submit to random drug screens; participate in Parent Aide services and the
Parents Drug Court program; obtain and maintain stable housing and income;
timely enroll in any programs recommended by service providers; and attend
visitation with Children. Mother completed the substance abuse evaluation,
which recommended treatment. Mother was accepted into the Parents Drug
Court program and met with the parent aide, who would help with housing,
once. Mother did not follow through with the treatment recommendations.
[5] From November 2017 through January 2018, Mother submitted to random
drug screens but had only one clean screen; most of the screens were positive or
dilute. On January 17, Mother failed to appear for a Parents Drug Court drug
hearing and the juvenile court issued a writ of attachment for Mother’s arrest.
Around the same time, Mother ceased all contact with DCS and disappeared.
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The FCM and parent aide both tried to contact Mother but were unable to
locate her. In March, Mother was discharged from the Parents Drug Court
program for non-attendance.
[6] In May, Mother was still non-compliant and unable to be located. Parent aide
services and Mother’s substance abuse treatment referral were closed out or
canceled due to her non-attendance. Following a review hearing on May 22,
the juvenile court issued an order finding that Mother has not participated in
any services since mid-January 2018: she had not attended visitation, submitted
to drug screens, completed substance abuse treatment, or participated in the
Parents Drug Court since that time. Several days later, Children were placed
with their maternal grandfather and step-grandmother. The FCM continued to
call Mother and leave her voicemails. On July 27, the FCM received a
voicemail from Mother, called her back, and left another voicemail as Mother
did not answer.
[7] In October, the FCM learned that Mother was employed at a local bar; she
called the bar and spoke with Mother. The two discussed the case, the steps
Mother would need to take toward reunification with Children, and that she
had an active writ she needed to address. Days later, Mother was arrested on
the active warrant. Following her arrest, the juvenile court held a hearing on
October 23 and later issued an order finding that Mother had been non-
compliant with services and admitted to using methamphetamine and
marijuana as recently as three weeks prior. Mother resumed submitting to
random drug screens.
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[8] Around the same time, DCS placed D.S. and M.S. in foster care at their
grandfather’s request due to M.S.’s behavior issues. D.B. remained with his
grandfather until June 2019 when he was placed in the same foster home with
his siblings. In a November 3 permanency report3 filed with the juvenile court,
DCS reported that Mother had been non-compliant with her parent aide
services, random drug screens, substance abuse evaluation, and recommended
services. DCS further reported that since locating Mother early in October, she
missed drug screens on October 17, 19, 22, and 25, and she screened positive
for alcohol on October 29. See Exhibits, Volume I at 85.
[9] Mother participated in a team meeting on November 9 with the FCM, DCS
supervisor, and CASA to discuss the steps Mother needed to take to be reunited
with Children. At that point, Mother had submitted to some drug screens but
was not fully compliant as she had also missed several screens. On November
20, the juvenile court held a permanency hearing and subsequently entered an
order approving Children’s permanency plan of reunification with a concurrent
plan of adoption.
[10] At the time, Mother was living with her boyfriend, W.D. 4 The two were
scheduled to attend a meeting on November 26 to discuss Mother’s progress
with services and whether W.D. would also participate in services. Mother
3
This report covered the period of May 23, 2018 to November 1, 2018.
4
Although the juvenile court refers to W.D. as Mother’s fiancé, Mother refers to W.D. as her boyfriend in
her appellate brief. Therefore, we refer to W.D. as Mother’s boyfriend in this opinion.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-2420 | May 6, 2020 Page 5 of 31
showed up to the meeting forty-five minutes late without W.D. During the
meeting, Mother stated she was doing better but later admitted she and W.D.
had used methamphetamine that morning. After the meeting, the FCM tried to
contact Mother but kept getting a message that Mother’s phone was unable to
accept calls.
[11] Mother completed another substance abuse assessment on December 6 at
Stepping Stone, which recommended she attend the Matrix program – group
and individual counseling sessions for twenty-four weeks focusing on coping
mechanisms for substance abuse. Mother attended the Matrix orientation on
December 10 but then dropped out of treatment and did not attend any further
appointments. Stepping Stone sent Mother a letter outlining the failed
appointment policy and stating that she needed to meet with a manager on
January 8, 2019. However, Mother did not respond and eventually, services
were closed due to non-compliance. Id., Vol. III at 12.
[12] Between December 2018 and January 2019, Mother did not submit to any drug
screens. The next time the FCM spoke with Mother was at some sort of
criminal hearing for W.D. At that time, the FCM informed Mother she would
be filing a petition to terminate her parental rights. In response, Mother “stated
that she hated to admit it but the kids might be better off because she was not in
a good place at this time.” Transcript, Volume II at 63. On January 28, 2019,
DCS filed Verified Petitions for the Involuntary Termination of Parent-Child
Relationship between Mother and D.S. and M.S. DCS later filed a petition to
terminate Mother’s parental rights to D.B. on March 29. At a hearing in
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February, Mother agreed to resume services and DCS put in a new referral for
drug screens beginning in March. Mother was inconsistent in submitting to
screens.
[13] On April 8, DCS filed a progress report detailing Mother’s non-compliance
with the dispositional order: Stepping Stone discontinued Mother’s services on
January 8, 2019; after Mother’s random drug screen referral was renewed on
February 20, 2019, she missed screens on March 8 and 14; and she has not been
participating in visitation due to her lack of contact with DCS and non-
compliance with drug screens. In another report, DCS indicated that since
November 21, 2018, Mother failed to call or appear for drug screens seventy-
four percent of the time. See Exhibits, Vol. 1 at 126. Sometime around April or
May, Mother was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in
Kentucky and completed a seven-week substance abuse program in order to
have the charge reduced or diverted.
[14] The juvenile court held a fact-finding hearing on April 23, 2019 and June 16-17,
2019. At the time of trial, Mother was employed and living in Tennessee with
W.D. and his parents. On September 24, the juvenile court entered three
separate orders5 terminating Mother’s parental rights to Children and found, in
pertinent part and including the findings that Mother challenges:
5
Indiana Appellate Rule 38(A) provides that “[w]hen two (2) or more actions have been consolidated for
trial or hearing in the trial court, they shall remain consolidated on appeal.” Here, DCS filed three separate
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13. Mother was ordered to establish and maintain stable
housing and income [but] has failed to do so as of the time of
trial.
14. Mother currently resides with her fiancé, [W.D.], and [his]
parents in Tennessee. Mother has resided there since
approximately May or June 2019. [W.D.] is a
methamphetamine addict who Mother admitted using
methamphetamine with on multiple occasions throughout the
underlying CHINS matter. [W.D.] has been convicted of
Possession of Methamphetamine in Vanderburgh County, IN
and currently has a writ issued for his arrest due to violating his
probation. Prior to that, [W.D.] was convicted of Driving under
the Influence in two separate counties in 2012 and 2014. [W.D.]
additionally has pending Auto Theft charges in Dubois County,
IN.
***
16. Mother additionally has not maintained stable income.
Mother had a variety of employment since [Children’s] removal.
Mother additionally was unemployed for approximately four (4)
months from December 2018 to March 2019. Mother currently
is employed by a rehabilitation center in Dixon, Tennessee.
However, Mother has only been employed by her current
employer for approximately six (6) weeks prior [to] the trial.
Additionally, while Mother reports that she is financially stable,
Mother’s most recent bank statement shows a negative balance
prior to a deposit. The Court finds that Mother’s assertion
regarding her financial stability is less than credible, especially
termination petitions and the juvenile court entered three separate termination orders. Because the juvenile
court held a consolidated fact-finding hearing on all three petitions, the three actions remain consolidated on
appeal.
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given that Mother reported she and [W.D.] are supposed to be
saving money to buy a home.
17. Mother additionally was ordered to comply with multiple
services as part of the Dispositional Decree in the underlying
CHINS. However, Mother did not manage to substantially
comply with a single one of those services. Mother testified that
she understood that completion of services was necessary in
order for her to get [Children] back into her care.
***
19. During the contact with Mother in October 2018, DCS
and CASA discussed with Mother the importance of re-engaging
with services. Mother was informed that visitation would be
reinstated with [Children] if Mother re-enrolled in services and
began to participate in the case. A meeting was held on
November 26, 2018 to address services with Mother and [W.D.].
[W.D.] failed to attend the meeting or to be involved in the
CHINS matter in any way. DCS and CASA discussed housing
options with Mother, in addition to her non-compliance[.]
Mother was offered services and resources to combat these
issues, but failed to take advantage of anything offered to her.
20. Mother then again went missing and stopped contacting
the DCS between November 2018 and January 2019, at which
time the DCS filed to terminate Mother’s parental rights.
Mother’s contact with the DCS and her compliance with services
failed to improve after the filing to terminate her parental rights.
Mother continued to fail to make any progress towards having
[Children] returned to her care, nor did she show an inclination
to make progress.
21. DCS and CASA attempted to address Mother’s non-
compliance with services to address her substance abuse and
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instability in January 2019, as well. Mother’s compliance still
did not substantially improve. Mother admitted in January 2019
that [Children] may be better off in someone else’s care.
***
24. At trial, Mother disclosed a history of substance abuse,
including methamphetamine, marijuana, Suboxone, and other
opiates. Mother has used illegal substances since the age of
fifteen (15). Mother admitted at trial that she has abused
methamphetamine [for] approximately two (2) years. However,
Mother’s first Substance Abuse Evaluation from Southwestern
Behavioral Health identifies the Mother’s first use of
methamphetamine was at age sixteen (16). When Mother
attempted to stop using illegal or non-prescribed substances, she
began to abuse alcohol. During the pendency of the underlying
CHINS and after the filing of this termination cause, Mother
incurred a criminal charge for Driving Under the Influence in
Kentucky, in or about May or June 2019. Despite this and
Mother’s previous history of replacing other substances with
alcohol, Mother does not believe that her consumption of alcohol
is an issue.
25. Mother failed to maintain sobriety during the pendency of
the underlying CHINS matter, despite testifying that she believed
children require a sober caregiver and that [Children] deserve a
sober caregiver. In addition to continuing to consume alcohol, . .
. Mother admitted to relapsing on methamphetamine on multiple
occasions throughout the underlying CHINS. Mother continued
to use methamphetamine despite being court ordered to maintain
her sobriety and despite knowing that maintaining sobriety was
one requirement for her to have her [Children] returned to her
care. Mother additionally stated that she does not consider
herself an addict, despite her long history of addiction and
substance abuse. The Court finds that Mother’s refusal to
acknowledge her addiction indicates she is extremely likely to
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continue to abuse substances, including methamphetamine, a
known intoxicating and illegal substance.
***
29. As of the time of trial, Mother has only completed a DUI
course referred to her through her 2019 Kentucky criminal
involvement. Mother only completed the program in order to
have the DUI charge reduced or diverted. The program
consisted of a total of twenty-one (21) hours of classes. Such a
program is woefully insufficient and incomparable to the
recommended treatment for Mother in either of her Substance
Abuse Evaluations. Mother was not sufficiently motivated by
having her [Children] returned to her to complete the more
intensive treatment options. The Court finds that Mother’s
failure to complete an appropriate treatment program and her
lack of inclination to complete an appropriate treatment
program, places Mother at a high risk of relapse or continued
substance abuse in the future.
30. Mother was also non-compliant with parent aide services
[which] were recommended at the time of disposition for Mother
due to her instability with housing and income. However,
Mother did not participate in the service because she did “not
agree” with the parent aide. Mother only met with the parent
aide once and the service was ultimately ended due to Mother
failing to participate. As of the time of trial, Mother has not
maintained a stable home or a stable income during the
pendency of the CHINS matter. Mother admitted that she could
not offer [Children] any type of stability during the course of the
underlying CHINS.
31. To assist Mother in obtaining her sobriety, she was
referred by the DCS and the Court to be evaluated for the
CHINS Parent Drug Court program[, which] requires weekly
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status hearings with the Court and weekly AA/NA meetings, in
addition to substance abuse treatment and random drug screens.
Mother did complete her evaluation and was accepted to the
Drug Court program on December 20, 2017. However, Mother
struggled from the beginning to attend the required meetings.
Mother eventually failed to appear for a Drug Court hearing on
January 17, 2018 and a writ of attachment was issued. As stated
previously, Mother would go on to be missing in the underlying
CHINS matter until approximately October 2018. Mother was
taken into custody on the writ of attachment on October 18,
2018, however, by that time, Mother has been unsuccessfully
discharged from the Drug Court program in March 2018.
Mother admitted that she was not attending treatment or
maintaining her sobriety at this time.
32. Mother also failed to participate consistently in random
drug screens. Mother participated in a few screens between
[Children’s] removal and her disappearance in January 2018,
with only one (1) screen during that time being clean. Between
January 2018 and October 2018, when DCS located Mother for a
brief time, Mother did participate in some screens. However,
Mother then did not screen consistently after October 29, 2019.
Even leading up to the day of this trial, Mother did not attend all
available drug screens to demonstrate continuing sobriety until
June 2019. Combined with Mother’s admissions of continuing
methamphetamine use during the course of the underlying
CHINS, the Court finds that Mother continued to abuse
substances until at least June 2019, leaving only one (1) month of
possible sobriety as of the time of trial.
33. Prior to Mother’s disappearance, Mother was permitted by
the relative placement at the time to visit [Children] whenever
she wished. Mother failed to take advantage of such a rare
opportunity, instead abandoning [Children] and her parental
responsibilities.
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34. Mother has not visited or otherwise had contact with
[Children] since January 2018. She did not send cards or letters.
She did not provide for their support in anyway [sic]. Mother
only asked [about Children’s] welfare twice (2) during the
underlying CHINS. Mother acknowledges that her
abandonment of [Children] impacted [them] negatively.
35. Mother did resume contact with the DCS in February
2019; however, she continued to fail to cooperate with services to
address her sobriety and stability. Throughout the underlying
CHINS cause, Mother never was offered visitation due to her
failure to make progress with services or establish stability that
would have made visitation safe and healthy for [Children] to
attend.
36. While Mother continued to abuse methamphetamine and
to fail to address her addiction, [Children] remained in out-of-
home care, and currently [have] continued to absolutely thrive in
the foster home, developing a fast bond with the foster parents, in
addition to also maintaining a bond with . . . siblings. [Children
have] improved both behaviorally and academically. The foster
placement is willing to adopt [Children].
37. As of the day of trial, Mother relies on [W.D.] and [his]
family for housing. Mother has only been employed for six (6)
weeks and she does not own or rent through a lease [at] her
current residence. Mother’s continued stability, at this time, is
dependent on her relationship with [W.D.], another
methamphetamine addict. This same relationship has ended on
at least two (2) prior occasions and does not leave the Court
convinced that its continuation would ensure sufficient stability
for [Children].
38. Additionally, DCS attempted to engage [W.D.] in the
underlying CHINS case and to offer services. However, [he]
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never communicated with the DCS or participated in any case
meetings with Mother regarding [Children].
Appellant’s Appendix, Volume II at 13-20 (footnotes omitted). 6 Based on these
findings, the juvenile court concluded:
39. Mother’s absolute lack of participation to demonstrate her
sobriety and stability in order to regain custody of [Children]
leaves the Court doubtful that Mother is willing and able to fulfill
her parental obligations to [Children].
40. Overall, Mother has failed to remedy the situation that
brought about the removal of [C]hildren. Based on the pattern of
behaviors and continuing pattern of substance abuse, child
abandonment, and lack of stability, the Court finds that there is
not a reasonable probability the situation which brought about
the removal of [Children] is likely to be remedied. The Court
finds that Mother’s past behavior is the best predictor of her
future behavior.
41. Further, Mother’s behaviors during the underlying CHINS
cases pose a threat to the well-being of [Children], including her
lack of stability, her abandonment of [Children], and her
continuing substance abuse. The risk of Mother continuing to
use and relapse is very high, given Mother’s past performance,
and the Court is not willing to place [Children] back into a home
where the caregiver is too intoxicated to provide [Children] with
what they need to thrive. To allow the continuation of the parent
6
Although the juvenile court entered three separate termination orders under separate cause numbers, the
findings of fact and conclusions thereon are identical with respect to Mother. Accordingly, we quote only
one order.
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child relationship with Mother would pose a threat to the well-
being of the [Children].
***
47. DCS and the [CASA] believe that adoption by the foster
placement is in [Children]’s best interest [and they are] thriving in
their care. The Court finds that adoption by the foster placement
is in [Children’s] best interest.
48. Mother’s pattern of substance abuse, abandonment, and
instability indicates that maintaining a parent-child relationship
with Child[ren] is not in the best interests of Child[ren.]
Id. at 20-21. Mother now appeals.7
Discussion and Decision
I. Standard of Review
[15] We begin by emphasizing that the right of parents to establish a home and raise
their children is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States
Constitution. In re D.D., 804 N.E.2d 258, 264 (Ind. Ct. App. 2004), trans.
denied. The law provides for the termination of these rights when parents are
7
Indiana Appellate Rule 9(F)(8)(a) requires that a copy of the appealed judgment or order be attached to the
appellant’s Notice of Appeal and Appellate Rule 46(A)(12) requires the same be submitted with the
appellant’s brief as a separate attachment. Here, the appellant submitted what appears to be a proposed order
on the involuntary termination of Mother’s parental rights to this court rather than the juvenile court’s order,
in violation of this rule. Although not raised by either party and copies of the appealed orders were included
in the Appellant’s Appendix, we take this opportunity to remind the parties to ensure that the correct
documents are submitted to this court.
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unable or unwilling to meet their parental responsibilities. In re R.H., 892
N.E.2d 144, 149 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008). Although we acknowledge that the
parent-child relationship is “one of the most valued relationships in our
culture,” we also recognize that “parental interests are not absolute and must be
subordinated to the child’s interests in determining the proper disposition of a
petition to terminate parental rights.” Bester v. Lake Cty. Office of Family &
Children, 839 N.E.2d 143, 147 (Ind. 2005) (internal quotations omitted). The
involuntary termination of one’s parental rights is the most extreme sanction a
court can impose because termination severs all rights of a parent to his or her
children. See In re T.F., 743 N.E.2d 766, 773 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001), trans. denied.
As such, termination is intended as a last resort, available only when all other
reasonable efforts have failed. Id. The purpose of terminating parental rights is
to protect children, not to punish parents. In re D.D., 804 N.E.2d at 265.
[16] When reviewing the termination of parental rights, we do not reweigh the
evidence or judge the credibility of witnesses. Lang v. Starke Cty. Office of Family
& Children, 861 N.E.2d 366, 371 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007), trans. denied. Instead, we
consider only the evidence most favorable to the judgment and the reasonable
inferences that can be drawn therefrom. Id. In deference to the trial court’s
unique position to assess the evidence, we will set aside its judgment
terminating a parent-child relationship only if it is clearly erroneous. In re
L.S., 717 N.E.2d 204, 208 (Ind. Ct. App. 1999), trans. denied, cert. denied, 534
U.S. 1161 (2002). Thus, if the evidence and inferences support the decision, we
must affirm. Id.Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-2420 | May 6, 2020 Page 16 of 31
[17] The juvenile court entered findings of fact and conclusions thereon as required
by Indiana Code section 31-35-2-8(c), and we therefore apply a two-tiered
standard of review. Bester, 839 N.E.2d at 147. We first determine whether the
evidence supports the findings, then determine whether the findings support the
judgment. Id. “Findings are clearly erroneous only when the record contains
no facts to support them either directly or by inference.” Quillen v. Quillen, 671
N.E.2d 98, 102 (Ind. 1996). A judgment is clearly erroneous only if the findings
do not support the court’s conclusions or the conclusions do not support the
judgment thereon. Id.II. Statutory Framework for Termination
[18] To terminate parental rights, Indiana Code section 31-35-2-4(b)(2) requires DCS
to prove, in relevant part:
(B) that one (1) of the following is true:
(i) There is a reasonable probability that the conditions
that resulted in the child’s removal or the reasons for
placement outside the home of the parents will not be
remedied.
(ii) There is a reasonable probability that the continuation
of the parent-child relationship poses a threat to the well-
being of the child.
(iii) The child has, on two (2) separate occasions, been
adjudicated a child in need of services;
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(C) that termination is in the best interests of the child; and
(D) that there is a satisfactory plan for the care and treatment of
the child.
DCS must prove the foregoing elements by clear and convincing evidence. Ind.
Code § 31-37-14-2; In re V.A., 51 N.E.3d 1140, 1144 (Ind. 2016). However,
because subsection (b)(2)(B) is written in the disjunctive the juvenile court need
only find one of the three elements has been proven by clear and convincing
evidence. See, e.g., In re I.A., 903 N.E.2d 146, 153 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009). If a
juvenile court determines the allegations of the petition are true, then the court
shall terminate the parent-child relationship. Ind. Code § 31-35-2-8(a).
III. Findings of Fact
[19] As noted above, the juvenile court’s judgment contains specific findings of fact
and conclusions thereon. Therefore, we must first determine whether the
record contains evidence supporting the findings either directly or by inference.
In re A.S., 17 N.E.3d 994, 1002 (Ind. Ct. App. 2014), trans. denied. Mother
argues that many of the juvenile court’s findings are clearly erroneous and she
specifically challenges findings 13-14, 16-17, 19-21, 24-25, 29-41, and 48.
[20] With respect to findings 13, 16, 30, and 37, the juvenile court found that
Mother failed to obtain and maintain appropriate and stable housing,
employment, and financial stability during the pendency of the CHINS matter.
Mother contends that these findings are clearly erroneous because the evidence
reveals that she did have stable housing, employment, and financial stability at
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the time of the fact-finding hearing. However, contrary to Mother’s argument,
we cannot conclude there is no evidence in the record to support these findings.
The evidence establishes that, throughout this case, Mother had numerous jobs,
was unemployed for several months, and at the time of the fact-finding hearing,
had been working at a rehabilitation center in Tennessee for only six weeks.
Mother never obtained stable housing of her own and has relied on others for
housing throughout this matter. She admitted that she has been evicted seven
times in the past and throughout this matter, she has lived with various
individuals, including a friend, relatives, and most recently her boyfriend’s
parents in another state. Furthermore, Mother’s recent bank statement was
admitted into evidence and revealed a negative balance prior to a recent
deposit. Given this evidence in the record supporting these findings, we find no
error.
[21] Findings 17, 20, and 21 address Mother’s compliance with the dispositional
decree – finding that Mother failed to comply with all services and, even after
DCS filed the termination petitions, Mother’s compliance did not substantially
improve. Mother argues these findings are erroneous because, at the time of the
fact-finding hearing, she had been sober for nine months, recently participated
in seven-week drug and alcohol program related to her DUI charge, and the
FCM testified that she was complying with services and communicating with
DCS regularly. Although Mother may have had a few brief periods of
compliance, there is ample evidence in the record to support the juvenile court’s
findings.
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[22] The undisputed evidence establishes that Mother completed two substance
abuse assessments but never completed the recommended treatment. Further,
she only met with the parent aide once before she stopped attending and was
later discharged for non-attendance. Following Mother’s acceptance and brief
participation in the drug court program, she was discharged unsuccessfully from
that program. At the fact-finding hearing, FCM Kathleen Parson testified that
since Mother resumed drug screens in March 2019, Mother only consistently
screened in June 2019. See Tr., Vol. II at 65.
[23] In findings 24, 25, and 29, the juvenile court found that Mother does not believe
she has a substance abuse problem; her refusal to acknowledge her substance
abuse issues make it more likely she will use; and she was not motivated by the
removal of her Children to complete a substance abuse treatment program.
Mother argues “[t]here is nothing in the record reflecting that [she] does not
believe that she has a substance abuse problem[,]” there is no evidence to
support the court’s speculation with respect to her motives, and she completed a
seven-week program and cooperated with DCS. Brief of Appellant at 18. We
disagree.
[24] The evidence clearly establishes that Mother never attended substance abuse
treatment. Although she completed a seven-week program, this is insufficient
and not a substitute for the recommended substance abuse treatment. And
further, the seven-week program was court-ordered due to Mother’s recent DUI
charge and completed with the goal of reducing or diverting the charge.
Despite this, Mother testified that she does not consider herself to have a
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drinking problem and she does not consider herself an addict anymore because
she goes to work and no longer craves getting high. See Tr., Vol. II at 24. In
fact, Mother stated that she understood that compliance with treatment would
possibly lead to reunification with Children, yet she never sought treatment.
We conclude the juvenile court’s findings are reasonable interpretations of this
evidence in the record, particularly given that the juvenile court weighs the
evidence and is the sole judge of the witnesses’ credibility. See Lang, 861
N.E.2d at 371.
[25] Findings 31-32 relate to Mother’s failure to participate in the Parents Drug
Court program and consistently submit to random drug screens. Mother argues
these findings are clearly erroneous because “with the exception of a couple
weeks in January, from October[] 2018 through the date of the trial, [she]
regularly took drug screens, all of which were negative.” Br. of Appellant at 20.
[26] FCM Kayla Bradshaw testified that she took over Mother’s case in December
2017 and with respect to Mother’s drug screens, Mother tested “either positive
or dilute most of the time. She had one clean screen in January of 2018.” Tr.,
Vol. II at 55. FCM Parson testified that Mother tested positive for alcohol in
October 2018 and, on November 26, Mother admitted to using
methamphetamine. Furthermore, Mother was charged with a DUI in
April/May 2019. There is also ample evidence to support the finding that
Mother failed to consistently submit to drug screens. Mother submitted to drug
screens from November 2017 to January 2018, then disappeared for ten
months. From October to November 2018, Mother submitted to screens but
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then ceased all contact with DCS until February 2019. Parson testified that
from March through May 2019, Mother missed five drug screens and Mother
only consistently screened in June.
[27] Findings 33-36 concern Mother’s visitation and Mother argues these findings
are erroneous because although she was complying with services again in
October 2018, DCS would not allow her to visit in the nine months before trial.
She asserts that her “parental rights should not be terminated due to DCS’s
decision not to allow her to visit.” Br. of Appellant at 20. Here, Mother merely
provides a reason as to why she did not visit rather than explain why the
juvenile court’s finding is erroneous. Instead, the evidence reveals that at the
outset of the case Mother participated in supervised visitation but stopped in
January 2018 when she disappeared. At the fact-finding hearing, when asked
why she stopped visiting with Children, Mother responded, “Because I took
off.” Tr., Vol. II at 27. She subsequently ceased all contact until October 2018
when DCS successfully located her. At that time, FCM Parson spoke with
Mother and explained that in order to have visitation with the Children,
Mother would have to comply with services “because it had been such a long
period since she’d seen [them].” Id. at 60. Although Mother resumed services
that same month, she was not fully compliant and again ceased all contact from
December 2018 through February/March 2019. See id. The uncontroverted
evidence establishes that Mother has not visited with her Children since
January 2018 due to her own actions.
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[28] Findings 14, 37, and 38 concern Mother’s boyfriend. The juvenile court found
that Mother’s boyfriend is also a methamphetamine addict with a criminal
history, and that Mother currently relies on his family for housing as she does
not own or rent her own place. As such, the juvenile court found that
“Mother’s continued stability, at this time, is dependent on her relationship
with [W.D.], another methamphetamine addict.” Appellant’s App., Vol. II at
20. Mother argues that these findings imply her boyfriend is unfit and “reflect
the court’s supposition that [her] stability is dependent on her relationship with
her boyfriend, even though . . . she has been able to maintain sobriety for 9
months when she was both in and out of a relationship with him.” Br. of
Appellant at 20-21. Mother does not dispute her boyfriend’s criminal history or
that she currently lives with her boyfriend’s family. Instead, Mother challenges
the juvenile court’s reasonable interpretation of these findings and asks this
court to reweigh the evidence in her favor, which we cannot do. See Lang, 861
N.E.2d at 371. As such, these findings are not erroneous.
[29] Finally, Mother challenges findings 39 through 41 and 48. Although these
findings are listed under Findings of Fact in the juvenile court’s order, the
substance of these are better characterized as conclusions of law, which we
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address below. In sum, there is evidence in the record supporting the
challenged findings and therefore, the findings are not clearly erroneous.8
IV. Conclusions of Law
A. Remedy of Conditions
[30] The juvenile court concluded there was a reasonable probability that the
conditions that led to Children’s removal and continued placement outside of
Mother’s care, namely Mother’s substance abuse and instability, will not be
remedied.
[31] We engage in a two-step analysis to determine whether such conditions will be
remedied: “First, we must ascertain what conditions led to [Children’s]
placement and retention in foster care. Second, we determine whether there is
a reasonable probability that those conditions will not be remedied.” In re
K.T.K., 989 N.E.2d 1225, 1231 (Ind. 2013) (quotation omitted). With respect
to the second step, a juvenile court assesses whether a reasonable probability
exists that the conditions justifying a child’s removal or continued placement
outside his parent’s care will not be remedied by judging the parent’s fitness to
care for the child at the time of the termination hearing, taking into
consideration evidence of changed conditions. In re E.M., 4 N.E.3d 636, 643
(Ind. 2014). Habitual conduct may include criminal history, drug and alcohol
8
Mother contends Finding 19 is also clearly erroneous but fails to provide any argument as to why it is
clearly erroneous. Therefore, Mother has waived appellate review of this issue. See Ind. Appellate Rule
46(A)(8)(a).
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abuse, history of neglect, failure to provide support, and lack of adequate
housing and employment, but the services offered to the parent and the parent’s
response to those services can also be evidence of whether conditions will be
remedied. A.D.S v. Ind. Dep’t of Child Servs., 987 N.E.2d 1150, 1157 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2013), trans. denied. DCS “is not required to provide evidence ruling out
all possibilities of change; rather, it need establish only that there is a reasonable
probability the parent’s behavior will not change.” In re I.A., 903 N.E.2d at
154.
[32] Here, Children were initially removed from Mother’s care due to her substance
abuse issues. Children remained outside of Mother’s care due to her non-
compliance with services, continued substance abuse, and failure to complete
substance abuse treatment. We conclude there is sufficient evidence to support
the juvenile court’s conclusion that a reasonable probability exists that these
conditions will not be remedied.
[33] First, Mother’s participation in services was inconsistent and minimal at best.
Mother was ordered to complete a substance abuse assessment and
recommended treatment, participate in Parent Aide services, submit to random
drug screens, and attend visitation. The parent aide services were ordered to
assist Mother in obtaining stable housing and income. Mother met with the
parent aide once and failed to attend any more meetings. At the fact-finding
hearing, Mother stated she did not agree with the parent aide and “felt like [she]
was able to do it on [her] own and didn’t need the parent [aide].” Tr., Vol. II at
26.
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[34] Although Mother completed two substance abuse evaluations throughout this
case, she never completed any recommended substance abuse treatment.
Initially, Mother was accepted into the Parents Drug Court program; however,
she failed to appear for a hearing less than one month into the program. The
juvenile court issued a warrant for her arrest and she was later discharged for
non-attendance. Following Mother’s ten-month disappearance, she eventually
completed another assessment in December 2018, which recommended that she
participate in the Matrix program to address her substance abuse issues.
Mother attended orientation but failed to attend any further appointments. As
a result, services were closed out. Mother testified she had a scheduled
appointment with Encompass Health and Recovery in Tennessee for another
substance abuse assessment; however, as of the date of trial, Mother has never
completed any substance abuse treatment.
[35] Since the inception of this case, Mother’s communication with DCS has been
inconsistent and sporadic. At the fact-finding hearing, FCM Parson testified
that when she was first assigned to this case in May 2018, Mother’s
communication was “non-existent[.]” Id. at 67. Then, from mid-October to
December 2018, Mother maintained more regular contact with Parson but then
ceased all contact until February 2019. And since February, Parson stated that
contact has “been so-so” but described Mother’s recent contact as the best or
most consistent it has been since she first made contact with Mother. Id.
[36] Similarly, Mother was inconsistent in submitting to drug screens. Mother
began drug screens in late November 2017 and submitted to screens until
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January 2018 when she ceased all contact with DCS until October 2018. From
October to November, Mother resumed screens but again ceased contact with
DCS from December 2018 through January 2019. Because there had been a
lapse in the referral, DCS then put in a new referral and Mother began
screening the first week of March. However, Mother was not consistent. From
March through May 2019, Mother missed five drug screens and FCM Parson
stated that Mother only consistently screened in June. And finally, with respect
to visitation, FCM Bradshaw testified that Mother “did attend a few supervised
visitations that the placement supervised . . . [b]ut then in January [2018,] she
stopped attending visitations.” Id. at 55. This was the last time Mother visited
with Children.
[37] Second, Mother failed to maintain sobriety throughout this case. From the
time of Children’s removal in November 2017 through January 2018, Mother
only had one clean screen. Mother then disappeared for approximately ten
months during which time she stated she “got a touch of freedom” and
admitted she was with her boyfriend using drugs. Id. at 37. After DCS located
Mother in October 2018, Mother tested positive for alcohol and later, at a
November 26 team meeting, Mother admitted to using methamphetamine with
her boyfriend earlier that morning. In April or May 2019, just before the fact-
finding hearing, Mother was charged with a DUI in Kentucky. When asked at
trial whether she has maintained sobriety since Children’s removal, Mother
responded, “No, not till really now.” Id. at 19.
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[38] FCM Parson testified that she did not believe Mother had remedied the
conditions that led to Children’s removal because Mother has not demonstrated
long term sobriety or consistent housing. She stated, Mother “has only shown
sobriety for one month out of the last four and she hasn’t completed any kind of
treatment. And the fear is that she would get stressed out or for some reason
and fall back into her old patterns.” Id. at 68.
[39] Lastly, Mother has demonstrated a pattern of instability with respect to housing
and income. At the fact-finding hearing, Mother disclosed that she has been
evicted seven times. FCM Bradshaw testified that at the time of Children’s
removal, Mother’s housing was in jeopardy. And throughout the pendency of
this case, she has lived with various friends or family and has moved around.
She lived with a friend in Evansville, her sister for several weeks, her brother in
Mt. Vernon for approximately a month, and most recently, with her boyfriend’s
parents in Tennessee. Regarding employment, the evidence reveals that
Mother has had a variety of jobs. From October to December 2018, Mother
worked at a local bar and prior to that, she had worked at Royal Suites. Mother
admitted she had a long period of unemployment from December 2018 to
March 2019 but stated she had a $10,000 unclaimed check she used during that
time. She then worked at Riverwalk Communities in Evansville for
approximately one month and at the time of trial, she had been employed at
Mission Dixon House and Rehabilitation in Tennessee for six weeks. Further,
Mother’s most recent bank statement was admitted into evidence at the fact-
finding hearing and revealed a negative balance prior to a deposit. See Exhibit,
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Vol. III at 22. In light of this evidence, the juvenile court found Mother’s
assertion that she is financially stable “less than credible[.]” Appellant’s App.,
Vol. II at 14.
[40] This court has held that a parent’s pattern of unwillingness or lack of
commitment to address parenting issues and to cooperate with services
demonstrates the requisite reasonable probability that the conditions will not
change. Lang, 861 N.E.2d at 372. Such is the case here. Based on evidence of
Mother’s pattern of substance abuse, child abandonment, instability, and lack of
participation in services, the juvenile court concluded, and we agree, that there
is a reasonable probability that Mother will not remedy the conditions that led
to Children’s removal as her “past behavior is the best predictor of her future
behavior.” Appellant’s App., Vol. II at 20. Mother argues that the juvenile
court’s order ignores her recent progress; however, the juvenile court was well
within its discretion to “disregard the efforts Mother made only shortly before
termination and to weigh more heavily Mother’s history of conduct prior to
those efforts.” K.T.K. v. Ind. Dep’t of Child Servs., Dearborn Cty. Office, 989
N.E.2d 1225, 1234 (Ind. 2013); see also Matter of C.M., 675 N.E.2d 1134, 1140
(Ind. Ct. App. 1997) (explaining that “it [is] within the province of the trial
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court, as the finder of fact, to ignore or discredit . . . evidence” of a parent’s
remedial efforts made shortly before the termination hearing).9
B. Best Interests
[41] “Permanency is a central consideration in determining the best interests of a
child.” In re G.Y., 904 N.E.2d 1257, 1265 (Ind. 2009). To determine the best
interests of children, the juvenile court looks to the totality of the evidence and
must subordinate the interests of the parents to those of the children. In re D.D.,
804 N.E.2d at 267. “A child’s need for permanency is an important
consideration in determining the best interests of a child[.]” In re D.L., 814
N.E.2d 1022, 1030 (Ind. Ct. App. 2004), trans. denied. The juvenile court need
not wait until a child is irreversibly harmed before terminating parental rights.
McBride v. Monroe Cty. Office of Family & Children, 798 N.E.2d 185, 203 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2003). Recommendations of the FCM and CASA, in addition to
evidence that the conditions resulting in removal will not be remedied, are
sufficient to show by clear and convincing evidence that termination is in the
child’s best interest. In re A.S., 17 N.E.3d at 1005.
[42] In this case, FCM Parson and CASA Christopher Brown both testified that
termination of Mother’s parental rights is in the Children’s best interests. See
9
Mother also contends the juvenile court erred in finding that the continuation of the parent-child
relationship poses a threat to the well-being of Children. Having concluded the evidence is sufficient to show
a reasonable probability the conditions resulting in Children’s continued placement outside of Mother’s care
will not be remedied, we need not consider whether the parent-child relationship poses a threat to Children’s
well-being. See In re L.S., 717 N.E.2d at 209.
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Tr., Vol. II at 67, 84. Parson testified that she has never felt comfortable
recommending that Children be returned to Mother “[b]ecause [she] was not
able to ensure that [Mother] would be clean and sober, that [Mother] had
addressed her substance abuse issues. And until just recently that [Mother] had
stable housing.” Id. at 67. Parson further explained the importance of
permanency for children in general, stating that it “gives them stability, lets
them know that they have a safe place. That they have a place where they’re
wanted and loved.” Id. at 66-67. Having concluded there is sufficient evidence
to show the conditions that led to Children’s removal and continued placement
outside of Mother’s care will not be remedied, this is sufficient evidence to
support the juvenile court’s conclusion that termination of Mother’s parental
rights is in Children’s best interests. See In re A.S., 17 N.E.3d at 1005.
Conclusion
[43] DCS presented sufficient evidence to support the juvenile court’s order
terminating Mother’s parental rights to Children. Therefore, the order was not
clearly erroneous, and the judgment of the juvenile court is affirmed.
[44] Affirmed.
May, J., and Vaidik, J., concur.
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