in the Interest of K. R., a Child ( 2022 )

NUMBER 13-22-00316-CV
COURT OF APPEALS
THIRTEENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
CORPUS CHRISTI – EDINBURG
IN THE INTEREST OF K.R., A CHILD
On appeal from the County Court at Law No. 5
of Nueces County, Texas.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Before Chief Justice Contreras and Justices Benavides and Tijerina
Memorandum Opinion by Justice Benavides
Appellant B.F. (Brenda)1 appeals from the trial court’s final order awarding her
possessory conservatorship of her daughter Kayla. By a single issue, Brenda argues the
evidence was legally and factually insufficient to overcome the presumption that it is in a
child’s best interest for a parent to be named permanent managing conservator. We
affirm.
1
On our own motion, we identify the parties and children in this case by fictitious names. See TEX.
FAM. CODE ANN. § 109.002(d).
I. FACTUAL & PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On April 20, 2021, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (the
Department) filed an original petition for the protection of Kayla, the child who is the
subject of this case. An affidavit in support of removal was attached to the Department’s
original petition. According to the affidavit, Kayla was born testing positive for
methamphetamine in June of 2020. On April 12, 2021, Kayla was admitted to the hospital
for “an abscess on [her] left buttock” that Brenda had previously failed to fill a prescription
to treat. This hospitalization ultimately led to the Department’s intervention and the
initiation of the case from which this appeal stems.
On July 8, 2021, Brenda was ordered to comply with the Department’s service
plan. According to the plan, Brenda was required to, among other things: (1) complete a
substance abuse assessment and substance abuse classes; (2) submit to random drug
testing; (3) complete a psychological evaluation; (4) participate in individual counseling to
address her coping skills; (5) complete parenting classes; (6) refrain from criminal
activities; (7) obtain gainful employment and stable housing; (8) participate in visitation
with Kayla; and (9) maintain contact with the Department.
The order also awarded Brenda two hours of supervised visits with Kayla twice a
week. However, on August 18, 2021, the trial court granted the Department’s request to
immediately suspend Brenda’s visitation with Kayla. An order signed by the court on
October 21, 2021, recites that “visitation [is] suspended until UA and [h]air [f]ollicle drug
tests are completed.”
2
The final hearing began on April 28, 2022. Brenda was not present during the
hearing. On June 28, 2022, the trial court signed a final order appointing Sabrina,
Brenda’s adult daughter and Kayla’s older sister, as permanent managing conservator of
Kayla, and appointing Brenda as possessory conservator. The trial court’s order also
contains a finding that appointing Brenda as managing conservator was not in Kayla’s
best interest “because the appointment would significantly impair the child’s physical
health or emotional development.” Paternity of the child was not established during this
proceeding.
This accelerated appeal followed. See TEX. R. APP. P. 28.4.
II. CONSERVATORSHIP
Brenda argues that the evidence was insufficient to support her appointment as
possessory conservator and Sabrina’s appointment as managing conservator.
A. Standard of Review
“Trial courts have wide discretion with respect to conservatorship, control,
possession, and visitation matters involving the child.” Compton v. Pfannenstiel, 428
S.W.3d 881, 886 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014, no pet.) (first citing Gillespie v.
Gillespie, 644 S.W.2d 449, 451 (Tex. 1982); and then citing In re J.A.J., 243 S.W.3d 611,
616 (Tex. 2007)). We review a trial court’s determination of conservatorship for an abuse
of discretion, and we reverse the trial court’s order only if we determine, from reviewing
the entire record, that the trial court’s decision was arbitrary and unreasonable. Id. A trial
court abuses its discretion if it acts without reference to any guiding rules or principles. Id.“In family law cases[,] the abuse-of-discretion standard of review overlaps with the
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traditional sufficiency-of-the evidence standards of review.” Roberts v. Roberts, 531
S.W.3d 224, 231 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2017, pet. denied); Bradshaw v. Bradshaw,
555 S.W.3d 539, 549 (Tex. 2018) (Devine, J., concurring). Therefore, in our review of the
trial court’s appointment of Brenda as possessory rather than managing conservator, we
consider whether: (1) the trial court had sufficient evidence upon which to exercise its
discretion; and (2) the trial court erred in its application of that discretion. Roberts, 555
S.W.3d at 549 (citing Monroe v. Monroe, 358 S.W.3d 711, 719 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
2011, pet. denied)).
In determining whether there is legally sufficient evidence to support the trial
court’s exercise of discretion, a reviewing court considers evidence and inferences
favorable to the finding if a reasonable factfinder could, and disregards evidence contrary
to the finding unless a reasonable factfinder could not. City of Keller v. Wilson, 168 S.W.3d
802, 827 (Tex. 2005); In re H.C., 942 S.W.2d 661, 664 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1997,
no writ). In analyzing factual sufficiency challenges, an appellate court examines the
entire record to determine if the trial court’s finding is so against the great weight and
preponderance of the evidence as to be manifestly unjust. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 25
(Tex. 2002); Manon v. Tejas Toyota, Inc., 162 S.W.3d 743, 752–53 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.).
B. Applicable Law
“The best interest of the child shall always be the primary consideration of the court
in determining the issues of conservatorship and possession of and access to the child.”
TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 153.002. There is a rebuttable presumption that it is in the best
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interest of the child for at least one parent to be appointed as a managing conservator of
the child. Id. § 153.131(b). However, if “the court finds that appointment” of a parent as
managing conservator “would not be in the best interest of the child because the
appointment would significantly impair the child’s physical health or emotional
development,” the presumption no longer applies. Id. § 153.131(a); In re F.E.N., 579
S.W.3d 74, 76–77 (Tex. 2019) (per curiam). A finding that the appointment of a parent as
managing conservator would significantly impair a child’s physical health or emotional
development need only be supported by a preponderance of the evidence. In re
D.L.W.W., 617 S.W.3d 64, 94 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2020, no pet.).
The underlying concern behind § 153.131(a) is the child’s well-being. In re J.A.J.,
243 S.W.3d 611, 616 (Tex. 2007). “Thus, in order to deprive a parent of custody, the
evidence must support a logical inference that some specific, identifiable behavior or
conduct of the parent will probably cause significant physical or emotional harm to the
child.” May v. May, 829 S.W.2d 373, 377 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi–Edinburg 1992, writ
denied); see Lewelling v. Lewelling, 796 S.W.2d 164, 167 (Tex. 1990). “Acts or omissions
that constitute significant impairment include, but are not limited to, physical abuse,
severe neglect, abandonment, drug or alcohol abuse, or immoral behavior by the parent.”
In re S.T., 508 S.W.3d 482, 492 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2015, no pet.). “Likewise, the
parent’s treatment of other children may be relevant.” Id.In determining the best interest of the child, courts may consider the following non-
exhaustive factors:
(1) the desires of the children;
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(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 children by the parents;
(7) the stability of the home or proposed placement;
(8) the acts or omissions of the parent which may indicate 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). However, there is no requirement
that the trial court hear evidence concerning each of the Holley factors, and the trial court
is permitted to consider additional factors in determining a child’s best interest. See In re
D.M., 58 S.W.3d 801, 814 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001, no pet.) (citing Holley, 544
S.W.2d at 371–72); see also In re J.L.V., No. 09-19-00316-CV, 2020 WL 1161098 at *11
(Tex. App.—Beaumont Mar. 11, 2020, pet. denied) (mem. op.). In cases brought by the
Department, there is also a presumption that “the prompt and permanent placement of
the child in a safe environment is . . . in the child’s best interest.” TEX. FAM. CODE ANN.
§ 263.307.
C. Evidence
At the final hearing, the following evidence was presented:
1. Jennifer Dragoo’s Testimony
Jennifer Dragoo, a caseworker for the Department, testified concerning Brenda’s
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progress during the case. According to Dragoo, Brenda only submitted to one drug test,
despite being “court-ordered by the judge on five occasions” to participate in drug testing.
Although the drug test she took produced a clean result, Brenda did not submit to the
drug test until four weeks after it was requested. Additionally, the only portion of her
service plan that Brenda completed was “[t]he psychological evaluation,” which was done
“approximately three and a half weeks” prior to the final hearing.
Dragoo testified that Kayla was placed with her biological sister and Brenda’s
oldest daughter, Sabrina. Dragoo believed Sabrina was going “[a]bove and beyond” in
meeting Kayla’s needs and that Sabrina and Kayla were bonded. Dragoo believed that it
was in Kayla’s best interest for Sabrina to be awarded permanent managing
conservatorship.
Dragoo also testified that Brenda absconded with Kayla during the investigative
stage of the case and later told Sabrina that she would abscond with Kayla again if she
had the opportunity. According to Dragoo, the last communication she had with Brenda
was approximately two weeks prior to the hearing, where Brenda “requested some photos
and videos of” Kayla. However, Dragoo explained that Brenda’s visitation with Kayla was
suspended approximately “two to three months into the case . . . due to her failure to be
compliant with court-ordered drug testing.” Dragoo’s understanding of the suspension
order was that the court might revisit its decision concerning Brenda’s visitation once
Brenda submitted to a drug test. Dragoo recommended that any visitation awarded to
Brenda be conditioned on a clean drug test result.2
2 The provision concerning possession in the final order was as follows:
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2. Sabrina’s Testimony
Sabrina testified that she was removed from Brenda’s care when she was a child
and was only raised by her mother “[h]ere and there.” She also acknowledged that her
siblings, Brenda’s other children, had been the subject of other Department proceedings
as well.
Kayla was officially placed in Sabrina’s care by the Department on June 20, 2021.
However, Sabrina testified that she had been taking care of Kayla since her birth.
According to Sabrina, Kayla was thriving in her care and the two were “very much”
bonded. Sabrina confirmed that Brenda had not seen Kayla since either July or August
of 2021. Sabrina testified that Brenda “harasses me through text messages,” and tells her
“that she’s going to make sure” Sabrina “won’t ever see” Kayla again. Sabrina believed
Brenda would try to abscond with Kayla if they attempted supervised visits in a public
setting and therefore thought visits at “[a] visitation center would be best.” Sabrina
affirmed that she was willing to let Brenda have visits with Kayla, “[a]s long as she has a
clean drug test.”
D. Best Interest Analysis
The first Holley factor contemplates the child’s desires. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at
372. Kayla was not yet two years old at the time of the final hearing. “When children are
too young to express their desires, the factfinder may consider whether the children have
The Court ORDERED [Brenda] to be Possessory Conservator with supervised visitation at
[the] discretion of [Sabrina], or for a minimum of 2 hours a month at a Visitation Center at
mother[’]s expense. Caregiver may request [a] negative UA drug test prior to visitation. 72
hour advanced notification shall be required.
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bonded with the [placement], are well-cared for by them, and have spent minimal time
with a parent.” In re S.R., 452 S.W.3d 351, 369 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014,
pet. denied). Here, Dragoo testified that Kayla and Sabrina were bonded, and that
Sabrina had gone “[a]bove and beyond” in meeting Kayla’s needs. On the other hand,
Brenda had been sporadically involved in Kayla’s life. At the time of the hearing, Brenda
had not visited with Kayla for over eight months—nearly half the child’s life—which was
due in part to her refusal to timely submit to court-ordered drug testing.
We address the second, third, and seventh factors together. “The need for
permanence is a paramount consideration for a child’s present and future physical and
emotional needs.” In re J.G.S., 550 S.W.3d 698, 705 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2018, no pet.).
The court heard testimony that Sabrina had cared for Kayla her entire life. However,
Brenda’s presence in Kayla’s life was not consistent. Although Brenda had expressed an
interest in Kayla’s well-being and asked for pictures and videos of her, “[a]ctions speak
louder than words.” In re K.S., 420 S.W.3d 852, 856 (Tex. App—Texarkana 2014, no
pet.). Questions about Kayla’s status are not more probative of Brenda’s commitment to
be a permanent fixture in her life than the eight months during which Brenda had no
visitation with Kayla.
The fourth and fifth factors concern the parenting abilities of and the programs
available to the individuals seeking custody. See Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 372. Sabrina
testified that based on her own experience, she believed her mother had a pattern of
neglecting children. The Department developed a service plan to assist Brenda in
improving her parenting abilities. The plan listed the resources that were available to
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Brenda in completing her service plan. According to Dragoo, Brenda only completed the
psychological evaluation portion of her service plan. No evidence was presented to
explain Brenda’s failure to complete the other portions of her service plan.
The sixth factor concerns the plans for the child by the persons seeking custody.
Id. Brenda was not present at the hearing and there was no evidence that detailed her
plans for Kayla. Sabrina testified that she was amenable to allowing visitation between
Brenda and Kayla so long as the visits were supervised at an appropriate facility and
Brenda passed a drug test.
The eighth and ninth factors deal with any acts or omissions on the part of a parent
that may indicate the existing parent-child relationship is not a proper one, and whether
there are any excuses for those acts or omissions. Id. Drug or alcohol abuse can be
considered an act or omission that constitutes a threat of significant impairment to the
child. In re S.T., 508 S.W.3d at 492. “A factfinder may reasonably infer from a parent’s
refusal to take a drug test that the parent was using drugs.” In re E.M., 494 S.W.3d 209,
222 (Tex. App.—Waco 2015, pet. denied). Dragoo testified that Brenda failed to submit
to drug tests on at least five occasions. Brenda did not provide the court with an excuse
for why these tests were refused. In total, Brenda submitted to one drug test. Although
the test produced a clean result, Dragoo testified that it was taken four weeks after the
Department initially requested it. The court could have reasonably concluded that Brenda
refused to submit to drug tests because those tests would have produced positive results.
See id. Because of this, the court could have determined that Brenda’s drug use would
significantly impair Kayla. See In re S.T., 508 S.W.3d at 492.
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Because no Holley factor weighs in Brenda’s favor, we cannot conclude the trial
court abused its discretion by refusing to appoint her as managing conservator of Kayla.
See Compton, 428 S.W.3d at 886. As such, we overrule Brenda’s sole issue on appeal.
III. CONCLUSION
We affirm the trial court’s judgment.
GINA M. BENAVIDES
Justice
Delivered and filed on the
20th day of October, 2022.
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