in the Interest of S.H., a Child ( 2015 )

Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, Texas
MEMORANDUM OPINION
No. 04-15-00054-CV
IN THE INTEREST OF S.H., a Child
From the 407th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas
Trial Court No. 2014-PA-00641
Honorable Charles E. Montemayor, Judge Presiding
Opinion by: Jason Pulliam, Justice
Sitting: Sandee Bryan Marion, Chief Justice
Rebeca C. Martinez, Justice
Jason Pulliam, Justice
Delivered and Filed: July 1, 2015
AFFIRMED
Appellant R.G. appeals the trial court’s judgment terminating her parental rights to her
child S.H. 1 We affirm the trial court’s judgment.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On March 6, 2014, the Department of Family and Protective Services (“the Department”)
received a referral alleging S.H. had been subjected to repeated sexual assault by her father. The
Department removed S.H. from her home on that day, pursuant to Texas Family Code Section 262.
At the time of removal, S.H.’s father had been incarcerated since January 2014 and was serving a
1
To protect the identity of the minor child, we refer to the child and the child’s parents by their initials. See TEX.
FAM. CODE ANN. § 109.002(d) (West 2014); TEX. R. APP. P. 9.8(b)(2). Although the trial court terminated both
parents’ parental rights, because R.G. is the only parent to appeal the trial court’s judgment, this court will only discuss
this case as it pertains to R.G.
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ten-year sentence in the federal judicial system; R.G. was incarcerated in Bexar County Jail for
possession of a controlled substance, serving a two-year sentence. S.H. was living with her 20-
year old sister Samantha and Samantha’s 4-month old child.
The Department conducted an interview with S.H. and with Samantha on March 17, 2014,
and filed a petition to terminate R.G.’s parental rights on March 18, 2014. Following an adversary
hearing held on March 27, 2014, the trial court signed a temporary order assigning the Department
as temporary managing conservator of S.H. and assigning the parents as temporary possessory
conservators with no access, as both parents were incarcerated at the time.
The trial court held a status hearing on May 15, 2014, and permanency hearings on
September 18, 2014, and January 8, 2015. R.G. was incarcerated throughout the case, but was
presumably released prior to commencement of the trial. 2 The parties tried the case to the bench
on January 15, 2015. R.G. was represented at trial, but was not present. S.H.’s father was
represented at trial, but was not present because he was still incarcerated. After receipt of evidence
and testimony, the trial court rendered judgment terminating R.G.’s parental rights, finding the
following four statutory grounds for termination: (1) R.G. knowingly placed or allowed S.H. to
remain in conditions or surroundings which endanger her physical or emotional well-being,
pursuant to Texas Family Code Section 161.001(1)(D); (2) R.G. engaged in conduct or knowingly
placed S.H. with persons who engaged in conduct which endanger her physical or emotional well-
being, pursuant to Texas Family Code Section 161.001(1)(E); (3) R.G. constructively abandoned
S.H., who was in possession of the Department for less than 6 months, and the Department made
reasonable efforts to return S.H.; R.G. did not regularly visit or maintain significant contact with
2
The attorneys present at the termination hearing stated they believed R.G. had been released from prison; however,
she had not contacted her attorney or the Department’s attorney, had not responded to messages left at her last known
address, had not responded to summons served on her at the jail or otherwise indicated a desire to participate.
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S.H.; and R.G. demonstrated an inability to provide S.H. with a safe environment, pursuant to
Texas Family Code Section 161.001(1)(N); and (4) R.G. failed to comply with the provisions of a
court order that specifically addressed the actions necessary to obtain the return of S.H., pursuant
to Texas Family Code Section 161.001(1)(O). The trial court also found termination of R.G.’s
parental rights is in the best interest of S.H., pursuant to Texas Family Code Section 161.001(2).
R.G. perfected this appeal.
ANALYSIS
On appeal, R.G. complains the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to support the
trial court’s findings of statutory grounds for termination of her parental rights pursuant to Texas
Family Code Sections 161.001(1)(D), (E), (N) and (O), and the evidence is legally and factually
insufficient to support the trial court’s finding that termination is in the best interest of S.H. See
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §§ 161.001(1)(D), (E), (N), (O), (2) (West 2014).
Standard of Review
To support termination of parental rights under Family Code Section 161.001, the
Department must establish by clear and convincing evidence one or more of the acts or omissions
enumerated under subsection (1), and termination is in the best interest of the child. TEX. FAM.
CODE ANN. §§ 161.001(1), (2); TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.206(a) (West 2014); In re J.F.C., 96
S.W.3d 256, 263 (Tex. 2002). Both elements must be established, and termination may not be
based solely on the best interest of the child. Tex. Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d
531, 533 (Tex. 1987).
A parent’s right to the companionship, care, custody, and management of children is a
constitutional interest “far more precious than any property right.” Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d
18, 20 (Tex. 1985); see also In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 273. Consequently, termination proceedings
must be strictly scrutinized, and “involuntary termination statutes are strictly construed in favor of
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the parent.” Holick, 685 S.W.2d at 20. Because termination “is complete, final, irrevocable, and
divests for all time that natural right ... the evidence in support of termination must be clear and
convincing before a court may involuntarily terminate a parent’s rights.” Id.; see In re J.F.C., 96
S.W.3d at 264–66. Clear and convincing evidence is “the measure or degree of proof that will
produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief or conviction as to the truth of the allegations
sought to be established.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 101.007 (West 2014); In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d
at 264. This standard guards the constitutional interests implicated by termination, while retaining
the deference an appellate court must have for the factfinder’s role. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at
265–66. An appellate court must not reweigh issues of witness credibility but “‘must defer to the
[factfinder’s] determinations so long as those determinations are not themselves unreasonable.’”
In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005) (quoting Southwestern Bell Tel. Co. v. Garza, 164
S.W.3d 607, 625 (Tex. 2004)).
Under the strict scrutiny implicit in termination cases and the necessity of clear and
convincing evidence, the traditional legal and factual standards of review are inadequate. In re
J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 264–66. Instead, in conducting a legal sufficiency review in a termination-
of-parental-rights case, an appellate court must view all of the evidence in the light most favorable
to the finding and determine whether a reasonable factfinder could have formed a firm belief or
conviction that its ultimate findings are true. See id. at 266. In viewing the evidence in the light
most favorable to the judgment, the appellate court “must assume that the factfinder resolved
disputed facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable factfinder could do so,” and “should disregard
all evidence that a reasonable factfinder could have disbelieved or found to have been incredible.”
Id. If, after conducting its legal-sufficiency review of all the evidence, a court determines no
reasonable factfinder could form a firm belief or conviction consistent with the final judgment,
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then the court must conclude the evidence is legally insufficient. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 264–
66.
In conducting a factual sufficiency review in a parental-rights termination case, the
appellate court must review and consider the entire record, including evidence contrary to the
judgment, and determine whether the disputed evidence is such that a reasonable fact finder could
have formed a firm conviction or belief about the truth of the Department’s allegations. Id. We
assume that the factfinder resolved disputed facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable factfinder
could do so, and we disregard all evidence that a reasonable factfinder could have disbelieved. Id.
In reviewing factual sufficiency, we consider whether the disputed evidence is such that a
reasonable factfinder could not have resolved that disputed evidence in favor of its finding. Id.
Statutory Grounds for Termination
Termination Based on Section 161.001(D): Dangerous Conditions or Surroundings
R.G. contends the evidence is legally and factually insufficient to support termination of
her parental rights under subsection (D) because no evidence was presented to establish R.G.
knowingly placed, or allowed S.H. to be placed, in conditions which endangered her physical or
emotional well-being. R.G. argues that because she was incarcerated at the time of S.H.’s removal
and had not had contact with S.H., the Department did not meet its burden of proving R.G. knew
of the conditions in which S.H. lived.
Subsection D allows for termination of parental rights if the parent knowingly placed or
allowed the child to remain in conditions or surroundings that endangered the child’s physical or
emotional well-being. See TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 161.001(1)(D). Under subsection (D), it is
necessary to examine evidence related to the environment of the child to determine if the
environment was the source of endangerment to the child’s physical or emotional well-being. In
re M.C.T., 250 S.W.3d 161, 168 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2008, no pet.). An environment
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produced by the parent’s conduct may be the source of endangerment, although the parent’s
conduct does not necessarily have to be directed at the child nor is the child required to suffer
injury. Id. In addition, to support a finding of endangerment, it is not necessary for the parent to
have certain knowledge that an actual injury is occurring; the parent must only be aware of the
potential for danger to the child in such environment and disregard that risk. In re C.L.C., 119
S.W.3d 382, 392–93 (Tex. App.—Tyler 2003, no pet.); In re N.R., 101 S.W.3d 771, 776 (Tex.
App.—Texarkana 2003, no pet.). Moreover, abusive, violent, illegal or inappropriate conduct by
a parent or other resident of a child’s home, or with whom a child is compelled to associate on a
regular basis, inherently produce an environment that endangers the physical or emotional well-
being of a child. In re B.R., 822 S.W.2d 103, 106 (Tex. App.—Tyler 1991, writ denied). “As a
general rule, conduct that subjects a child to a life of uncertainty and instability endangers the
physical and emotional well-being of a child.” In re R.W., 129 S.W.3d 732, 739 (Tex. App.—Fort
Worth 2004, pet. denied); see In re S.D., 980 S.W.2d 758, 763 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1998,
pet. denied). Thus, while incarceration alone does not justify termination, a parent’s repeated
criminal acts may constitute sufficient evidence of conduct that endangers the well-being of a
child. See Boyd, 727 S.W.2d at 533; In re S.D., 980 S.W.2d at 763. Further, a factfinder may infer
from past conduct endangering the well-being of a child that similar conduct will recur if the child
is returned to the parent. See In re D.L.N., 958 S.W.2d 934, 941 (Tex. App.—Waco 1997, no pet.).
The Evidence
To establish basis for termination, the Department relied upon the testimony of two
witnesses: S.H.’s caseworker Jennifer Ireugas and Katrina Moore, S.H.’s representative from
CASA. R.G.’s attorney cross examined these witnesses; however, R.G. presented no witnesses to
testify on her behalf.
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The record reflects R.G. was served with notice of the trial setting and was aware of the
process to contact Ms. Ireugas; however, R.G. made no contact and did not return letters sent to
her while she was incarcerated and sent to her last known address. Through Ms. Ireugas’s
testimony, the Department established that at the time of S.H.’s removal, S.H.’s father was
incarcerated; R.G. was incarcerated and serving a two-year sentence due to conviction for
possession of a controlled substance; R.G. remained incarcerated throughout adjudication of the
case, but was presumably released prior to commencement of the trial; R.G. did not attempt to
contact Ms. Ireugas while incarcerated to ensure S.H.’s safety or to provide names of relatives who
could provide care for her; and R.G. did not contact Ms. Ireugas after her release from incarceration
to inquire about obtaining custody or visitation of S.H. Ms. Ireugas testified C.P.S. records
indicated S.H.’s father had raped other children in his custody and was a known drug dealer; R.G.
was an admitted heroin addict, had previous arrests for drug possession and tested positive for
heroin at the time of S.H.’s birth; and the Department received previous referrals pertaining to S.H.
while she was in R.G.’s possession. Ireugas testified S.H. stated she witnessed her father with
drugs, which he would hide when police came to the house; her father repeatedly sexually abused
her prior to his incarceration; and she did not feel safe returning to a home with her mother or her
sister. Ireugas testified the conditions in which S.H. lived prior to her removal and placement with
the Department were dangerous to her emotional and physical well-being, and S.H. was happy and
thriving in her current placement through the Department.
We have thoroughly reviewed the evidence in this case. After review of all the evidence
in the light most favorable to the trial court’s finding, we conclude a reasonable trier of fact could
have formed a firm belief or conviction S.H. should be removed from R.G. because R.G.
knowingly placed or knowingly allowed S.H. to remain in conditions which endangered S.H.’s
physical or emotional well-being. The evidence presented reveals, although incarcerated, R.G.
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allowed S.H. to remain in a home where illegal and violent conduct occurred. This conduct
occurred before R.G.’s incarceration and, based upon her heroin use, was, in part, due to R.G.’s
direct conduct. This evidence is sufficient to show R.G. was aware of the potential for danger to
S.H. in such environment and disregarded that risk. Finally, R.G.’s repeated criminal conduct and
absence from S.H’s life creates an inference similar conduct will recur if S.H. is returned to R.G.
The evidence is, thus, legally sufficient to support the trial court’s termination findings under
Family Code Section 161.001(1)(D).
Moreover, considering the entire record, a factfinder could reasonably form a firm
conviction or belief that R.G. violated Family Code Section 161.001(1)(D). The evidence was not
disputed. Consequently, based upon the same evidence and conclusions, the evidence is also
factually sufficient to support the trial court’s termination findings under Family Code Section
161.001(1)(D).
We hold the evidence is legally and factually sufficient to support the trial court’s finding
that termination of R.G.’s parental rights to S.H. was warranted pursuant to Section 161.001(1)(D).
Thus, we overrule R.G.’s appellate issue with regard to this finding. Having overruled R.G.’s
issue with regard to the trial court’s findings under Section 161.001(1)(D), we need not address
R.G.’s challenge to the trial court’s findings under Family Code Sections 161.001(1)(E), (N) or
(O). See In re T.T., 228 S.W.3d 312, 326 n. 8 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007, pet. denied).
Best Interest of the Child
R.G. next challenges the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence to support the trial
court’s finding that termination is in the best interest of S.H. R.G. argues only that “[i]t is not in
the best interest of the child to terminate [her] parental rights,” and, in this case, argues only that
the Department “made NO effort to attempt reasonable services or tasks to reunite [R.G.] with her
child.” R.G. offers no supportive argument nor does she discuss the evidence, or lack thereof, with
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respect to the trial court’s finding with regard to this element. Thus, it appears R.G. argues she is
automatically entitled to return of S.H. based upon the presumption in favor of maintaining the
parental relationship.
When considering the best interest of the child, we recognize the existence of a strong
presumption that the child’s best interest is served by preserving the parent-child relationship. In
re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 2006). However, we also presume that prompt and permanent
placement of the child in a safe environment is in the child’s best interest. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN.
§ 263.307(a) (West 2014). In determining the best interest of the child, the court may consider the
following 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 to promote the best interest of the child; (6) the plans for the child by these individuals
or by the agency seeking custody; (7) the stability of the home or proposed placement; (8) the acts
or omissions of the parent which may indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is not a
proper one; and (9) any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent. Holley v. Adams, 544
S.W.2d 367, 371–72 (Tex. 1976). These factors are not exhaustive. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 27
(Tex. 2002). “The absence of evidence about some of these considerations would not preclude a
factfinder from reasonably forming a strong conviction or belief that termination is in the child’s
best interest, particularly if the evidence were undisputed that the parental relationship endangered
the safety of the child.” Id. In analyzing these factors, the court must focus on the best interest of
the child, not the best interest of the parent. Dupree v. Tex. Dept. of Protective & Regulatory
Servs., 907 S.W.2d 81, 86 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1995, no writ).
Further, the same evidence proving acts or omissions under Family Code Section
161.001(1) may be also probative of best interest of the child. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28. A
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factfinder may infer that past conduct endangering the well-being of a child may recur in the future
if the child is returned to the parent. In re B.K.D., 131 S.W.3d 10, 17 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth
2004, pet. denied).
Turning to the evidence regarding the best interest of the child, we consider the Holley
factors as outlined above:
Desires of the Child
As to the first factor, S.H.’s desire for placement, the evidence weighs in favor of the trial
court’s finding. S.H.’s caseworker Jennifer Ireugas, testified the Department began its
involvement after an outcry allegation from S.H. that her father had sexually assaulted her, and
S.H. expressed the sexual abuse had occurred for years, even when she lived with R.G. Ireugas
testified S.H. expressed she does not have a relationship with R.G., and she is angry with R.G. for
not helping her or protecting her from the sexual abuse; S.H. stated she was often left home alone
while in the care of her sister; she was in favor of termination of R.G.’s parental rights, and she
was ready to move forward with her life in the Department’s care. Finally, Ireugas stated S.H.
expressed she did not feel safe returning to her mother’s care.
Physical and Emotional Needs
With regard to the second factor, S.H.’s emotional and physical needs now and in the
future, the evidence presented revealed S.H. is thriving in her present placement and prefers to
stay. S.H. revealed she does not have a relationship with her mother, and her mother failed to
protect her in the past. Ireugas testified R.G. has an admitted history of heroin addiction, she tested
positive for heroin at the time of S.H.’s birth, and has been arrested previously for drug possession
while caring for S.H. Ireugas testified R.G.’s parental rights have been terminated previously on
a different child, and the CPS records indicate past allegations of sexual abuse committed by S.H.’s
father had been validated. Based upon this testimony, and in light of R.G.’s historic inability to
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meet S.H.’s physical and emotional needs due to her drug use and incarcerations, inference can be
made R.G. will not be able to meet S.H.’s physical and emotional needs in the future. See In re
J.D., 436 S.W.3d 105, 118 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, no pet).
Emotional and Physical Danger
As to the third factor, the emotional and physical danger to S.H. now and in the future, the
evidence revealed there is risk of emotional and physical danger to S.H. should she be placed in
the care of R.G. As stated previously, the evidence presented reveals, although incarcerated, R.G.
allowed S.H. to remain in a home where illegal and violent conduct occurred. This conduct
occurred before R.G.’s incarceration and, based upon her heroin use, was, in part, due to R.G.’s
direct conduct. This evidence is sufficient to show R.G. was aware of the potential for danger to
S.H. in such environment and disregarded that risk. Finally, R.G.’s repeated criminal conduct and
absence from S.H’s life creates an inference similar conduct will recur if S.H. is returned to R.G.
Ireugas testified the relationship between S.H., R.G., and S.H’s father is toxic. Ireugas also
testified there is nothing healthy or beneficial in maintaining the legal relationship with R.G. or
S.H.’s father. More importantly, Ireugas testified that termination can help S.H move forward
with her life.
Parental Abilities
Regarding the fourth factor, parental abilities, the evidence again reflected R.G. had a
history of inadequate caring for S.H., and the trial court could take this conduct into account in
evaluating R.G.’s parental abilities. Further, the testimony revealed R.G. had been notified of the
hearing, but did not appear. R.G.’s attorney stated he had not been able to contact R.G. or speak
with her prior to the hearing. R.G. did not provide any updated contact information since her
release from incarceration, nor did she contact the Department or her attorney to express any desire
to see or gain custody or possession of S.H.
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Stability of the Home
Regarding the seventh factor, stability of the home, the record reveals there was no stable
home in which to place S.H. other than the institution provided by the Department. As stated
previously, the testimony revealed R.G. has a history of heroin addiction and has previous
incarcerations. The evidence did not reveal R.G. or S.H.’s sister, Samantha, expressed any desire
to provide a home for S.H. In any event, the evidence presented revealed Samantha’s home was
not a safe environment, as S.H. expressed Samantha used drugs in the home, left S.H. alone in the
home, and took S.H. with her to use drugs. Again, in light of R.G.’s historic drug use and inability
to provide a stable home to S.H., an inference can be made that R.G. will be unable to meet this
need in the future.
After determination and weight of the Holley factors and viewing the evidence in the light
most favorable to the finding, we conclude the trial court could reasonably have formed a firm
conviction that termination of R.G.’s parental rights is in S.H.’s best interest. Thus, the evidence
is legally insufficient to support this finding. Moreover, because the evidence was not disputed,
based upon the same evidence and conclusions, the evidence is also factually sufficient to support
the trial court’s finding that termination was in S.H.’s best interest.
Therefore, we conclude the evidence is legally and factually sufficient to support the trial
court’s finding that termination was in the best interest of S.H.
CONCLUSION
Based on the foregoing reasons, we overrule R.G.’s points of issue in which she challenges
the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence to support the trial court’s finding that termination
of her parental rights was warranted under Texas Family Code Sections 161.001(1)(D), (E), (N)
and (O) and termination was in the best interest of S.H. We affirm the trial court’s judgment as to
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R.G. No costs shall be assessed against R.G. in relation to this appeal because she qualifies as
indigent.
Jason Pulliam, Justice
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