in the Interest of J.J.G., L.K.G., H.A.G., and A.G.G v. Department of Family and Protective Services ( 2016 )

Opinion issued August 4, 2016
In The
Court of Appeals
For The
First District of Texas
————————————
NO. 01-16-00104-CV
———————————
IN THE INTEREST OF J.J.G., L.K.G., H.A.G., AND A.G.G, CHILDREN
On Appeal from the 313th District Court
Harris County, Texas
Trial Court Case No. 2014-00610J
MEMORANDUM OPINION
In this accelerated appeal,1 appellants, M.G. and J.R.G., challenge the trial
court’s order, entered after a bench trial to a master, awarding the Department of
Family and Protective Services (“DFPS”) permanent managing conservatorship of
1
See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.405(a) (Vernon 2014); TEX. R. APP. P. 28.4.
their four minor children, J.J.G., L.K.G., H.A.G., and A.G.G.2 (collectively, “the
children”) and denying them possessory conservatorship. In two issues, M.G.
contends that the trial court erred in appointing DFPS as the children’s permanent
managing conservator3 and in not approving the “master’s recommended judgment
without hearing more evidence.”4 She also contends that Texas Government Code
section 54.817 “den[ies] [her] due process protections” in the instant case.5 In two
issues, J.R.G. contends that trial court erred in appointing DFPS as the children’s
permanent managing conservator.6
We reverse and remand.
2
At the time of trial, J.J.G. was five years old, L.K.G. was four years old, H.A.G. was
three years old, and A.G.G. was two years old.
3
See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.404 (Vernon Supp. 2015). In the alternative, M.G.
contends that the trial court erred in not appointing her as the children’s possessory
conservator. See id. § 153.191 (Vernon 2014).
4
See TEX. GOV’T CODE ANN. § 54.808 (Vernon 2013) (“A judge may refer to a
master any civil case or portion of a civil case brought . . . under Title 1, 2, 3, 4, or
5, Family Code[.]”); see also id. §§ 54.816 (“After a hearing is conducted, the
master shall send to the referring judge all papers relating to the case and the written
findings of the matter.”), 54.817(a)–(b) (Vernon 2013) (“After a court receives the
master’s report, the court may adopt, modify, correct, reject, or reverse the master’s
report . . . . If a judgment has been recommended, the court may approve the
recommendation and hear more evidence before making its judgment.”); Judicial
Dist. Ct. Harris Cty., Juvenile Trial Div. Loc. R. 3.6 (referrals to master/associate
judge).
5
See TEX. GOV’T CODE ANN. § 54.817.
6
See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.404.
2
Background
On February 5, 2014, DFPS filed a petition, seeking managing
conservatorship of the children and termination of the parental rights of M.G. and
J.R.G. The case was tried before a master,7 who found that DFPS “did not meet its
burden” to obtain permanent managing conservatorship of the children. The master
ordered that M.G. and J.R.G. be named joint managing conservators of the children
and M.G. “be designated the primary joint managing conservator.” And it ordered
that the children be immediately returned to their parents. DFPS then filed a Motion
to Stay the Return of the Children and a Motion for Reconsideration of the Master’s
Ruling with the trial court, which then appointed DFPS as the permanent managing
conservator of the children and denied M.G. and J.R.G. possessory conservatorship.
The trial court did not terminate the parental rights of either M.G. or J.R.G.
At trial, the master admitted into evidence the affidavit of DFPS Investigator
Wanda Smith. She testified that on January 23, 2014, DFPS received a referral that
A.G.G., who was seven months old at the time, had been physically abused by an
“unknown perpetrator.” A.G.G. had been under the care of “several different
caregivers,” and M.G. could not provide an explanation for A.G.G’s injuries, which
included “brain bleeding, broken bone[s], and bruising.” A.G.G.’s injuries
7
See TEX. GOV’T CODE ANN. §§ 54.808, 54.810 (Vernon 2013), 54.816.
3
constituted a “non-accidental trauma” and were “consistent with abuse and/or
neglect.”
Smith further testified that M.G., “a single mother,” is employed and lives
with her four children. M.G. “denied . . . drug and alcohol abuse, psychological
history, criminal [history,] and CPS history” and “does not take any medication.”
Smith described A.G.G.’s siblings, J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G., as “awake, alert[,]
and very active,” and they “appeared to be healthy and developmentally on target
for their ages.” And J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G. showed “no signs of abuse or
neglect.”
Dr. Reena Isaac, a physician on the child protection medical team at Texas
Children’s Hospital, testified that she examined A.G.G. after M.G. had brought him
to the hospital on January 23, 2014. Isaac diagnosed him as “a victim of abusive
head trauma,” noting that he had “several skeletal injuries,” two subdural
hematomas, a “cerebral contusion on the left side” of his head, “significant retinal
hemorrhages in both of [his] eyes,” and “scratches on his back.” More specifically,
A.G.G. had a “recent” subdural hematoma “around the back of his head” and a “more
remote” one on the “frontal area[]” of his head, indicating that he had “suffered head
trauma on more than one occasion.” The “recent” subdural hematoma had likely
occurred within one to three days of his arrival at the hospital, while the “more
remote” subdural hematoma had likely occurred at least several weeks prior. Isaac
4
noted that the subdural hematomas were “markers of [a] head injury,” caused by
“acceleration/decelerations forces” applied to A.G.G., i.e., “the child’s head [was
forced to] mov[e] very rapidly and then stop[ped] suddenly.” In other words,
someone could have “shak[en]” him or “shak[en]” and “throw[n] [him] onto a bed.”
Dr. Isaac noted that M.G. indicated that on January 18, 2014, five days prior
to his arrival at the hospital, A.G.G., who had been “strapped” into his car seat, “fell”
when the car seat “dislodged” while M.G. was driving her car (the “car seat
incident”). A.G.G., however, had remained “strapped within the car seat,” was
“fine,” and properly ate and drank afterwards. M.G. also stated that on January 19,
2014, four days prior to his arrival at the hospital, A.G.G. had fallen off of a bed
while at home with M.G. M.G. “consoled” him after the fall and did not see any
“obvious changes” to him at that time. Isaac explained that neither of these incidents
would have caused A.G.G.’s subdural hematomas because they could not have
generated “the rapid acceleration and deceleration” forces necessary “to cause the
hematomas that [had] occurred in his brain.” Likewise, these incidents could not
have caused the “retinal hemorrhaging” found in A.G.G.’s eyes.8
M.G. also told Dr. Isaac that on January 21, 2014, two days prior to his arrival
at the hospital, A.G.G., after he had “returned home” from the care of a “babysitter,”
8
Dr. Isaac opined that it would have been impossible for a parent to have been able
to detect the “retinal hemorrhaging” “just [by] looking at the child.”
5
cried for “prolonged periods of time and [was] irritable.” Although irritability could
be “consistent with a head injury,” Isaac explained that A.G.G. also had, at the time,
a cough which could have been the source of his “irritability.” However, when
A.G.G. “started vomiting” two days later, on January 23, 2014, M.G. took him to
the hospital, which Isaac opined was an “appropriate” action for M.G. to take at the
time.9
Dr. Isaac further testified that A.G.G. had suffered “fractures” to both of his
“distal tibias,” namely, “the long bones of the legs near the ankles,” “sclerosis or an
injury to one of the bones within his left . . . foot,” and “an impaction fracture on his
right radius.” The fractures to the tibias, approximately “7 to 10 days old,”10 likely
occurred at the same time, as the result of “a direct . . . application of force in a
twisting motion.” And the force that caused the fractures was greater than any force
9
The trial court admitted into evidence a Physician’s Statement, which reflects that
M.G.’s sister-in-law, Veronica, had cared for A.G.G. for six hours on January 20,
2014 while M.G. was at work. On that day, A.G.G.’s “cough symptoms slowly
began,” but he “slept well through the night.” The next day, on January 21, 2014,
M.G.’s “friend,” Nelly, cared for A.G.G. for six and a half hours while M.G. was at
work. On that day, A.G.G.’s “cough symptoms continued,” but he ate and drank
“adequate[ly].” Nelly, however, reported to M.G. that A.G.G. had “cried for
prolonged periods [of time] and appeared irritable”; thus, and she was concerned
about a possible “sore throat.” On January 22, 2014, Veronica cared for A.G.G. for
nine hours. On that day, A.G.G. showed decreases in his eating and drinking,
“cr[ied]” and “tremble[d],” and “slept for longer periods of time.” (Internal
quotations omitted.) After A.G.G. had vomited four times the next day, January 23,
2014, M.G. sought medical treatment for him.
10
Dr. Isaac opined that the “impaction fracture on [A.G.G.’s] right radius” likely
occurred within the two weeks prior to his arrival at the hospital.
6
required for the “normal care of a child.” Although M.G. had reported to Isaac that
A.G.G “may have gotten [his] legs caught in [his] crib,” such an occurrence would
not have explained his leg injuries, which were more “serious” and “[i]ntentionally
done.” Isaac noted that although A.G.G. had been seen by his primary care physician
a week prior to his arrival at the hospital, the fact that the physician did not identify
the tibia fractures was not unusual. And Isaac would not have expected “a
layperson,” such as a parent, to notice the fractures either.
Finally, Dr. Isaac, noting that A.G.G. had stayed in the hospital for three
weeks, opined that A.G.G.’s siblings likely did not cause any of his injuries, with
the possible exception of “some of the bruises” or “scratches on [his] back,” which
were “superficial” in nature. A.G.G.’s injuries were “serious,” would have been
caused by “significant force,” and were likely caused by an adult. Although Isaac
could not say “who” had specifically injured A.G.G., she opined that it was likely “a
caregiver.”11 Ultimately, Isaac opined that A.G.G. had suffered from a “non-
accidental trauma” and “child abuse,” and A.G.G. “could have died,” had treatment
not been sought. She further noted that A.G.G.’s siblings had been examined by the
medical staff at the hospital and found to be healthy.12
11
M.G. reported to Dr. Isaac that in addition to herself, her sister-in-law, Veronica,
and her friend, Nelly, had cared for A.G.G. during the five days prior to his arrival
at the hospital.
12
The Physician’s Statement also indicates that M.G. “works in a restaurant” and has
“help from her family (brothers and sisters in law and friend) in caring for her
7
DFPS caseworker Nicole Franco, who was assigned to the children’s case in
January 2015, testified that she had seen the children seven times prior to the time
of trial. M.G. indicated to her that “three individuals,” herself, Veronica, and Nelly,
had had access to A.G.G. during the time that he was likely injured.
In regard to the children, Franco explained that each child has his or her own
“unique special needs.” For instance, J.J.G. currently “requires speech therapy” and
“participates in individual play therapy”; L.K.G. requires “speech therapy and
individual play therapy”; H.A.G. “requires speech therapy,” is not “potty trained,”
and requires “PPCD,” which is “[s]upport service[] through . . . school”; and A.G.G.
requires “continue[d] treatment” by an ophthalmologist, additional surgery “around
the age of five” related to his eyes, and “occupational, physical, and speech therapy.”
Franco noted that although J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G., when they entered into the
care of DFPS, showed no “sign[s]” of physical abuse, they were “diagnosed with
anemia” and J.J.G. was “under weight.” However, these issues were not “severe
enough” for DFPS “to have remove[d] the children.” Franco also noted that J.J.G.
and L.K.G., who were five years old and four years old, respectively, did not “want
to go home to” M.G. or J.R.G. And she opined that it is in the best interests of the
children.” Also, the family has no “[h]istory of drug[] or alcohol abuse,” “mental
illness,” “domestic violence,” “past or current involvement with law enforcement,”
or “past or current involvement with CPS.”
8
children for “parental rights to be terminated” or “[f]or the children to remain in the
custody” of DFPS.
In regard to J.R.G., Franco discussed his Family Service Plan with him, but
he did not provide “verification” to DFPS about his employment or housing. Franco
did visit J.R.G.’s home, noting that the “structure of the home” that J.R.G. shares
with his wife, a woman other than M.G., satisfies DFPS. However, J.R.G.’s “wife
does not want the children there” and “doesn’t want to take the responsibility of
caring for [the] four children.” Franco noted that J.R.G. did not attend a required
“permanency hearing on May 19, 2015.” And he had attended only three out of
approximately twenty-two scheduled visits with the children since the time that he
had been served in the instant case. J.R.G. had also failed to provide DFPS with
certification of his participation in parenting classes, although he had indicated to
Franco that “he had done some of the classes . . . [and] only had a few more of them
to do.” Moreover, although J.R.G did “participate[] in [the required] psychosocial
assessment,” he had not “participated in family therapy.”
Franco cited J.R.G.’s lack of “active[] participat[ion]” and a lack of “desire to
care for all four of his children” as DFPS’s “concern[]” about returning the children
to him. She noted that because J.R.G. “doesn’t have a place to go with all four
children,” DFPS is concerned that he will simply “return the children” to M.G. And
Franco expressed concern that J.R.G. had not “consistently been a part of the
9
children’s lives,” had not “provided them with financial support,” and had not
“consistently visited with them or formed a bond with them.”
Franco further testified, in regard to M.G., that she, under her Family Service
Plan, was required to “participa[te] in and successfully complete individual therapy.”
She was initially “discharged” from “individual therapy sessions” “due to minimal
progress,” but DFPS referred her “for more therapy,” and at the time of trial, she was
still participating. M.G. had also completed her required “psychosocial evaluation,”
completed her required parenting classes, and provided DFPS with certification of
her completion of her classes. And she continued to work on implementing the
parenting “skills” she learned during her “family therapy sessions” with the children.
When Franco last visited with M.G., approximately one month before trial, M.G.
indicated that she would soon be “transition[ing]” into a two-bedroom apartment.
And she noted that if the children were returned to her, she “intended to use a day
care center” while she was at work. Franco also noted that M.G. had “consistently”
attended her visits with the children and had “no CPS or criminal history.” Further,
M.G. had provided DFPS with “pay stubs” to verify her employment.
Franco cited M.G.’s judgment in terms of “the children’s care,”13 including
her decision to “[l]eav[e] the[] [children] with inappropriate caregivers,” the car seat
13
On cross-examination, Franco admitted that she had not observed any of M.G.’s
scheduled visits with the children, nor did she attended any of M.G.’s family therapy
sessions.
10
incident, and the “falling off the bed” incident involving A.G.G., as the reason why
DFPS was “concern[ed]” about returning the children to M.G. Franco also noted
that there “is [still] an open [law enforcement] investigation regarding the injuries”
to A.G.G. and M.G. “is one of the suspects.” However, Franco admitted that M.G.
has never refused to speak with law enforcement officers about A.G.G. and had in
fact spoken with them. M.G. had also willingly spoken to “the social worker at the
hospital” and other DFPS investigators. And Franco noted that “[n]o one has [ever]
been charged . . . for [a] crime” related to A.G.G.
Finally, Franco opined that both Veronica and another woman, Norma, were
“inappropriate” caregivers for the children. It appears from the record that M.G. had
suggested Norma as a possible placement for the children after A.G.G. was injured,
but Franco argued that such a placement would have been “[in]appropriate” because
“[t]here was an individual in [Norma’s] home who had a [recent] DWI.” On cross-
examination, however, Franco admitted that DFPS, while acting as temporary
managing conservator of the children, had actually “placed” A.G.G. with Norma for
“[f]our months” after he was injured. And while placed with Norma, A.G.G. had
not been “injured,” and his needs had been met.
Franco’s concerns about Veronica seem to center on her possible role in
injuring A.G.G., that DFPS “has never been provided with appropriate contact
information to speak with [her],” and that M.G has not expressed “concern[]” about
11
leaving the children in Veronica’s care. On cross-examination, however, Franco
admitted that a “CPS investigator” had “spoke[n] to Veronica” and DFPS had
“actually approved placement of the children with [her]” after A.G.G. was injured.
In fact, after a visit to Veronica’s home, DFPS had “no safety concerns,” and Franco
noted that Veronica has “no criminal or CPS history” and DFPS had completed “[a]
background check” on her.
Dianne Del Sol, the owner of the day-care facility that the children currently
attend, testified that when J.J.G., who was almost four years old, “started” at the
facility, he was “very shy,” “not capable of having social interactions with the rest
of the children,” “spoke very little English,” “did not know his shapes, colors, [or]
numbers,” “did not know how to write his name,” and was not “potty trained.”
However, he “could speak Spanish,” was “verbal in the Spanish language,” and did
not have a “speech delay.” Del Sol opined that there was “nothing wrong” with the
fact that J.J.G. was “withdrawn to himself, doing his own activities,” but he, at his
age, should have been “developing social connections with others.”
Del Sol further testified that, initially, L.K.G., at almost three years old, had
“emotional outburst[s]” and “would cry for no reason.” Also H.A.G., who was “less
than two years old” when she started at the day-care facility, was “difficult to deal
with.” She would “sit there and just cry with her mouth hanging open and slobber
dro[o]ling down,” and she could not be consoled. Del Sol noted, however, that such
12
behavior could have been occurring due to the fact that H.A.G. “possibl[y]” missed
her mother. On the other hand, A.G.G., who was less than one year old when he
began at the day-care facility, did not have crying “outbursts” and “easily
interact[ed] with the other children.” However, he “had a very difficult time walking
and his vision is impaired.” Del Sol opined that it would have been “stressful” on
the children to have been “taken [away] from the only mother [that] they knew.”
Del Sol explained that, while in the care of DFPS, J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G.
have received speech therapy, and A.G.G. has received therapy for “walking.” And
the children, at the time of trial, were no longer experiencing delays in development.
J.J.G. is “very outgoing,” “[s]peaks well,”14 and “knows his colors, shapes, [and]
numbers.” L.K.G. is “doing well,” “does her class work,” and “interacts with her
friends.” H.A.G. “still has a lot of . . . emotional distress,” but “[n]ot nearly to the
[same] extent.” And A.G.G. is “very well adjusted,” although he “struggles with
[his] vision” and “his walking is a little uneven,” which requires him to be watched
“very closely.” Del Sol admitted, however, that A.G.G. is also a “small toddler”
who is simply “not steady on his feet.” And the children, in general, are not “difficult
to keep up with.”
Gabriela Morgan, a psychotherapist with Valentia Bilingual Therapy
Services, PLLC, testified that M.G., while this case was pending, had attended both
14
Del Sol noted that J.J.G. still speaks Spanish with his foster parents.
13
individual counseling and family therapy with her, approximately once a week, for
more than a year. Some of M.G.’s scheduled visits with the children had also taken
place “through [Morgan’s] service.”15 And, at the time of trial, she was still
conducting family therapy sessions with M.G. and the children. Morgan opined that
J.J.G. was “bonded” with M.G., although she had not seen the other children “cry
for” their mother. And she explained that M.G. has “consistent[ly]” and “time[ly]”
attended all of her therapy sessions and her “behavior in the session[s] [is]
cooperative and attentive.”16
M.G. initially told Morgan that she had “[n]o idea” “how her baby got hurt”
and A.G.G. had “just woke up crying, which was unlike him and [she] took him to
the doctor.” However, overtime, as M.G. progressed in therapy, she indicated that
she believes that Veronica hurt A.G.G.17 This concerned Morgan because M.G., two
or three months prior to Morgan’s testimony, had also indicated that her relationship
15
The master admitted into evidence a portion of Morgan’s notes from her therapy
sessions with M.G. In her notes, Morgan indicates that she first met with M.G. on
May 20, 2014.
16
In her therapy notes, Morgan describes M.G. as “very active and responsive.”
17
In her therapy notes, Morgan indicates that M.G. explained to her that when “she
went to pick up her children,” Veronica “told her there may be something wrong
with” A.G.G. because he was “crying a lot.” After she took the children home, M.G.
“noticed her baby was sleeping too much.” And “when he awoke,” A.G.G.
“vomited and continued to vomit.” M.G. “became concerned and decided to take
him to see a doctor.”
14
with Veronica was “close,” “they talk[ed] a lot,” and Veronica was “one of her
support systems.”18
M.G. “has not said anything” nor done “anything” that has “caused [Morgan]
to believe” that M.G. caused A.G.G.’s injuries.19 And Morgan explained that M.G.
has repeatedly told Morgan that “she did not hurt” A.G.G. Morgan did note that
M.G. does become “overwhelmed” and “highly stressed” when around the children.
However, she opined that M.G. is “not homicidal,” “suicidal,” or “aggressive.”20
And Morgan characterized M.G.’s “risk of VIOLENCE” to be “very low or absent.”
In regard to M.G.’s ability to care for the children, Morgan testified that M.G.
“struggles” because “when she is with one [child] she can’t seem to direct her
attention to anything else and that’s when the kids start roaming and moving around
and doing other stuff.” However, M.G. “cares [for] and loves” her children, and her
“love for her children seems genuine.” And M.G. was “devastated” by A.G.G.’s
injuries. When Morgan discussed with M.G. the possibility of changing her work
18
During trial, however, Morgan also testified, “No,” when asked, “Would it concern
you if Veronica was identified as the prim[ary] support for [M.G.]?”
19
In her therapy notes, Morgan states that M.G. denied injuring A.G.G. on numerous
occasions and “the possibility of [M.G.] having been the one to hurt her child[] is
low.” She also indicates that M.G. denied “any kind of domestic violence in the
home.” And M.G. “has no history of assaultive behavior” or “self injurious
behavior.”
20
Morgan further testified that M.G. has not required any medication, and in her
therapy notes, Morgan states that M.G. “denie[d] any history of substance abuse.”
15
schedule, M.G. “stated that she would be able to do that so she could have a day care
provider during the day,” rather than working at night. On cross-examination,
Morgan admitted that although she feels that M.G. “become[s] very overwhelmed
when she has all four [children],” this would be a “problem” for “any mother with
four children who has to work.” And there are no “clinical reasons” that would
impair M.G. from being able to parent the children.
Morgan “discharged” M.G. from individual therapy on July 28, 2014, noting
that her “diagnosis was phase of life or life circumstances problems,” the
“discharge” was “regular,” and M.G. was “done” with therapy. In other words,
Morgan “had set some [therapy] goals” for M.G. and M.G “had achieved those
goals” and “made progress.” And at the time of M.G.’s discharge, Morgan did not
“see any[thing] prohibit[ing]” M.G. from “parenting her children.”
Morgan further testified that DFPS subsequently referred M.G. back to her for
“more therapy.” In January 2015, Morgan noted that M.G. had “progressed with
communicating and asserting herself” and asserted it is “her responsibility to take
care of her children.” M.G. had “identif[ied] changes needed in her routine structure
and support system in order to show that she’s able to manage taking care of her
children[].” And she had “made progress” while working with Morgan. Morgan’s
main “concern” for M.G. was her lack of a “support system.” However, she noted
that her concerns would be alleviated if M.G. secured a day-care program for the
16
children. She also noted her concerns would be alleviated if M.G. secured
“responsible adults” to “take care of the children” while M.G. is at work.
In regard to J.R.G., Morgan noted that she began seeing him, both individually
and with M.G. for “joint session[s],” in 2014, although she could not remember
when specifically. She could not recall how many times that J.R.G. had seen her
individually, but she estimated that he had attended more than five joint sessions
with M.G.21 During their joint sessions, J.R.G. was “forthcoming” and “clear,” and
it appeared to Morgan that he “wanted to work on a plan for the kids and [to] be
clear about where he stood.” Morgan opined that it is not possible for J.R.G. to
“parent” “all four” children and “he would be able to take [only] two.”22 And she
noted that he did not participate in any therapy with the children through Morgan’s
services.
M.G. testified that she met J.R.G. in November 2008 and became pregnant
with J.J.G. in 2009. At that time, she was not aware that J.R.G. was married to
another woman.23 While she was pregnant, she saw J.R.G. “every now and then,”
21
In her therapy notes, Morgan indicates that J.R.G. attended “joint session[s]” with
M.G. on November 24, 2014, December 8, 2014, December 16, 2014, and
December 29, 2014. Further, her notes reflect that J.R.G. was “consistent in
attending all sessions.”
22
In her therapy notes, Morgan further indicates that J.R.G. “preferr[ed] [the] children
be[ing] reunified” with M.G., “but if that was not possible[,] then he was willing to
take . . . the oldest two because those are the two that know him.”
23
Only recently did M.G. become aware of J.R.G.’s marital status.
17
and she “stopped seeing him” for a period of time because “he left” “[t]o work.” He
provided no support for M.G. before or during her pregnancy with J.J.G. After J.J.G.
was born on March 3, 2010, M.G. saw J.R.G. “more frequently” and she became
pregnant with L.K.G., who was born on March 5, 2011. Although J.R.G. did not
provide M.G. with any financial assistance before or during her pregnancy with
L.K.G., she continued to see him. After H.A.G. was born on June 7, 2012, J.R.G.
“started to help” M.G. because she “told him he really needed to help” as “there were
more children, more expenses, and more responsibility.” She explained that she had
not previously asked J.R.G. for financial assistance because she had been “working”
and “things” were not “difficult . . . financially.” After the birth of H.A.G., J.R.G.
gave M.G. approximately $400 to $500 every month, “to pay [her] rent or [for]
things that [she] needed,” and he has “continued to pay [her] rent.”
M.G. explained that while she was pregnant with A.G.G., J.R.G., in March
2013, “told” her that he had to “move[] to Mexico,” but he continued to send her
money “[s]ometimes,” “[l]ike [for] about five months.”24 Subsequently, after
A.G.G. was born on May 31, 2013, M.G. next saw J.R.G. in January 2014, prior to
A.G.G. being injured. She and the children did not “see” J.R.G. from March 2013
to January 2014, but she spoke to him by telephone “every three days.” When J.R.G.
24
At times during trial, M.G. contradicted herself, stating that J.R.G. did not “support”
her while he was purportedly away in Mexico.
18
returned in January 2014, he “support[ed]” her again with $400 to $450 per month
continuously.25
On January 23, 2014, M.G. took A.G.G. to the hospital, and J.R.G. “later” met
her there on either January 23rd, 24th, or 25th. He was at the hospital when a “CPS
investigator” talked to her, and he knew that DFPS was involved in A.G.G.’s case
“from the time that [A.G.G.] was in the hospital.” J.R.G. also knew that M.G. was
“coming to court for the children” and they “were in the custody of [DFPS].” When
M.G. asked him to attend court hearings with her, he was “always working” or told
her that it was not necessary for him to attend because “he hadn’t done anything” to
A.G.G. However, beginning in either July or August 2014, J.R.G. started to attend
the court hearings.
M.G. opined that J.R.G. is a “good father,” who “loves the children” and “pays
attention to them.” However, she admitted that it was not “responsible” for him to
“disappear for long periods of time,” which indicates that he is not “there for his
children.” And when J.R.G. does visit the children, it is usually for “two or three
hours,” once or twice a week. When he visits, he watches movies with the children,
25
M.G. noted that since she and J.R.G. signed an “Irrevocable Children’s Protective
Services Mediated Settlement Agreement” in February 2015, J.R.G. has been
providing her with $1,500 a month. For the four months leading up to trial, J.R.G.
had given her $1,500 each month. And the master admitted into evidence money
orders reflecting J.R.G.’s payments.
19
plays with them, and devotes time to them. In regard to J.J.G. specifically, J.R.G.
had visited him “[m]any” times.
M.G. noted that she is employed as a cook at a restaurant, where she has
worked for the past seven years. Earning between $550 and $600 every two weeks,
she works in the mornings thirty-five to forty hours per week. M.G. had previously
worked at night from approximately 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. or
11:30 p.m. However, if the children are returned to her, she will continue to work
“[j]ust mornings.” During the week prior to trial, she had worked thirty-nine hours,
and she had Friday and Sunday “off.”
M.G. further testified that her monthly expenses include $435 for rent, $120
for food, $200 for a car payment, $80 for electricity, $80 for gas, and $60 for her
telephone. She had put down a deposit for a two-bedroom apartment and was
“getting ready to move.” And she had “looked into day care” for the children,
specifically, Sharpstown Day Care, which the children would attend while she
works. M.G. also noted that if the children are returned to her, she will be “pick[ing]
them up from school, bath[ing] them, and help[ing] them on their home work.”
Prior to the children entering into the care of DFPS, either M.G.’s sister-in-
law, Veronica, her friend, Nelly, or another woman, Ramona, took care of the
children while M.G. worked. And M.G. cared for the children when she was not at
20
work.26 In the two weeks prior to A.G.G. being injured, both Veronica and Nelly,
in addition to M.G., had cared for A.G.G., and J.R.G. also saw the children during
those two weeks. And although J.R.G. likely saw the children “a week before”
A.G.G. was injured, he was “[a]lmost never” alone with them.
In the beginning of January, M.G., noticing that A.G.G. had returned from
Veronica’s care with a bruise and a scrape, “thought [that] he might have fallen.”
The bruise on his forehead was the size of “a dime,” and Veronica told her that the
scrape had come from “the carpet.”27 M.G. agreed that A.G.G. had suffered serious
injuries in this case, “whoever caused those injuries . . . should be punished,” and
A.G.G. had been in the care of Veronica, Nelly, and herself during the relevant time
period. Thus, she concluded that “one of the three” of them had injured A.G.G.
However, M.G. denied “shak[ing]” A.G.G. and “twist[ing] his ankles,” noting that
she had “never harmed any of [her] children.” She spoke “two or three times” to
law enforcement officers about A.G.G.’s injuries. And although she “think[s]” that
Veronica hurt A.G.G., she could not say so for certain because she “didn’t see her
harming him or injuring him.” M.G. was also aware that A.G.G. “has to have very
special care now” and requires additional surgery related to his eyes.
26
According to M.G., Ramona only watched the children for “a short period of time”
“[a]round . . . November to December” of 2013.
27
The master admitted into evidence medical records that show that A.G.G.’s primary
care physician saw him on January 17, 2016, reporting that he was not in “apparent
distress” and was “well nourished” and “well developed.”
21
M.G. noted that she had a “[g]ood” relationship with Veronica, who was still
married to M.G.’s brother. She “see[s]” Veronica and “talk[s]” to her
“[s]ometimes,” but she does not see her on holidays because M.G. does not “go out
on holidays,” she “just go[es] to work.” M.G. further stated that Veronica is not part
of her support system “anymore,” and since A.G.G. was injured, she does not “turn[]
to Veronica for help,” rather, she “just talk[s] to her.”
Before the children entered into the care of DFPS, a typical day with them,
when M.G. was not working, consisted of her making the children breakfast,
“go[ing] to the store to run . . . errands” with them, and “visit[ing] with [her] little
cousins where [the] children like[d] to go to visit so they could play.” M.G. cooked
for the children, bathed them, “watch[ed] movies with them,” “play[ed] and dance[d]
with them,” and “sang with them.” She described the children as “very active and
very happy with [her].”
When M.G. sees the children now during scheduled visits, she brings them
food or gifts, and the children display affection towards her. “They are very loving”
towards her and tell her, “[M]ommy we love you. I love you. . . . We want to go
with you.” According to M.G., Franco, the DFPS caseworker, has never been
present for any of her visits with the children. And M.G., in addition to any therapy
sessions she has with the children, has only been allowed to see the children for two
hours per month since they entered into the care of DFPS.
22
In regard to M.G., the master admitted into evidence a “2054 Psychological
Evaluation” report, dated October 22, 2014, stating that M.G. “denie[d] any current
alcohol or drug use” and “denied all criterion depression symptoms except for
sadness because of [the removal of] her children.” The report also states that M.G.
has “no report[ed] psychiatric history,” “no suicidal or self-injurious ideation and no
intent or plan,” “[n]o criterion symptoms of bipolar manic phase,” “no generalized
anxiety,” no reported “[p]anic [d]isorder,” no reported obsessive compulsive
disorder, “[n]o criterion symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder,” “[n]o criterion
symptoms” of “[t]hought [d]isorder/[p]sychosis,” and no reported “[h]allucinosis.”
M.G.’s “hygiene appeared reasonably tended to,” and throughout the evaluation, she
maintained “good” eye contact, her “[a]ttitude was open and cooperative,” and her
“effort level during [the] interview and mental status testing was good.” The report
also notes that M.G.’s “[t]hought [p]rocess” is “logical,” “coherent,” and “goal-
directed.” And she had a “positive interaction” with the examiner. M.G.’s
“[p]rognosis” was determined to be “GOOD”; she did not “demonstrate any signs
or symptoms of a psychological condition”; she had “no serious levels of depression,
anxiety, or hopelessness”; her “results, when matched against non-patient female
norms, indicated no significant psychological distress in any domain”; and she was
not diagnosed with a “psychiatric illness” or a “personality disorder.”
23
J.R.G. testified that he has seven children, the youngest four of which are the
subjects of the instant case.28 He explained that although he has been in a
relationship with M.G. for approximately seven years, he is married to another
woman. Until two years ago, J.R.G. was “a loving father,” but he did not assume
responsibility for the children. However, before the children entered into DFPS’s
care, he was “becoming more involved” in their lives because he “wanted” to “take
care” of them. Within the last two years, J.R.G. has become “a little closer” to the
children and has taken “responsib[ility] for the expenses [that M.G.] incurs because
of the children.” And for the last two years, he has been “giving [M.G.] . . . money
for [her] rent” and $1,500 for the four months prior to trial in accordance with an
Irrevocable Children’s Protective Services Mediated Settlement Agreement, which
he signed. J.R.G. noted that he began providing M.G. with financial assistance after
she requested it, and he has no concerns about “any physical danger” to the children
if they are returned to M.G. He has never seen any indication that the older children,
J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G., were not “well provided for” when they lived with M.G.
And J.R.G. indicated that he would continue to stay involved in the children’s lives
and support them if they are returned to M.G. He is currently employed, installing
wood flooring, and he is paid $2,400 per month.
28
J.R.G.’s eldest three children are over eighteen years old.
24
J.R.G. admitted that he left while M.G. was pregnant with J.J.G. However,
he now does not “know what was going on in [his] head” at the time. He also
admitted to leaving M.G. after L.K.G. was born. J.R.G. explained that when M.G.
was “three months pregnant” with A.G.G., he “stayed away from her [for] about
three or four months.” However, he began seeing her again in November 2013 and
onward, although “not frequently.” And while he was “away,” he continued to send
her money.
J.R.G. was aware that both Veronica and Nelly cared for the children while
M.G. was at work. He explained that he became concerned about A.G.G. in “early”
January when he saw on A.G.G.’s face a bruise, “[s]maller than a dime,” and a
“small” “scratch” or “scrape” about “the size of a dime.” J.R.G. thought that the
bruise and scratch could have happened by “accident” because the children “jump
around” A.G.G., and he has told them in the past to be careful. And neither the
bruise nor the scratch caused J.R.G. to “fear that [A.G.G.’s] physical and emotional
well being were in danger.” He did, however, tell M.G. to ask Veronica to be more
careful when she cared for A.G.G.
After M.G. took A.G.G. to the hospital on January 23, 2014, J.R.G. arrived
“the following day,” but he did not learn of DFPS’s involvement until “two or three
days later,” when M.G. told him that “she was going to be investigated.” He told
“[e]verybody” at the hospital that he was A.G.G.’s father. And although he had
25
“tried to talk to someone” to “tell them or let them know that [he] could pick up [the]
children,” whoever he spoke to informed him that he “couldn’t do anything.”
Further, DFPS did not interview him about A.G.G.’s injuries. J.R.G. explained that
he was not initially involved in the instant case because he did not “think” it involved
him and he had been told that he “had nothing to do there.” He has seen the children
“six or seven times” since they have entered into the care of DFPS, and DFPS and
the foster parents have “canceled” appointments with him on certain occasions.
J.R.G. stated that he loves the children, he was “concerned” when he heard that
A.G.G. was in the hospital, and J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G. are “bonded” with him.29
Currently, J.R.G. lives with his wife, who has said that the children cannot
live in their home.30 However, he “would move with [the] children” somewhere
“alone,” “get an apartment,” and provide them with “stable housing” if they are
returned to him. J.R.G. explained that although, during the pendency of this case,
he had “moved” out of the home he shared with his wife, he subsequently moved
back into the home for financial reasons and because one of his daughters was having
“problems.”31 J.R.G. agreed that it was not “a good situation to bring four children
into th[e] world when [he was] married to somebody else,” but stated that the
29
J.R.G. noted that A.G.G. is “just now beginning” to bond with him.
30
J.R.G. noted that his wife would be willing to have two children live in their home.
31
J.R.G. explained that his oldest daughter’s three children and his other two older
children currently live in the home that he shares with his wife.
26
children are “here” now and he has “to take care of them.” Further, he had provided
his three oldest children with food, shelter, and education, does not have a criminal
record, and has “[a]lways” worked.
In regard to A.G.G., J.R.G. did not know who “broke [A.G.G.’s] ankles” or
who “shook [A.G.G.] so hard [that] he got multiple brain bleeds.” He is very
“concern[ed]” about what happened to A.G.G., noting that his since birth, M.G. had
been taking A.G.G. to a doctor “regularly,” including the week before she took him
to the hospital.32 And J.R.G. visited M.G. “three times” in January prior to A.G.G.’s
being injured.
J.R.G. further testified that he attended therapy sessions and has seen Morgan
“[a]bout six times,” including four individual sessions and two joint sessions with
M.G. He also completed the required psychosocial evaluation, and J.R.G. noted that
he had had only one “face-to-face” meeting ever with Franco, the DFPS caseworker.
32
A.G.G.’s medical records show that M.G. took A.G.G. to twelve doctor’s
appointments from the time that he was born to when he was injured at seven months
old. The records show that A.G.G. saw his primary care physician for routine
“[w]ell child check[s]” and when he suffered from a cough or “wheezing.” The
medical records also reveal that A.G.G. has received appropriate immunizations and
“[h]earing check[s],” and they described him as being “well nourished” and “well
developed,” with “no apparent distress.” At the time he was injured, A.G.G. was in
top percentiles for weight and height.
27
Standard of Review
The standard of review for the appointment of a non-parent as sole managing
conservator is less stringent than the standard of review for the termination of
parental rights. See In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d 611, 616 (Tex. 2007); In re A.C., 394
S.W.3d 633, 644 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no pet.). Unlike the
standard of proof for the termination of parental rights, the findings necessary to
appoint a non-parent as sole managing conservator need only be established by a
preponderance of the evidence. In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d at 616; see TEX. FAM. CODE
ANN. § 105.005 (Vernon 2014). Moreover, we review a trial court’s appointment of
a non-parent as sole managing conservator for an abuse of discretion. In re J.A.J.,
243 S.W.3d at 616; Earvin v. Dep’t of Family & Protective Servs., 229 S.W.3d 345,
350 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.). Accordingly, we will reverse a
trial court’s appointment of a non-parent as sole managing conservator only if we
determine that it is arbitrary or unreasonable. In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d at 616;
Earvin, 229 S.W.3d at 350. We view the evidence in the light most favorable to the
trial court’s decision and indulge every legal presumption in favor of its judgment.
Earvin, 229 S.W.3d at 350 (citing Holley v. Holley, 864 S.W.2d 703, 706 (Tex.
App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1993, writ denied)). A trial court abuses its discretion by
ruling without supporting evidence. Ford Motor Co. v. Garcia, 363 S.W.3d 573,
578 (Tex. 2012).
28
When applying an abuse-of-discretion standard, challenges to the legal and
factual sufficiency of the evidence are not independent grounds of error but are
factors used in assessing whether the trial court abused its discretion. Mai v. Mai,
853 S.W.2d 615, 618 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1993, no writ); see also
McGuire v. McGuire, 4 S.W.3d 382, 387 n.2 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1999,
no pet.) (sufficiency challenges are incorporated into abuse of discretion
determination). To determine whether a trial court abused its discretion because the
evidence is legally or factually insufficient to support its decision, we consider
(1) whether the trial court had sufficient evidence upon which to exercise its
discretion and (2) whether it erred in its application of that discretion. Bush v. Bush,
336 S.W.3d 722, 729 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, no pet.); see also
Moroch v. Collins, 174 S.W.3d 849, 857 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, pet. denied). We
conduct the applicable sufficiency review when considering the first prong of the
test. Bush, 336 S.W.3d at 729; see also In re S.T., No. 02-15-00203-CV, --- S.W.3d
---, 2015 WL 9244913, at *6 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Dec. 17, 2015, no pet.). We
then determine whether, based on the evidence, the trial court made a reasonable
decision. In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *6; Moroch, 174 S.W.3d at 857.
In a legal-sufficiency review, we consider all of the evidence in the light most
favorable to the challenged finding and indulge every reasonable inference that
would support it. City of Keller v. Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 822 (Tex. 2005). We
29
consider evidence favorable to the finding if a reasonable factfinder could and
disregard evidence contrary to the finding unless a reasonable factfinder could not
disregard it. Id. at 827; Brown v. Brown, 236 S.W.3d 343, 348 (Tex. App.—Houston
[1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.). The factfinder is the sole judge of the credibility of the
witnesses and the weight to give their testimony. City of Keller, 168 S.W.3d at 819.
The final test is “whether the evidence at trial would enable reasonable and fair-
minded people to reach the verdict under review.” Id. at 827.
In a factual-sufficiency review, we consider all the evidence for and against
the challenged finding and set it aside only if the evidence is so weak as to make the
finding clearly wrong and manifestly unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176
(Tex. 1986). In a bench trial, the trial court is the sole judge of the credibility of the
witnesses. Bush, 336 S.W.3d at 730; Sw. Bell Media, Inc. v. Lyles, 825 S.W.2d 488,
493 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1992, writ denied).
Permanent Managing Conservatorship
In their first issues, M.G. and J.R.G. argue that the trial court erred in
appointing DFPS as the children’s permanent managing conservator because the
evidence is legally and factually insufficient to establish that appointment of M.G.
and J.R.G. as the children’s managing conservators would significantly impair their
physical health and emotional development. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.131
(Vernon 2014), § 263.404(a) (Vernon Supp. 2015).
30
A managing conservator is a person or entity who, by court order, has been
awarded custody of a child and may determine the child’s primary residence. See
Phillips v. Beaber, 995 S.W.2d 655, 660 (Tex. 1999); In re C.A.M.M., 243 S.W.3d
211, 215 n.7 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007, pet. denied); see also TEX.
FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.132 (Vernon 2014) (listing “rights and duties” of parent
appointed sole managing conservator), § 153.371 (Vernon Supp. 2015) (listing
“rights and duties” of non-parent appointed as sole managing conservator). The
managing conservator has nearly sole authority to make decisions for the child. See
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §§ 153.132(1)–(9), 153.371(1)–(11); see also In re N.L.D.,
412 S.W.3d 810, 816 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2013, no pet.) (“Conservatorship of a
child includes the day-to-day management of the child.”).
The Texas Family Code authorizes the appointment of a managing
conservator or joint managing conservators, and it provides that the managing
conservator must be a parent, a competent adult, DFPS, or a licensed child-placing
agency. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.005(a)–(b) (Vernon Supp. 2015). Although
rebuttable, the Family Code creates a strong presumption that it is in the child’s best
interest for his parents to be named joint managing conservators, and it imposes a
heavy burden on a non-parent to rebut this presumption.33 Id. § 153.131(a)–(b);
33
“The parental presumption is based upon the natural affection usually flowing
between parent and child.” In re V.L.K., 24 S.W.3d 338, 341 (Tex. 2000). And
“[t]he presumption that the best interest of a child is served by awarding custody to
31
Lewelling v. Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d 164, 167 (Tex. 1990); see also Whitworth v.
Whitworth, 222 S.W.3d 616, 623 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.)
(“There is a strong presumption that the best interest of a child is served if a natural
parent is appointed as managing conservator.”). In order to rebut the presumption
and appoint someone other than a parent as the managing conservator of a child, the
party seeking appointment as managing conservator must affirmatively prove, and
the trial court must find, that the appointment of a parent would “significantly impair
the child’s physical health or emotional development.”34 TEX. FAM. CODE ANN.
§ 153.131(a); In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d at 616; Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d at 167.
a natural parent is deeply embedded in Texas law.” Lewelling v. Lewelling, 796
S.W.2d 164, 166 (Tex. 1990).
34
Texas Family Code section 153.004(b) provides:
It is a rebuttable presumption that the appointment of a parent as the
sole managing conservator of a child or as the conservator who has
the exclusive right to determine the primary residence of a child is not
in the best interest of the child if credible evidence is presented of a
history or pattern of past or present child neglect, or physical or sexual
abuse by that parent directed against the other parent, a spouse, or a
child.
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.004(b) (Vernon 2014). Although this provision is
inapplicable here, we note that section 153.004(b) does not relieve a non-parent
from its burden to prove that it should be appointed managing conservator and the
appointment of a parent as managing conservator would significantly impair the
physical and emotional development of the child. See In re J.C., 346 S.W.3d 189,
195–96 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2011, no pet.) (rebuttable presumption
did not apply). Moreover, even if the section 153.004(b) presumption were
applicable in the instant case, it is still “rebuttable” and does not prevent a parent
from being named as managing conservator. See Baker v. Baker, 469 S.W.3d 269,
275–76 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2015, no pet.) (internal quotations
omitted) (quoting TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.004(b)).
32
Family Code section 263.404 governs a trial court’s appointment of DFPS as
a child’s managing conservator without the termination of parental rights, and it
allows the trial court to render a final order appointing DFPS as a child’s managing
conservator if the court finds that: (1) a parent’s appointment would not be in the
child’s best interest because the appointment would significantly impair the child’s
physical health or emotional development and (2) the appointment of a relative of
the child or another person would not be in the child’s best interest.35 TEX. FAM.
CODE ANN. § 263.404(a); see also In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d at 614. As evidence,
DFPS must offer “specific actions or omissions of the parent that demonstrate an
award of custody to the parent would result in physical or emotional harm to the
child.” Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d at 167.
The Texas Supreme Court has noted that although trial courts are “afforded
broad discretion in deciding family law questions, the Legislature has explicitly
limited the exercise of that discretion when a nonparent seeks appointment as
managing conservator.” Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d at 168. “[C]lose calls” are to be
decided “in favor of the natural parent.” Id.; see also In re K.R.P., 80 S.W.3d 669,
35
Among factors that a court should consider in making the above determination are
“the needs and desires of the children.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 263.404(b) (other
facts listed do not apply because of children’s ages); In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d 611,
614 (Tex. 2007).
33
675 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, pet. denied); In re De La Pena, 999
S.W.2d 521, 528 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1999, no pet.).
Here, the trial court in its Final Decree made the following relevant findings:
(1) the appointment of M.G. or J.R.G. as managing conservators would not be in the
best interest of the children because the appointment “would significantly impair the
children’s physical health or emotional development”; (2) it would not be in the best
interest of the children to appoint a relative of the children or another person as
managing conservator; and (3) the appointment of DFPS as sole managing
conservator of the children is in their best interest.
In regard to the trial court’s first finding, the burden of proof, at trial, was on
DFPS, which was required to offer evidence of specific actions or omissions of M.G.
and J.R.G. showing that awarding custody of the children to them would
significantly impair the children, either physically or emotionally. See Lewelling,
796 S.W.2d at 167; In re T.R.B., 350 S.W.3d 227, 233–34 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
2011, no pet.); In re W.G.W., 812 S.W.2d 409, 413 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.]
1991, no writ). Usually, a non-parent must present evidence that shows that the
parents’ conduct would have a detrimental effect on the children. May v. May, 829
S.W.2d 373, 376–77 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1992, writ denied); see also
Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d at 167. And the link between the parents’ conduct and harm
to the children “may not be based on evidence which raises mere surmise or
34
speculation of possible harm.” May, 829 S.W.2d at 377. Generally, acts or
omissions that constitute significant impairment include, but are not limit to,
physical abuse, severe neglect, abandonment, drug or alcohol abuse, or immoral
behavior by a parent.36 In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9; In re De La Pena, 999
S.W.2d at 528; May, 829 S.W.2d at 376–77. The material time to consider is the
present, and evidence of past conduct may not, by itself, be sufficient to show present
unfitness. In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9; see also May, 829 S.W.2d at 377
(“If the parent is presently a suitable person to have custody, the fact that there was
a time in the past when the parent would not have been a proper person to have such
custody is not controlling.”). Evidence that a non-parent would be a better custodian
of the child is “wholly inadequate.” Whitworth, 222 S.W.3d at 623.
Initially, we note that at the time the children entered into the care of DFPS,
J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G. were, in DFPS’s words, “healthy and developmentally
on target for their ages,” and they showed “no signs of abuse or neglect.” See In re
S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9 (“[T]he parent’s treatment of other children may be
relevant.”). And the medical staff at the hospital where A.G.G. received medical
treatment for his injuries similarly “assessed” the three oldest children as
36
“Other considerations may include parental irresponsibility, a history of mental
disorders and suicidal thoughts, frequent moves, bad judgment, child abandonment,
and an unstable, disorganized, and chaotic lifestyle that has put and will continue to
put the child at risk.” In re S.T., No. 02-15-00203-CV, --- S.W.3d ---, 2015 WL
9244913, at *9 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Dec. 17, 2015, no pet.).
35
“healthy.”37 Franco, the DFPS caseworker, also noted that at the time that they
entered into DFPS’s care, neither J.J.G., L.K.G., nor H.A.G. showed any “sign[s]”
of physical abuse. Further, although J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G. were “diagnosed
with anemia” and J.J.G. was considered to be “under weight,” DFPS did not consider
these issues with the children to be “severe.”38
In regard to M.G., the evidence shows that she is “a single mother” who has
maintained full-time employment as a cook at the same restaurant for the past seven
years. See In re M.J.C.B., No. 11-14-00140-CV, 2014 WL 6433378, at *3 (Tex.
App.—Eastland Nov. 14, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) (trial court abused its discretion
in not appointing father as managing conservator where evidence showed financial
stability and gainful employment). She is paid every two weeks approximately $550
to $600, which is sufficient to cover her and the children’s monthly expenses, even
without the financial support of J.R.G. At the time of trial, M.G. had put a deposit
down for a larger apartment and was “getting ready to move.” She has “no CPS or
criminal history” and no history of drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence,
37
The Physician’s Statement also indicates: “All older children are healthy.”
38
Although J.J.G., L.K.G., and H.A.G. have participated in speech and individual play
therapy since entering into the care of DFPS, the need for such therapy has not been
linked to any acts or omissions by M.G. or J.R.G. Further, J.J.G., who was almost
four years old at the time he entered into DFPS’s care, did not have a “speech delay”
and spoke Spanish. And Del Sol, the owner of the children’s day-care facility,
testified that there was “nothing wrong” with the fact that he liked to “do[] his own
activities.”
36
psychiatric or mental health issues, suicidal or self-injurious thoughts or actions, or
assaultive behavior. And M.G. does not take any medication. Cf. In re S.T., 2015
WL 9244913, at *9.
The “2054 Psychological Evaluation,” completed in October 2014, describes
M.G. as having thought processes that are “logical,” “coherent,” and “goal-
directed,” an attitude that is “open and cooperative,” and a prognosis that is
“GOOD.” Morgan, M.G.’s therapist, noted that M.G. is “not homicidal,” “suicidal,”
or “aggressive,” and she characterized M.G.’s “risk of VIOLENCE” as “very low or
absent.” At most, M.G. has been described as “overwhelmed” or “stressed,” which
would be a problem for “any mother with four children who has to work.” There
are no “clinical reasons” that impair M.G. from being able to parent the children.
Cf. In re R.R., No. 02-13-00464-CV, 2014 WL 3953930, at *3–4 (Tex. App.—Fort
Worth Aug. 14, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) (legally- and factually-sufficient evidence
supported finding placement with mother would significantly impair child where
mother had history of mental disorders, suicidal thoughts, reoccurring postpartum
depression, and no job).
In preparation for the children’s return, M.G. has changed her work schedule
to ensure that she will only work “mornings,” and she has “looked into day care,”
specifically, Sharpstown Day Care, for the children to attend while she is at work.
See In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9 (“The material time to consider is the
37
present . . . .”). Prior to the children entering into DFPS’s care, M.G. cooked for
them, bathed them, “watch[ed] movies with them,” “play[ed] and dance[d] with
them,” “sang with them,” and took them to visit other children with whom they liked
to play. And if the children are returned to her, M.G. intends to arrange her work
schedule so that she can “pick [the children] up from school, bathe them, [and] help
them on their home work.” See Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d at 169–70 (Cook, J.,
concurring) (no evidence appointment of mother as managing conservator would
significantly impair child’s physical health or emotional development where
“testimony clearly showed that [she] was a good mother” and “kept the child clean,
neat, well fed, provided a clean and neat home, took child to the doctor, and was
fully capable of providing” for child); cf. In re R.R., 2014 WL 3953930, at *3
(mother “rarely fed, bathed, changed, or helped care for” child).
Since the children entered into the care of DFPS, M.G. has done nearly
everything that DFPS has required of her. See In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9
(“The material time to consider is the present . . . .”). She has completed her required
“psychosocial evaluation,” completed the required parenting classes, provided
certification of the completed parenting classes to DFPS, has participated in both
individual and family therapy, and has provided DFPS with “pay stubs” to verify her
employment. And M.G. has informed DFPS of her plans to “transition[]” into a two-
bedroom apartment and her intent to “use a day care center” for the children while
38
she is at work. M.G. has also “consistently” attended all of her scheduled visits with
the children. See id. at *13–14 (evidence factually insufficient to support finding
appointment of father as managing conservator would significantly impair child
where evidence showed he had appropriate housing and income, completed
parenting classes, and only had one requirement of Family Service Plan remaining).
Further, although M.G. received a “regular” “discharge” from individual
therapy in July 2014 because her therapist believed that she was “done” and had
“made progress,”39 M.G., when DFPS required her to attend additional therapy,
complied. At the time of trial, M.G. was continuing to participate in the additional
therapy that DFPS had required. See id. (no significant impairment to child where
father had not completed entire counseling requirement before trial). Morgan
explained that M.G. had been attending, approximately once a week, both individual
counseling and family therapy sessions with her for more than a year. According to
Morgan, M.G. has “consistent[ly]” and “time[ly]” attended all of her therapy
sessions, and her “behavior in the session[s]” has been “cooperative and attentive.”
In her therapy notes, Morgan describes M.G. as “very active and responsive” during
her therapy sessions. By January 2015, M.G. had “progressed with communicating
and asserting herself” and had “identif[ied] changes needed in her routine structure
39
At the time Morgan initially discharged M.G. from therapy, Morgan did not “see
any[thing] prohibit[ing]” M.G. from “parenting her children.”
39
and support system in order to show that she’s able to manage taking care of [the]
children[].” M.G. has “made progress” in her therapy sessions, and her ability to
secure a day-care program for the children to attend while she is at work would
“alleviate” Morgan’s “concerns about [M.G.’s] ability to take care of” the children.
As to why the children should not be returned to M.G., DFPS, at trial, cited
M.G.’s past judgment related to “the children’s care.” Cf. id. at *9 (“The material
time to consider is the present, and evidence of past conduct may not, by itself, be
sufficient to show present unfitness.”); see also In re De La Pena, 999 S.W.2d at
532 (although parent’s past “may not be stellar,” this “does not and should not
preclude him from his parental role with” child). More specifically, Franco
expressed concern about the “falling off the bed” incident with A.G.G., as well as
the car seat incident.
M.G. testified that on January 19, 2014, four days prior to her taking A.G.G.
to the hospital, he fell off the bed in her home. According to M.G., A.G.G., who
was sitting on the bed “by himself,” “kind of jump[ed] and . . . ended up on the
floor.” She explained that she had left him on the bed while she went into the kitchen
because A.G.G. “was able to sit on his own and he felt secure or confident to sit on
his own.” And at that point in his life, A.G.G. was not crawling, had not started to
crawl, was not “pulling himself on his stomach,” and was only “just beginning to
turn[over].” Although M.G. noted that A.G.G. had previously fallen off the bed
40
when he was “four or five months old,” she explained that she now realizes that it
was not safe to leave A.G.G. on the bed alone. And Dr. Isaac testified that A.G.G.’s
fall off the bed would not have caused any of the injuries that he was evaluated for
at the hospital. Further, M.G. was able to “console[]” A.G.G. after the incident, and
there were no “obvious changes” with him after the fall. Cf. In re K.R.B., No. 02-
10-00021-CV, 2010 WL 3928727, at *11 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Oct. 7, 2010, no
pet.) (mem. op.) (“Although relevant, the evidence of [mother’s] past criminal
conduct and drug use does not demonstrate that appointing [her as] sole managing
conservator at the time of trial would have significantly impaired [child]’s physical
health or emotional development.”). M.G. also noted that neither J.J.G., L.K.G., nor
H.A.G. had ever “f[allen] off the bed or any other surface” while in her care.
In regard to the car seat incident, which occurred on January 18, 2014, five
days prior to her taking A.G.G. to the hospital, M.G. explained that she had secured
A.G.G. properly in his car seat. However, the car seat was not actually secured or
“buckle[d]” into the car correctly, although M.G., at the time, “thought” that it was.
When she made a turn while driving, the car seat “fell” “sideways.” Notably, A.G.G.
was “fine” and properly ate and drank afterwards. And Dr. Isaac again testified that
the car seat incident would not have caused any of the injuries for which A.G.G. was
evaluated at the hospital.
41
DFPS also expressed concern at trial about M.G.’s past judgment in leaving
the children with individuals whom DFPS characterized as “inappropriate
caregivers,” specifically Norma and Veronica. It appears that M.G. possibly
suggested Norma as a placement for the children after A.G.G. was injured. Although
Franco characterized Norma as an “[in]appropriate” selection, DFPS did in fact
place A.G.G. with Norma for a period of “[f]our months” during which time his
needs were met and he sustained no additional injuries.
In regard to Veronica, DFPS’s concerns are not unjustified, given that she is
one of three individuals, other than M.G. and her friend, Nelly, who is suspected of
having injured A.G.G. However, M.G.’s original decision to have Veronica care for
the children while she was at work was not necessarily inappropriate, given that
Veronica is her sister-in-law, has children of her own, and has “no criminal or CPS
history.”40 In fact, DFPS “actually approved placement of the children with
Veronica” after A.G.G. had been injured, completed “[a] background check” on her,
and had “no safety concerns” after a visit to her home. Although some witnesses
40
Although M.G. admitted that she observed a bruise and a scrape on A.G.G. at the
beginning of January when he returned from the care of Veronica, M.G. stated that
the bruise was the size of “a dime” and Veronica had told her that the scrape came
from “the carpet.” After this occurrence, A.G.G.’s primary care physician noted
that A.G.G. was “well nourished” and “well developed,” with “no apparent
distress.” Further, Dr. Isaac, in regard to the fractures to A.G.G.’s tibias, noted that
a parent would not have been able to notice them. And, in regard to the “retinal
hemorrhaging” suffered by A.G.G., Isaac similarly opined that it would have been
impossible for a parent to have been able to detect it from “looking at the child.”
42
testified regarding their concerns about Veronica’s current and future role in M.G.’s
life as a “support system[],” M.G. appears to have accepted the fact that Veronica
likely injured A.G.G. She testified that Veronica is not a part of her support system
“anymore,” she does not “turn[] to Veronica for help” since A.G.G. was injured, and
although Veronica is still married to M.G.’s brother, she does not see her on
holidays. See May, 829 S.W.2d at 377 (link between parent’s conduct and harm to
child “may not be based on evidence which raises a mere surmise or speculation of
possible harm”). Further, M.G. explained that she will be sending the children to a
day-care facility in the future while she is at work and will not be relying on Veronica
to watch the children.
Finally, in regard to A.G.G., based on the evidence presented at trial, there is
no doubt that he sustained serious injuries at the hands of an adult, but an adult who
is “unknown.” At trial, the parties seemed to focus on three individuals, M.G.,
Veronica, and Nelly, as suspects. M.G. repeatedly told Morgan, her therapist, that
“she did not hurt” A.G.G., and M.G. “has not said anything” nor done “anything”
that has “caused [Morgan] to believe” that M.G. caused A.G.G.’s injuries.41 Morgan
characterized M.G. as being “devastated” by what happened to A.G.G., and she
noted that M.G. “cares [for] and loves” the children. At trial, M.G. denied
41
In her therapy notes, Morgan states that “the possibility of [M.G.] having been the
one to hurt her child[] is low.”
43
“shak[ing]” A.G.G. and “twist[ing] his ankles,” and she testified that she has “never
harmed any of [her] children.” M.G. has willingly spoken with law enforcement
officers, “the social worker at the hospital,” and other DFPS investigators about
A.G.G.’s injuries. And “no one has [ever] been charged . . . for [a] crime” related to
A.G.G. Further, Dr. Isaac noted that M.G. “appropriate[ly]” sought medical
treatment for A.G.G. once his symptoms moved beyond “irritability,” which could
have been related to nothing more than his cough. And since A.G.G.’s birth, M.G.
has consistently taken him to doctor’s appointments for “[w]ell child check[s],” for
immunizations, and when he was experiencing coughing and “wheezing.” In fact,
A.G.G. had seen his primary care physician a week prior to his arrival at the hospital.
Cf. In re R.D.Y., 51 S.W.3d 314, 321 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2001, pet.
denied) (retention of mother as sole managing conservator detrimental to welfare of
child where mother left child, dirty and hungry, alone at church, child was afraid of
mother, mother forced child to bathe in bleach, and mother displayed signs of
violence).
In regard to J.R.G., the evidence at trial showed that he is currently employed
and is paid $2,400 per month. See In re M.J.C.B., 2014 WL 6433378, at *3 (trial
court abused its discretion in not appointing father managing conservator where
evidence showed gainful employment and financial stability). Since H.A.G. was
born in June 2012, and M.G. began requesting financial assistance, J.R.G. has been
44
paying her approximately $400 to $500 every month to cover her rent and for “things
that [she] needed.” According to M.G., J.R.G. has “continued to pay [her] rent”
since the birth of H.A.G. Further, since he signed the Irrevocable Children’s
Protective Services Mediated Settlement Agreement in February 2015, J.R.G. has
paid M.G. $1,500 each month in accordance with the terms of that agreement. There
is no evidence that J.R.G. has a history of drug or alcohol abuse or mental illness, a
criminal history, a CPS history, or a history of suicidal thoughts or self-injurious
behavior. Cf. In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9 (listing acts or omissions
constituting significant impairment); In re De La Pena, 999 S.W.2d at 528 (same).
Nor did DFPS present any evidence at trial that J.R.G. is an aggressive or violent
person. And J.R.G. provided his three oldest children, who are over the age of
eighteen, with food, shelter, and education. See In re S.T., 2015 WL 9244913, at *9
(“[T]he parent’s treatment of other children may be relevant.”).
At trial, DFPS, in regard to its concern about returning the children to him,
cited J.R.G.’s lack of “active[] participat[ion]” and lack of “desire to care for all four
of his children.” According to Franco, the DFPS caseworker, J.R.G. had not
“consistently been a part of the children’s lives,” had not “provided them with
financial support,” and had not “consistently visited them or formed a bond with
them.”
45
J.R.G. readily admitted that in the past he did not assume responsibility for
the children and the evidence showed that he would disappear from the children’s
lives for periods of time since M.G. became pregnant with J.J.G. in 2009. However,
this does not constitute evidence of significant impairment. See Lewelling, 796
S.W.2d 165–69 (mother’s failure to see child for two months not evidence
appointment of her as managing conservator would significantly impair child); In re
M.J.C.B., 2014 WL 6433378, at *2–3 (father’s absence from children’s lives for
approximately two years not evidence appointment of him as managing conservator
would significantly impair children’s physical health or emotional development);
Brigham v. Brigham, 863 S.W.2d 761, 764 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1993, writ denied)
(“The fact that [m]other left town without telling anyone of her exact
whereabouts . . . is not evidence of significant impairment to the children. . . . The
fact that [mother] was not available for telephone calls . . . is not evidence that
placement with [her] would emotionally impair the children.”); see also May, 829
S.W.2d at 377 (“If the parent is presently a suitable person . . . , the fact that there
was a time in the past when the parent would not have been a proper person to
have . . . custody is not controlling.”). Further, J.R.G. testified that within the last
two years, he has become “a little closer” with the children and has taken
“responsib[ility] for the expenses [that M.G.] incurs because of the children.” Cf. In
re J.A.J., No. 04-14-00684-CV, 2014 WL 7444340, at *3 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
46
Dec. 31, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.) (evidence mother failed to pay child support not
evidence of specific acts or omissions demonstrating awarding her conservatorship
would result in physical or emotional harm to her children). And during the periods
when J.R.G. was absent, M.G. noted that she would still speak with him by
telephone. When J.R.G. did visit the children, it was usually for several hours once
or twice a week, and he would “watch movies” with them, “play with them,” and
“devote[]” time to them. According to M.G., J.R.G. has visited J.J.G. “[m]any”
times and “loves the children.” Prior to the children entering into the care of DFPS,
he saw them in January 2014, and he has seen the children since that time, albeit not
as frequently as M.G.
Further, J.R.G. testified that he would continue to stay involved in the
children’s lives and support them if they are returned to M.G. Although it does not
appear that all of the four children would be able to move into the home that J.R.G.
shared with his wife at the time of trial, J.R.G. did testify that he “would move with
[the] children” somewhere else “alone,” “get an apartment,” and provide them with
“stable housing” if they are returned to him.42
In regard to A.G.G., DFPS did not present evidence to establish that J.R.G.
was responsible in any way for the injuries sustained by A.G.G. And J.R.G. testified
42
J.R.G. also testified that, at the very least, the two oldest children would be able to
live with him at the home that he shares with his wife.
47
that he did not know who “broke [A.G.G.’s] ankles” or who “shook” A.G.G. J.R.G.
was very “concern[ed]” about what had happened to A.G.G., and he went to the
hospital to see A.G.G. after the child was injured.
We note that the children have been in the care of DFPS since A.G.G. was
injured in January 2014. At the time that they entered into DFPS’s care, J.J.G.,
L.K.G., H.A.G., and A.G.G. were three years old, two years old, one year old, and
less than one year old, respectively. Although it appears that the children have been
well cared for since that time, the fact that DFPS might be a better custodian of the
children is not enough to show that the children will be significantly impaired by the
appointment of M.G. and J.R.G. as their managing conservators. Lewelling, 796
S.W.2d at 167; Whitworth, 222 S.W.3d at 623. Nor is the fact that the children have
lived the majority of their lives outside the care of their parents or that M.G. and
J.R.G. have had limited time with the children because DFPS has never increased
their visitation time since the children entered into its care. See Lewelling, 769
S.W.2d at 167; see also In re B.B.M., 291 S.W.3d 463, 467–68 (Tex. App.—Dallas
2009, pet. denied) (“[Any] focus on potential harm caused by the child’s removal
[from the current placement] is misplaced. The proper focus . . . is solely upon
whether the placement of the child with the natural parent would significantly impair
the child’s physical health or emotional development.”); Harris v. Tex. Dep’t of
Family & Protective Servs., 228 S.W.3d 819, 829 (Tex. App.—Austin 2007, no pet.)
48
(noting child “comfortable” in non-parent home, but “has also been denied contact
with his natural parent [for years], and this lack of contact is a result of [DFPS’s]
decisions,” not parent’s decisions). Further, here, there is no evidence that uprooting
the children from their current placement will rise to the level of significant
impairment to their emotional development. See In re J.C., 346 S.W.3d 189, 194–
95 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2011, no pet.) (no evidence removal of child
from non-parent “would be ‘devastating’ or akin to ‘psychological amputation’ or
cause ‘serious psychological damage’” (quoting In re Rodriguez, 940 S.W.2d 265,
273 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1997, writ denied))); Gray v. Shook, 329 S.W.3d at
198 (trial court abused its discretion where evidence showed only possible harm to
child by “uprooting” and not any specific, identifiable act or omission, conduct or
behavior of parent (internal quotations omitted)).
After considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the judgment, we
conclude that the evidence is legally insufficient to support the trial court’s findings
that the appointment of M.G. and J.R.G. as managing conservators of the children
would significantly impair the children’s physical health or emotional development.
Accordingly, we hold that the trial court abused its discretion in appointing DFPS as
the sole managing conservator of the children. See In re M.W., 959 S.W.2d 661, 665
(Tex. App.—Tyler 1997, writ denied) (“[T]he right of a parent to raise his or her
49
child is an ‘essential right’ and a ‘basic civil right of man’ and woman.” (quoting
Stanley v. Illinois, 405 U.S. 645, 651, 92 S. Ct. 1208, 1212–13 (1972)).
We sustain M.G.’s and J.R.G.’s first issues.43
43
Given our disposition of M.G.’s and J.R.G’s first issues, we need not address the
remaining arguments and issues presented by the parties. See TEX. R. APP. P. 47.1.
50
Conclusion
We reverse the portion of the trial court’s Final Decree awarding sole
managing conservatorship of the children to DFPS. And we remand the case to the
trial court for rendition of an order appointing M.G. and J.R.G. as joint managing
conservators of the children and for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
See Shook, 381 S.W.3d 540, 543 (Tex. 2012) (remanding cause); Lewelling, 796
S.W.2d at 168–69 (remanding for rendition); In re A.D.P., No. 11-12-00273-CV,
2013 WL 870689, at *4–5 (Tex. App.—Eastland Mar. 7, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.)
(reversing trial court’s order awarding managing conservatorship of children to
DFPS and remanding for rendition after holding DFPS “failed to offer
legally . . . sufficient evidence to support [the trial court’s finding] . . . that the
appointment of [parent] as the managing conservator of [the children] would
significantly impair their physical health and emotional development”).
Terry Jennings
Justice
Panel consists of Chief Justice Radack and Justices Jennings and Lloyd.
51