in the Interest of A.S., a Child ( 2016 )

In The
Court of Appeals
Sixth Appellate District of Texas at Texarkana
No. 06-16-00039-CV
IN THE INTEREST OF A.S., A CHILD
On Appeal from the 71st District Court
Harrison County, Texas
Trial Court No. 15-0468
Before Morriss, C.J., Moseley and Burgess, JJ.
Memorandum Opinion by Justice Moseley
MEMORANDUM OPINION
This is a suit for termination of the parental rights of Dan Smith, the natural father of a
male child, A.S.1 In his appeal, Smith alleges: (1) that the trial court erred in denying his request
for a continuance and (2) that the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to support the trial
court’s finding that Smith had committed acts which support termination of his parent-child
relationship with A.S.2 We affirm the trial court’s judgment because we find that the trial court
did not err when it denied Smith’s request to extend the case on the court’s docket and that
sufficient evidence supports at least one finding of a statutory ground for termination of Smith’s
parental rights to A.S.
I. Background
On February 13, 2015, when A.S. was approximately twenty months old, the Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) received information that Smith had seen
A.S.’s mother, Adelle, being sexually inappropriate with A.S. and A.S.’s sibling. A DFPS
caseworker met with the family in regard to the allegations that same month, and the caseworker
attempted during March 2015 to meet with the family at that same residence, but was informed
that the family no longer lived there. The caseworker then sent a text message to Adelle, only to
1
We refer to the child by his initials and to each of the parents by fictitious names in order to protect the privacy of
the child. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 109.002(d) (West 2014).
2
Smith appears to attempt to restrict his appeal to the findings that Smith had (a) knowingly placed or knowingly
allowed A.S. to remain in conditions or surroundings which endangered his physical or emotional well-being, and
(b) he engaged in conduct that endangered A.S.’s physical and emotional well-being or that he knowingly placed A.S.
with persons who engaged in conduct that endangered his physical and emotional well-being. See TEX. FAM. CODE
ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E) (West Supp. 2016). For the reasons set out below, we do not restrict ourselves to a
review of those findings.
2
be told that the family was out of town for the Easter holiday. Although the caseworker instructed
Adelle via text message to contact DFPS the following Monday, she failed to do so. It was later
discovered that Adelle’s cell phone had been disconnected.
In an attempt to locate Smith and Adelle, the caseworker contacted several relatives of the
family from whom she learned that both Smith and Adelle were “back on drugs.” After additional
unsuccessful attempts to contact the couple, the caseworker enlisted the help of DFPS Special
Investigator Patrick Hill. Hill determined that Smith had been incarcerated on May 5, 2015, in
Upshur County, Texas, on drug-related charges.3
The record also shows that approximately three and one-half years before DFPS became
involved in this case, Smith had been placed on deferred adjudication community supervision for
a period of four years as a result of his guilty plea to a charge of possession of methamphetamine.
On June 5, 2015, the trial court revoked Smith’s deferred adjudication community supervision
after finding he had violated the terms of his community supervision by consuming alcohol and
by failing to pay his community supervision fees, attorney fees, fines, and court costs. After Smith
entered a plea of “true” to the allegations, the trial court found Smith guilty and sentenced him to
six years’ confinement in prison.4
3
Following additional investigation, DFPS learned that Adelle and A.S. were residing at the home of Adelle’s maternal
grandmother. Adelle admitted that she had moved to Dallas in an effort to evade the DFPS and that she was also using
methamphetamine. Adelle submitted to a drug test, and the results showed that Adelle had been using amphetamines,
methamphetamines, and marihuana. A.S. was also tested, and his results came back positive for amphetamines and
methamphetamines. Adelle’s maternal grandmother also had an extensive history with DFPS, which resulted in her
losing custody of her own children.
4
At the time DFPS filed its original petition to terminate his parental rights, Smith was in the midst of serving his
prison sentence. The record also shows that Smith had been incarcerated at least four times prior to serving his six-
year sentence, including from August 10, 2011, to August 11, 2011; December 26, 2011, to February 13, 2012;
January 4, 2013, to February 6, 2013; and February 7, 2013, to May 30, 2014.
3
On July 9, 2015, DFPS filed its original petition for protection of a child, for
conservatorship, and for termination in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. This is an
apparent off-the-shelf petition (which alleges over twenty different grounds for termination,
ranging from an allegation that Smith had voluntarily surrendered parental rights and that he had
murdered a parent of the child, to allegations that Smith had engaged in conduct or knowingly
placed A.S. with persons who engaged in conduct that endangered A.S.’s physical or emotional
well-being). The trial court held a hearing on DFPS’s petition on April 14, 2016. No evidence of
many of the allegations was presented at trial.
Following the hearing, the trial court found by what it deemed to be clear and convincing
evidence that it was in A.S.’s best interest to terminate Smith’s parental rights and that Smith had
committed all of the acts justifying termination as set out in Section 161.001(b)(1), subsections
(D), (E), (N), (O), and (Q) of the Texas Family Code.5 Smith timely filed a notice of appeal.
5
As described by Section 161.001(b)(1) of the Texas Family Code, the listed grounds found by the trial court are that
the parent has
(D) knowingly placed or knowingly allowed the child to remain in conditions or
surroundings which endanger the physical or emotional well-being of the child;
(E) engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the child with persons who engaged in
conduct which endangers the physical or emotional well-being of the child;
....
(N) constructively abandoned the child who has been in the permanent or temporary
managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services for not less than six
months, and:
(i) the department has made reasonable efforts to return the child to the
parent;
(ii) the parent has not regularly visited or maintained significant contact with
the child; and
4
II. Smith’s Request to Extend the Case on the Court’s Docket
Smith contends that the trial court erred when it denied his request to extend the case on
the court’s docket because “[t]he trial court had a duty to strictly construe the application of
[Section 263.401] . . . in favor of the parent.” Section 263.401 of the Texas Family Code allows
a trial court to retain a case on its docket for up to 180 days if it finds that “extraordinary
circumstances necessitate the child remaining in the temporary managing conservatorship of the
department and that continuing the appointment of the department as temporary managing
conservator is in the best interest of the child.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.401(b) (West Supp.
2016). The trial court is directed to make such findings (if they exist) and to include them in any
order granting the extension, along with the new trial date and any further necessary temporary
orders. Id.
(iii) the parent has demonstrated an inability to provide the child with a safe
environment;
(O) 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 child who has been in the permanent
or temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services for
not less than nine months as a result of the child’s removal from the parent under Chapter 262 for
the abuse or neglect of the child;
....
(Q) knowingly engaged in criminal conduct that has resulted in the parent’s:
(i) conviction of an offense; and
(ii) confinement or imprisonment and inability to care for the child for not
less than two years from the date of filing the petition;
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (N), (O), (Q) (West Supp. 2016).
5
During the April hearing, Smith’s counsel informed the trial court that Smith anticipated
being released from prison sometime in May and that he “ask[ed] that we hold off on his
termination until we terminate the mother’s rights as well.” The trial court denied his request.
Even if we considered counsel’s statement as a request to extend, Smith failed to show the
existence of extraordinary circumstances or that an extension would be in the best interest of A.S.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion when it denied Smith’s request to extend.
Smith’s first point of error is overruled.
III. Sufficient Evidence Supports Statutory Grounds for Termination
A. Applicable Law and Standard of Review
The Texas Supreme Court has taken the same position with regard to the termination of
parental rights as that expressed by the United States Supreme Court, stating, “[T]he private
interest affected is the right of a parent to raise his or her child, which is undeniably ‘an interest
far more precious than any property right.’” In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 273 (Tex. 2002) (quoting
Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 758–59 (1982)). “The natural right existing between parents and
their children is of constitutional dimensions.” In re L.E.S., 471 S.W.3d 915, 920 (Tex. App.—
Texarkana 2015, no pet.) (quoting Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20 (Tex. 1985)). “Indeed, parents
have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning ‘the care, custody, and control of their
children.’” Id. (quoting Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000)). “Because the termination of
parental rights implicates fundamental interests, a higher standard of proof—clear and convincing
evidence—is required at trial.” Id. (quoting In re A.B., 437 S.W.3d 498, 502 (Tex. 2014)). “This
Court is therefore required to ‘engage in an exacting review of the entire record to determine if the
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evidence is . . . sufficient to support the termination of parental rights.’” Id. at 919–20 (quoting A.B.,
437 S.W.3d at 500). “[I]nvoluntary termination statutes are strictly construed in favor of the
parent.” Id. at 920 (quoting 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)).
“Despite the profound constitutional interests at stake in a proceeding to terminate parental
rights, ‘“the rights of natural parents are not absolute; protection of the child is paramount.”’” Id.
(quoting In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d 355, 361 (Tex. 2003) (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.” Id. (quoting In re C.A.J., 459
S.W.3d 175, 179 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015, no pet.) (citing C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 26)). “In order
to terminate parental rights, the trial court must find, by clear and convincing evidence, that the
parent has engaged in at least one statutory ground for termination and that termination is in the
child’s best interest.” Id. (citing In re E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d 796, 798 (Tex. 2012)). “‘Clear and
convincing evidence’ is that ‘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.’” Id. (quoting
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 101.007 (West 2014)); see In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 344 (Tex. 2009).
“This standard of proof necessarily affects our review of the evidence.” L.E.S., S.W.3d at 920.
“In our legal sufficiency review, we consider all the evidence in the light most favorable
to the findings to determine whether the fact-finder reasonably could have formed a firm belief or
conviction that” termination of the parent-child relationship was in the best interest of the child.
Id. (citing In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005) (per curiam); In re J.L.B., 349 S.W.3d
7
836, 846 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2011, no pet.)). “We assume the trial court, acting as fact-finder,
resolved disputed facts in favor of the finding, if a reasonable fact-finder could do so, and
disregarded evidence that the fact-finder could have reasonably disbelieved or the credibility of
which reasonably could be doubted.” Id. (citing J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d at 573).
“In our review of factual sufficiency, we give due consideration to evidence the trial court
could have reasonably found to be clear and convincing.” Id. (citing In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d
105, 109 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam)). “We consider only that evidence the fact-finder reasonably
could have found to be clear and convincing and determine ‘whether the evidence is such that a
fact[-]finder could reasonably form a firm belief or conviction about the truth of the . . .
allegations.’” Id. (quoting H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d at 109 (alteration in original) (quoting In re C.H.,
89 S.W.3d 17, 25 (Tex. 2002)); see In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 264, 266 (Tex. 2002). “If, in light
of the entire record, the disputed evidence that a reasonable fact[-]finder could not have credited
in favor of the finding is so significant that a fact[-]finder could not reasonably have formed a firm
belief or conviction, then the evidence is factually insufficient.” Id. (quoting J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at
266).
B. Analysis of Scope of Appeal
Some of Smith’s enumeration of points of error are a bit confusing. Following the
complaint that the trial court did not delay the hearing, the two final points of error challenge first
the legal sufficiency and then the factual sufficiency of the evidence “to terminate [Smith]’s
parental rights on the issue of best interests of the child.” The last part of that sentence would
seem to restrict the review only to what pertains to the best interests of the child, but the argument
8
in the brief appears to attack the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the findings to terminate
only on the grounds set out in Section 161.001(b)(1), subsections (D) and (E). In the interests of
justice, we will review both the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the finding that termination
is in the best interests of the child and the findings that Smith has committed acts which justify
termination of his parental relationship with A.S.
Although the trial court listed several grounds for termination, it is not necessary for each
of the grounds to be sustained because termination can take place if there is evidence to sustain
only one ground. “For a trial court to terminate a parent’s right to his children, the State must
prove by clear and convincing evidence both that: (1) the parent committed an act prohibited
under Texas Family Code Section 161.001[(b)](1), and (2) termination is in the children’s best
interest.” In re E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d 796, 803 (Tex. 2012) (emphasis added).
Smith argues that the trial court’s findings supporting termination on the statutory grounds
of Section 161.001(b)(1), subsections (D) and (E), are not supported by sufficient evidence.6 See
TEX. FAM. CODE. ANN. § 161.001(b)(1). Even if that were so, only one predicate finding under
Section 161.001(b)(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). The ground which relies less on a weighing of
6
Smith also argues that there was insufficient evidence to support the trial court’s findings that his parental rights to
A.S. should be terminated pursuant to Section 161.001(b)(1), subsections (N), (O), and (Q). See TEX. FAM. CODE.
ANN. § 161.001(b)(1). Because we find the trial court did not err when it found that Smith’s parental rights should be
terminated pursuant to Section 161.001(b)(1), subsection (Q), we find it unnecessary to address Smith’s remaining
arguments.
9
the evidence and more on simple mathematical calculation is Section 161.001(b)(1)(Q), and we
elect to examine that ground first.
1. Subsection Q
The text of Section 161.001(b)(1)(Q) of the Texas Family Code, quoted previously, sets
out that termination may be ordered when the parent has knowingly engaged in criminal conduct
that has resulted in the parent’s conviction of an offense which results in that parent’s
imprisonment and consequential inability to care for the child for not less than two years from the
date of filing the petition. The record plainly shows that the petition was filed July 9, 2015, and
that Smith was sentenced to serve a term of six years’ imprisonment on June 5, 2015. Smith argued
that he had a projected release date of July 4, 2016, and would be eligible for parole on June 28,
2016, both of which would occur well before the expiration of the two-year period set out in
Section 161.001(b)(1)(Q). This argument fails to take into account that
[m]ere introduction of parole-related evidence, however, does not prevent a fact-
finder from forming a firm conviction or belief that the parent will remain
incarcerated for at least two years. Parole decisions are inherently speculative, and
while all inmates doubtless hope for early release and can take positive steps to
improve their odds, the decision rests entirely within the parole board’s discretion.
See In re K.R.M., 147 S.W.3d 628, 630 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2004, no pet.)
(stating that a father’s “hope that he might be granted early release is pure
speculation”).
In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 109 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam) (citations omitted).
While it was possible, therefore, for the trial court to take into account the existent
possibility that Smith might be paroled within the statutory two-year period, it was also free to
count that evidence as mere speculation.
10
Accordingly, grounds existed for the termination of Smith’s parental rights. We find that
the evidence was factually and legally sufficient to support the trial court’s findings pursuant to
Section 161.001(b)(1)(Q). Having found sufficient legal and factual evidence to support that
finding, we elect not to review any other findings regarding the grounds for termination.
IV. Termination Was in A.S.’s Best Interest
We must also decide how to reconcile “a parent’s desire to raise [the] child with the State’s
responsibility to promote the child’s best interest.” In re E.R., 385 S.W.3d 552, 555 (Tex. 2012).
“There is a strong presumption that keeping a child with a parent is in the child’s best interest.”
In re J.A.S., Jr., No. 13-12-00612-CV, 2013 WL 782692, at *7 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi
Feb. 28, 2013, pet. denied) (mem. op.) (citing In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 2006)
(per curiam)). “Termination ‘can never be justified without the most solid and substantial
reasons.’” In re N.L.D., 412 S.W.3d 810, 822 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2013, no pet). (quoting
Wiley v. Spratlan, 543 S.W.2d 349, 352 (Tex. 1976)).
A. The Holley Factors
In determining the best interests of the child, courts consider the following Holley factors:
(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, (6) the plans for the child by these individuals,
(7) the stability of the home, (8) the acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate
the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one, and (9) any excuse for the
acts or omissions of the parent.
Id. at 818–19 (citing Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976)); see E.N.C., 384
S.W.3d at 807; see also TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.307(b) (West Supp. 2016). The list of Holley
11
factors is neither inclusive nor exclusive. N.L.D., 412 S.W.3d at 818. Further, we may consider
evidence used to support the grounds for termination of parental rights in the best interest analysis.
C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28.
Although Smith contends that the Holley factors weigh in his favor, we disagree and
determine that they, for the most part, weigh against him.
1. The Desires of A.S.
Smith points out that the State failed to offer evidence as to A.S.’s desires or wishes.
Although A.S. is a toddler and is, therefore, unable to articulate his preference, the evidence shows
that A.S. has been well cared-for by his placement family and that the family members “love him”
and consider him “part of the family.” In addition, there is evidence that since the time of his
placement, A.S. has progressed developmentally and that he is happy in his current living situation.
Even so, there was no evidence presented regarding A.S.’s desires; we find this Holley factor to
be neutral. In re X.L.R., 461 S.W.3d 633, 640 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015, no pet.) (citing
E.N.C., 384 S.W.3d at 808). It has long been held in Texas that facts can be proven by
circumstances. Missouri Pac. Ry. Co. v. Porter, 11 S.W. 324, 325–26 (Tex. 1889). The
uncontroverted circumstantial evidence of A.S.’s placement situation supports the trial court’s
finding that termination is in A.S.’s best interest.
2. Present and Future Emotional and Physical Needs of A.S.
Smith contends in his brief (but offered no evidence) that he “was meeting [A.S’s] needs
and will continue to do so.” It is almost universally recognized that children need and desire
stability and security in order to be emotionally and physically healthy; however, in this case, there
12
is no evidence that Smith ever provided for A.S.’s emotional or physical well-being. The trial
court could well have followed the axiom that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
Smith’s past behavior has appeared to be that Smith placed his own wants and needs well before
A.S.’s needs. There was neither any evidence presented to indicate that Smith had previously
changed his behavior to benefit the child nor was there any evidence adduced by him regarding
plans to substantially change his behavior in an effort to assure A.S.’s emotional and physical
needs were met. The closest thing to evidence to that effect is the fact that Smith had enrolled
himself in classes while incarcerated to instruct him on being a better parent.
In contrast to the life given A.S. by Smith and Adelle in the past, A.S.’s placement family
has clearly provided for A.S.’s emotional and physical needs as evidenced by A.S.’s continued
positive developmental growth. Likewise, A.S.’s placement family has agreed to continue
providing for him in the future. The evidence on this factor supports the trial court’s finding that
termination is in A.S.’s best interest.
3. Present and Future Emotional and Physical Danger to A.S.
Smith asserts that he protected A.S. in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Contrary to his contention, the evidence shows that Smith’s drug use and repetitive arrests resulted
in A.S. having been subjected to an extremely unstable home environment. This is evidenced by
Smith’s current prison term, which was a direct result of a felony drug conviction, a conviction
that further illustrates his lack of concern for A.S. Smith was given an opportunity to better A.S.’s
circumstances when he was placed on deferred adjudication community supervision. Instead of
taking advantage of the opportunity, Smith chose to violate the terms and conditions of his
13
community supervision, thereby leaving A.S. solely in the care of Adelle, a person whom Smith
believed had acted in a sexually inappropriate manner with A.S. and A.S.’s sibling. Although
Smith did report the sexually inappropriate action taken by Adelle toward A.S. and the other child
in her charge, he did not take steps to remove A.S. from the situation. Likewise, Smith was either
aware of (or should have been aware of) Adelle’s drug use—presumably while she was supposed
to be helping with the care and custody of A.S. Certainly, allowing the child to be subjected to
continued drug use and sexually inappropriate behavior are acts of exposing A.S. to physical and
emotional trauma.
This fact strongly suggest that termination is in A.S.’s best interest.
4. Smith’s Parental Abilities
In his brief, Smith states that while he “was out of jail, she [sic] put his children’s need
above everything else. Even while in prison he began courses aimed at regaining his child.” Even
though Smith makes that assertion, he points to no evidence that his past activity indicated effective
parenting abilities, and it is far too soon to gauge if the parenting or responsibility courses that
Smith took while in prison will have a beneficial effect on his parenting skills or ability. Likewise,
he provided no evidence that demonstrated what courses he took to regain custody of A.S. or the
positive results of those who have taken such courses in the past. As with the other matters in
these factors, past conduct is likely prologue.
Evidence pertaining to the lack of Smith’s parental abilities favors the finding that
termination is in A.S.’s best interest.
14
5. The Programs Available to Assist Smith
As to this factor, Smith states, “There is no competent evidence about this as to CPS.”
Smith misconstrues this factor. Other than stating that he plans on attending an out-patient drug
treatment program when he is released from prison, there is no evidence that Smith has taken any
steps to better his parenting skills. As stated above, Smith contends in his brief that he has taken
parenting classes while in prison; however, he offered no evidence to substantiate his claim or to
show that any such courses have had a beneficial impact on previous participants in such a
program. The evidence on this factor favors a finding that it is in A.S.’s best interest to terminate
Smith’s parental rights.
6. Smith’s Plans for A.S.
Smith maintains that he has “demonstrated his desire to reform by entering Calvary[7] and
provide a good home for his children.” There is little doubt that Smith’s attendance in a drug
treatment program would be in A.S.’s best interest; however, his intentions are, at best, speculative,
and his past performance of failing the opportunities given him to avoid prison indicate that Smith
is not likely to meet with success. Smith has offered no evidence regarding specific plans he has
entertained to provide a good home for A.S. in the future or how he plans to provide financial or
emotional support to A.S. in the future. This factor, which rests solely on the mind-set of Smith
as to his future intention, bears slightly in favor of a finding that termination would not be in A.S.’s
best interest, but only if we take Smith’s avowals as totally believable.
7
Smith explains that Calvary is an out-patient drug rehabilitation program.
15
7. The Stability of Smith’s Home
There is no evidence that Smith has or will be able to provide a permanent and stable home
for A.S. In fact, the record shows Smith’s plan upon release from prison is to reside in a halfway
house. As a general rule, a halfway house would not be able to provide A.S. with even temporary
lodging. On the other hand, A.S.’s placement family has cared for A.S. approximately ten months
in the family’s home. They have also made known to DFPS that their home and family will
accommodate A.S. for the long term. The past history of the irresponsibility of Smith to provide
stability for A.S. and his stated intention to enter a halfway house upon exiting prison both,
together with the stability in the placement family, weigh strongly in favor of termination being in
A.S.’s best interest.
8. Smith’s Acts or Omissions Which May Indicate that the Existing
Parent-Child Relationship is Not a Proper One
The record shows that Smith has been convicted and imprisoned for possession of
methamphetamine. As we have already stated, Smith was given the opportunity to care for A.S.
when he was placed on unadjudicated community supervision, and he chose not to avail himself
of the opportunity. In doing so, Smith left A.S. with Adelle, despite the fact that he knew or should
have known she used or abused drugs and despite the fact that he had accused her of behaving in
a sexually inappropriate way with A.S. and one of his siblings. The evidence on this factor very
strongly suggests that termination is in the best interest of A.S.
9. Smith’s Excuses for His Acts or Omissions
In his brief, Smith states that “[t][he record is rife with excuses for [his] not being able to
work [the DFPS] plan and have his children reunited with him. Multiple incarcerations. [DFPS]
16
dropping the ball in setting up services, serving [him], or communicating with [him]. Those are
but a few.” Smith misinterprets this factor. Although Smith’s ability to “work [the DFPS] plan”
was no doubt hindered due to his confinement in prison, he has not shown the nature of the course
he has taken to compensate for that problem. Moreover, there is no evidence that he attempted to
maintain any type of contact with A.S. (either by letter or by telephone) during his confinement or
that he showed any interest in A.S.’s progress during that time.
As we have already stated, the trial court having jurisdiction over Smith’s criminal case
allowed Smith to be placed on community supervision rather than being incarcerated. This would
have allowed Smith the opportunity to remain free from confinement and to engage in a productive
life raising his child. It was Smith’s own acts or omissions that made it impossible for him to
“work [the DFPS] plan.” Smith states that DFPS “dropp[ed] the ball in setting up services.”
Contrary to his claim, it was not DFPS that dropped the ball; instead, it appears that it was Smith
who dropped the ball.
After weighing the evidence as it relates to the nine Holley factors, we conclude there is
legally and factually sufficient, clear and convincing evidence to support the trial court’s finding
that termination of Smith’s parental rights is in A.S.’s best interest.
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V. Conclusion
We affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Bailey C. Moseley
Justice
Date Submitted: September 23, 2016
Date Decided: October 18, 2016
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