In the Interest of A.F., D.F., D.F., A.O., and D.O. v. the State of Texas ( 2023 )

In The
Court of Appeals
Ninth District of Texas at Beaumont
__________________
NO. 09-23-00068-CV
__________________
IN THE INTEREST OF A.F., D.F., D.F., A.O., AND D.O.
__________________________________________________________________
On Appeal from the 279th District Court
Jefferson County, Texas
Trial Cause No. C-240,719
__________________________________________________________________
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Mother, N.F., appeals from an order terminating her parental
rights to her five children, Amy (11 years old at removal), Dennis (seven
years old at removal), Damien (six years old at removal), Anna (two years
old at removal), and Drew (one year old at removal). 1 On appeal, Mother
argues that the Department of Family and Protective Services (“the
1 We use pseudonyms for the names of the minors and those of their
family to protect the minors’ identities. Tex. R. App. P. 9.8(b)(2)
(Protection of Minor’s Identity in Parental-Rights Termination Cases).
The Father, D.O., whose rights were also terminated, did not appeal and
will only be discussed as necessary.
1
Department”) failed to introduce legally and factually sufficient evidence
to prove her rights to Amy, Dennis, Damien, Anna, and Drew should be
terminated or to prove that terminating them is in the children’s best
interest. 2 Because Mother’s issues lack merit, we affirm.
Background
In January 2022, the Department filed a Petition to terminate
Mother’s rights on seven grounds, including (D) and (E) allegations that
Mother had endangered her children. 3 The Department’s petition was
supported by an affidavit signed by an investigator for the Department.
The supporting affidavit, which was admitted into evidence at trial,
contained information about Mother’s history with the Department.
Supporting Affidavit:
According to the affidavit, in June 2009, Mother was investigated
after testing positive for PCP and benzodiazepine after the birth of her
oldest daughter, Callie. 4 The Department concluded there was
supporting evidence and the allegations were ruled “Reason to Believe.”
2 See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (b)(2).
3 See id. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (K), (N), (O), (P), (R).
4 Callie is not one of the children in this suit. The record is unclear
as to whether Father is the biological father of Callie.
2
The Department investigated its second case against Mother from
August 2009 to February 2011. At that time, Mother was incarcerated
for criminal charges involving drugs and her oldest child was in the care
of the child’s maternal grandmother.
In April 2015, the Department investigated Mother for her ability
to adequately supervise, protect, and care for her children after Mother
admitted she was taking Xanax while caring for her children when
Mother did not have a prescription for the medication, but she stated she
believed there was nothing wrong with taking medications not prescribed
to her. The Department concluded there was supporting evidence and the
allegations were ruled “Reason to Believe.”
In December 2021, an intake was received alleging sexual abuse of
Callie by Father. Callie made consistent outcries of sexual abuse and
neglect by Father. At the time, law enforcement was actively pursuing
charges against Father. The allegations of the sexual abuse of Callie by
Father were ruled “Reason to Believe” by the Department.
On January 13, 2022, the Department received a report of concerns
of sexual abuse of Amy by Father. The report alleged concerns that
Mother had refused medical treatment for Amy, even though the forensic
3
exam reported an extensive sexual abuse history which included genital
and anal penetration of Amy by Father. Amy stated that the abuse had
been occurring since August 2021 and in a forensic interview at the Garth
House, Amy made an outcry of sexual abuse against Father and provided
details of the abuse. Amy also described incidents where Father made
sexual advances towards her siblings. Amy stated she was told by Mother
to lie about what Father had done. Because of the sexual abuse of Amy
by Father, the Department removed all the children.
Witnesses and Evidence Presented at Trial:
In February 2023, the Department’s suit against Mother and
Father was called to trial. Mother appeared and testified in the trial. The
trial court heard from three other witnesses: (1) S. Living, the
conservatorship caseworker, (2) the Court Appointed Special Advocate
(CASA) Volunteer Coordinator, and (3) the CASA assigned to the case.
Living testified that Mother was allegedly present in the next
bedroom when the sexual abuse took place. Living said that Mother knew
what was going on, Mother did not believe her children, and told her
children to lie so Father could stay in the home. Living testified that once
Callie made an outcry of sexual abuse, Mother should have been
4
protective of the children. Living stated that it appeared to her that
Mother chose Father over the children. According to Living, Mother
never admitted to any wrongdoing, and she did not protect her children.
Living testified that Mother took no steps to remove Father from the
home.
Mother testified at trial that she did not tell Amy to lie about what
Father had done, but Mother conceded that she told Amy not to tell the
truth about the abuse because she did not want her children “to be taken
again.” Mother agreed she was not protective of her children when she
did not believe Callie when Callie told Mother in September 2021 that
Father touched her. Mother stated: “I did not believe her because I did
not see anything with my eyes. I did not – I did not witness anything. So,
no, I did not believe my daughter.” Mother also stated “my first daughter
lies so much I didn’t believe her.”
At trial, Mother claimed that she now believes her daughters and
that she has taken action to remove Father from the home, and she stated
she has called the police on him at least half a dozen times after she
learned of the allegations.
5
The CASA Volunteer Coordinator testified that she received a
phone call from Mother on February 13, 2023, just days before trial,
where Mother stated she did not believe Callie’s or Amy’s allegations
against Father, and that Mother told her she “didn’t see any reason” to
kick Father out of the home following Callie’s outcry.
A family plan of service was created for Mother and made an order
of the court. Although it took Mother five months to begin services, she
did ultimately complete services. Part of the services included
counselling and the notes from Mother’s sessions were admitted as an
exhibit during trial. The counselling notes contain statements that
Mother’s progress “is minimal at best” and that Mother “has a mind-set
of ‘fabricated information’ related to her life and family.”
Mother completed a psychological evaluation with Dr. Amin, whose
report was admitted as an exhibit during trial. Dr. Amin diagnosed
Mother with bipolar I disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, mild
intellectual disability, severe unknown substance abuse disorder in
remission, and other specified personality disorders (narcissistic,
histrionic, and dependent personality features). Dr. Amin’s report noted
that Mother
6
has not adequately met the medical, emotional, or welfare
needs of her children, primarily due to her drug use, lack of
support and general knowledge regarding child development
and childrearing practices. Many responsibilities that are
necessary to maintain a self-sufficient, “routine”, adult
lifestyle…have not been met effectively by the mother. Her
own sense of affection and bonding with her children has been
impacted by her psychiatric problems, lack of insight, drug
history, lack of parenting skills, lack of involvement, and lack
of support.
Dr. Amin’s report also expressed concerns about reunification. The
report concluded that Mother “has been unable to show that she is a
psychologically capable, socially competent, sober, financially
independent, mature adult who is able to prioritize the welfare and safety
of her children in all areas long-term.”
Mother admitted at trial that she has a lengthy history of drug use.
Mother’s Spindletop Center records which were admitted into evidence
at trial reflect that she has a history of using marijuana, cocaine, meth,
and ecstasy, and Mother reported she stopped using cocaine, meth, and
ecstasy after her children were born. That said, Mother admitted in her
testimony at trial that she “probably” used meth during the pendency of
this case. Department records reflect that while the case was being
investigated and when caseworkers visited Mother’s home, it smelled of
marijuana. The trial court also heard testimony that Mother smelled of
7
marijuana when she came to the Department’s office. Mother also
reported she had been taking Xanax pills even though she didn’t have a
prescription for the pills.
The trial court also heard Mother admit she tested positive for
drugs on a July 2022 hair follicle test. At the time of the positive drug
test, Mother was also pregnant with another child, Pat, who is not one of
the children named in this termination. Mother agreed that Blake is the
father of Pat, and that Blake has a lengthy criminal history, including
charges for harassment of a public servant in a correction or detention
facility and felony possession of a controlled substance, namely PCP.
The Father of the children who are subjects of this suit also had
gone to prison for selling drugs; and Mother and Father used to smoke
PCP together. Father currently has charges pending for the sexual
assault of his children.
Mother confessed to having an extensive criminal history, but she
stated her last criminal charge was almost thirteen years ago. Mother
admitted her criminal history included three charges for prostitution, at
least three charges for trespassing, possession of a controlled substance,
theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, terroristic threats, two
8
charges for failure to ID, assault, and for the manufacture or delivery of
a controlled substance. She served two years in jail for drug charges.
Mother testified she has been rehabilitated and denied that her criminal
history shows she makes bad decisions.
The evidence before the trial court also included testimony about
the children’s current placements. Living testified that the children were
safe in their current placements, their needs were being met, and their
placements were able to be protective. Living testified that, although not
a long-term option, the foster home where Amy is placed is able to meet
her mental health needs. The three boys are placed with their maternal
grandmother, who is willing to be a forever home for them. Anna is placed
with a caregiver that is dealing with health issues, so Anna will be
returning to foster care. The children who were old enough to speak each
stated they did not wish to return to their Mother. Amy stated during the
Garth House interview that she did not want to live with Mother and
Father.
Living, the CASA, and the CASA Volunteer Coordinator each
recommended that the trial court terminate Mother’s parental rights to
the children. Living cited Mother’s inability to protect the children and
9
that the children’s safety remained a concern. The CASA Volunteer
Coordinator stated that Mother was not protective of the children, and
the CASA Volunteer Coordinator did not believe Mother would be able to
implement the things she’s learned to parent the children. The CASA
opined that termination was in the children’s best interest, as it was clear
to her that the “children are not in – as a priority in [Mother’s] life. It
seems like she still has doubt about believing her children and their
outcries, and that is a very big concern.”
At the conclusion of the trial, the trial court signed an order
terminating the parent-child relationship as to Mother and Father with
Amy, Dennis, Damien, Anna, and Drew. The trial court found by clear
and convincing evidence that the predicate statutory grounds in
subsections D and E of the Family Code were met,5 and also found by
clear and convincing evidence that termination is in the children’s best
interest. The trial court also found that terminating Mother’s and
Father’s rights to Amy, Dennis, Damien, Anna, and Drew is in their best
interest. Mother appealed from the trial court’s order.
5 See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E).
10
Standard of Review
At trial, the Department had the burden to prove the allegations in
its petition by clear and convincing evidence. 6 As defined by the Family
Code, clear and convincing evidence “means 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.”7 In
a case tried to the bench, the trial court acts as the factfinder, determines
what witnesses are credible, decides what weight to give the testimony,
and is free to resolve the inconsistencies that may exist in the testimony. 8
Under a legal-sufficiency review, we determine whether “a
reasonable trier of fact could have formed a firm belief or conviction that
its finding was true.” 9 In reviewing the evidence, we “look at all the
evidence in the light most favorable to the finding[,]” “assume that the
factfinder resolved disputed facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable
factfinder could do so[,]” and “disregard all evidence that a reasonable
6 See id. § 161.001(b); In re J.W., 645 S.W.3d 726, 740-41 (Tex.
2022).
7 Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 101.007.
8 See Iliff v. Iliff, 339 S.W.3d 74, 83 (Tex. 2011); McGalliard v.
Kuhlmann, 722 S.W.2d 694, 696 (Tex. 1986); see also City of Keller v.
Wilson, 168 S.W.3d 802, 819 (Tex. 2005).
9 In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 266 (Tex. 2002).
11
factfinder could have disbelieved or found to have been incredible.”10
Still, in our review we will not disregard “undisputed facts that do not
support the finding” that a party is challenging in an appeal.11 When
deciding whether a reasonable trier of fact could have formed a firm belief
or conviction that the evidence supports a finding challenged in an
appeal, we defer to the factfinder’s role as the “‘sole arbiter of the
witnesses’ credibility and demeanor[]’” when the inferences the factfinder
drew from the evidence before the factfinder were reasonable. 12
When conducting a factual-sufficiency review, we “give due
deference” to the findings that are based on the direct and circumstantial
evidence admitted by the trial court in the trial. 13 In a factual sufficiency
review, the question we must decide is not what we would have found
from the evidence had we been seated as the factfinder.14 Rather the
question is whether from the evidence as a whole the factfinder could
10 Id.11 Id.12 In re J.F.-G., 627 S.W.3d 304, 312 (Tex. 2012) (quoting In re
J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 346 (Tex. 2009)); see In re J.W., 645 S.W.3d at
741.
13 In re H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 108 (Tex. 2006) (cleaned up).
14 Id.12
“reasonably form a firm belief or conviction about the truth of the
[Department’s] allegations.” 15
On appeal, to support an argument that the evidence is factually
insufficient to support a finding, the parent challenging the finding
should explain why the factfinder could not have credited the evidence
the parent challenges in favor of the finding the parent disputes.16 A
reviewing court will not find the evidence factually insufficient unless “in
light of the entire record, the disputed evidence that a reasonable
factfinder could not have credited in favor of the finding is so significant
that a factfinder could not reasonably have formed a firm belief or
conviction[]” in favor of its finding. 17
Sufficiency of the Evidence—Endangerment Findings
In issues one and two, Mother argues the evidence is legally and
factually insufficient to support the trial court’s findings of condition
endangerment and conduct endangerment outlined in subsections
161.001(b)(1)(D) and (E). 18 While similar, subsections D and E are not
15 In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 25 (Tex. 2002).
16 See In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266.
17 Id. at 267.
18 See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E).
13
identical. Under subsection D, the Department had to prove, by clear and
convincing evidence, that Mother knowingly placed the children or
allowed the children to remain in conditions or surroundings that
endangered their physical or emotional well-being. 19 Under subsection E,
the Department needed to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that
Mother knowingly placed the children with a person or allowed them to
remain in a condition with a person who engaged in conduct that
endangered their well-being.20 Under either subsection D or E, the term
endanger means “‘expose to loss or injury; to jeopardize.’”21 Generally, a
parent’s conduct that subjects a child to a life of uncertainty and
instability endangers a child’s physical and emotional well-being;22
however, “it is not necessary that the conduct be directed at the child or
that the child actually suffers injury.” 23
19 See id. § 161.001(b)(1)(D).
20 See id. § 161.001(b)(1)(E).
21 In re J.F.-G., 627 S.W.3d at 313 (quoting Tex. Dep’t of Human
Servs. v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533 (Tex. 1987) (citing Endanger,
Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language
599 (1976))).
22 See In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d at 345 n.4 (citing In re R.W., 129
S.W.3d 732, 739 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied)).
23 Boyd, 727 S.W.2d at 533.
14
Often, evidence used to establish violations of subsections D and E
overlaps. Subsection D does not require evidence that a parent engaged
in conduct multiple times, and evidence that a parent engaged in either
acts or omissions that endangered a child, even a single act or omission,
may suffice. 24 Allegations involving subsection D violations require that
courts examine the period before the Department removed the child from
the home to evaluate the parent that placed or allowed the child to
remain in a condition that endangered the child’s physical or emotional
well-being.25 In contrast, allegations involving subsection E violations,
may be “based on conduct both before and after removal.” 26
“Without question, sexual abuse is conduct that endangers a child’s
physical or emotional well-being.”27 Sexual abuse of one child in the home
endangers the physical and emotional well-being of the abused child as
well as other children in the same home who may discover the abuse or
24 In re L.E.S., 471 S.W.3d 915, 925 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2015,
no pet.) (citing In re A.B., 125 S.W.3d 769, 776 (Tex. App.—Texarkana
2003, pet. denied)).
25 Id. (citing In re L.C., 145 S.W.3d 790, 795 (Tex. App.—Texarkana
2004, no pet.)).
26 In re A.L.H., 515 S.W.3d 60, 93 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.]
2017, pet. denied) (citing In re S.R., 452 S.W.3d 351, 360 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. denied)).
27 In re L.C., 145 S.W.3d at 796.
15
may be abused themselves. 28 “Parental knowledge that an actual offense
has occurred is not necessary; it is sufficient that the parent was aware
of the potential for danger and disregarded that risk.” 29
The record reveals ample evidence that Mother, at a minimum,
knew of the potential danger of sexual abuse of her children by Father
and failed to adequately protect the children from that risk. Mother
admitted that Callie told her in September 2021 that Father sexually
abused her. Despite Callie’s outcries, Mother refused to believe Callie
because she did not see the sexual abuse with her own eyes. Mother
admitted she failed to remove Father from the home but blamed this
action on the Department because she said they did not tell her he could
not be in the home.
After Mother failed to remove Father from the home, Amy made an
outcry of sexual abuse against Father in January 2022. Testimony at
trial showed that Mother was present in the next bedroom when the
sexual abuse of Amy took place. Amy stated that Mother told her to lie
about the sexual abuse and Mother admitted she told her “not to tell the
28 Id.
29 Id.
16
truth” because Mother did not want her children to be removed. Though
Mother said at trial that she now believes Callie and Amy, a telephone
call Mother had just before trial indicated Mother still doubted Callie’s
and Amy’s outcries. Mother also admitted at trial that she failed to
protect the children.
The record also reveals endangering conditions other than those
relating to sexual abuse. The evidence at trial showed that Mother had a
long drug history with use of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, PCP, and meth.
Although Mother claimed to have stopped using drugs, she admitted that
she likely used meth during the pendency of this case and the record
shows she tested positive for drugs during this case and while she was
pregnant with another child. The evidence of Mother’s drug use and
continued drug use during the pendency of the case permitted the trial
court to conclude that she engaged in conduct that subjected her children
“to a life of uncertainty and instability, thereby endangering their
physical and emotional well-being.” 30
We conclude the evidence is legally and factually sufficient to
support the trial court’s finding that the Department established by clear
30 See In re A.B., 125 S.W.3d at 777.
17
and convincing evidence that Mother committed the predicate acts
enumerated in subsections D and E. We overrule Mother’s first and
second issues.
Sufficiency of the Evidence–the Best-Interest Finding
In her third issue, Mother contends the evidence is legally and
factually insufficient to support the trial court’s finding that termination
of Mother’s parental rights is in the children’s best interest. When
deciding whether terminating a parent’s rights is in a child’s best
interest, the inquiry is necessarily “child-centered and focuses on the
child’s well-being, safety, and development.” 31 Generally, when
examining the evidence supporting a best-interest finding, we compare
the evidence admitted in a trial against the nonexclusive factors the
Texas Supreme Court identified in Holley v. Adams.32 The evidence that
31 In re A.C., 560 S.W.3d 624, 631 (Tex. 2018).
32 See Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 371-72 (Tex. 1976). In
Holley, the Texas Supreme Court used these factors when reviewing the
best-interest finding:
• The child’s desires;
• The child’s emotional and physical needs, now and in the
future;
• The emotional and physical danger to the child, now and in the
future;
18
relates to a factfinder’s normal decision-making process in finding what
is in a specific child’s best interest need not include evidence addressing
all nine Holley factors.33
Under the Family Code, there is a strong presumption that keeping
a child with a parent is in the child’s best interest.34 Even so, it is also
presumed “the prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe
environment is…in the child’s best interest.” 35
• The parenting abilities of the parties seeking custody;
• The programs available to assist the party seeking custody;
• The plans for the child by the parties seeking custody;
• The stability of the home or the proposed placement;
• The parent’s acts or omissions that reveal the existing parent-
child relationship is improper; and
• Any excuse for the parent’s acts or omissions.
33 In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27 (noting the lack of evidence on some
Holley factors “would not preclude a factfinder from reasonably forming
a strong belief or conviction that termination is in the child’s best
interest[]”).
34 Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 153.131(b); see also In R.R., 209 S.W.3d
112, 116 (Tex. 2006) (noting that a “strong presumption” exists favoring
keeping a child with the child’s parent).
35 Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307(a).
19
In a best-interest analysis, the focus is on the best interest of the
child, not the best interest of the parent. 36 Often, the evidence that
supports the predicate findings on the D and E grounds may also support
the trial court’s best-interest finding.37 And the Department need not
present evidence to support each of the Holley factors, as the lack of
evidence on some factors will not preclude the factfinder from forming a
strong conviction that terminating the parent-child relationship is in a
child’s best interest, particularly when the evidence is undisputed that
the parent endangered the child.38 As the reviewing court, the question
we must decide is whether the record, when considered as a whole,
supports the trial court’s best-interest finding. 39
As already mentioned, the trial court found that Mother
endangered her children based on the evidence presented at trial. The
trial court could have reasonably concluded that—terminating Mother’s
36 Dupree v. Tex. Dep’t of Protective & Regulatory Servs., 907 S.W.2d
81, 86 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1995, no writ).
37 In re T.R.S., No. 09-18-00482-CV, 2019 WL 2455273, at *5 (Tex.
App.—Beaumont June 13, 2019, no pet.) (mem. op.) (“The same evidence
that supports a trial court’s findings under subsections D, E, . . . may also
be relevant to the trial court’s best-interest finding.”).
38 In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27.
39 Id. at 28.
20
parental rights was required to prevent Mother from endangering her
children again, Mother failed to protect her children from sexual abuse
by Father, Mother told Amy to lie about the abuse to keep Father in the
house, and Mother admitted just before trial that she still did not believe
the outcries from her daughters.
The trial court heard testimony the children were safe in their
current placements, their needs were being met, and their placements
were able to be protective. Although not a long-term option, Amy is
currently placed in a foster home that is able to meet her mental health
needs. The three boys are placed with their maternal grandmother, who
is willing to be a forever home for them. Anna is currently placed with a
caregiver that is dealing with health issues and will be returning to foster
care. The children who were old enough to verbalize their desires each
stated they did not wish to return to their Mother. Amy stated during the
Garth House interview that she did not want to live with Mother and
Father.
During the case, Mother was not allowed visitation with her
children because of the sexual abuse allegations and her inability to be
protective. While in Mother’s care, Mother reported that Dennis had to
21
repeat kindergarten and defecated on himself and was still in a diaper at
seven years old, but she did not take him to a doctor for those problems.
The service plan also reflected concerns that Amy was in a caregiver role.
Mother testified that she did not know that Amy was suffering from
nightmares and anger issues about the sexual abuse.
A parent’s past conduct is relevant to a trial court’s decision about
what is in a child’s best interest.40 As already discussed, the trial court
heard evidence that Mother had drug use issues that continued during
the pendency of this case. Mother continued to associate with men who
have criminal charges and who used drugs. In fact, Mother admitted she
used drugs during her pregnancy with Pat, who as we previously
mentioned is not one of the children the Department named in this suit.41
Likewise, Dr. Amin’s report indicates that Mother has untreated mental
health issues that Mother is unlikely to address, and Mother has
substance abuse issues for which Mother is not likely to seek long-term
care.
40 Id. at 27-28.
41 Pat was born after the Department received a report in January
2022 alleging that Father was abusing Amy and after the Department
opened the investigation that resulted in the judgment at issue in this
appeal.
22
Deferring to the trial court’s role as the sole arbiter of the facts, we
conclude the record contains legally and factually sufficient evidence to
support the trial court’s best-interest finding.42 We overrule Mother’s
third issue.
Conclusion
Because Mother’s issues lack merit, the trial court’s judgment is
AFFIRMED.
_________________________
LEANNE JOHNSON
Justice
Submitted on June 20, 2023
Opinion Delivered August 3, 2023
Before Golemon, C.J., Horton and Johnson, JJ.
42 See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §§ 161.001(b)(2), 263.307(a); see also In
re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266; Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 371-72.
23