in the Interest of L.N.C. and I.G.H.

NO. 07-10-0458-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
AT AMARILLO
PANEL D
MARCH 6, 2012
______________________________
IN RE I.G.H., A MINOR CHILD
_________________________________
FROM COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 2 OF RANDALL COUNTY;
NO. 7329-L2; HONORABLE RONNIE WALKER, JUDGE
_______________________________
Before QUINN, C.J., and CAMPBELL and PIRTLE, JJ.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Appellant, B.J.H.,1 appeals the trial court's order terminating his parental rights to
his daughter, I.G.H.2 By two issues, he maintains the trial court erred in finding that (1)
he knowingly placed or knowingly allowed I.G.H. to remain in conditions or surroundings
which endangered her physical or emotional well-being and (2) he engaged in conduct
1
To protect the parent's and child's privacy, we refer to Appellant and other parties by their initials. See
Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §109.002(d) (West 2008). See also Tex. R. App. P. 9.8(b).
2
As originally filed, the Department also sought termination of the parental rights of A.B.H., I.G.H.'s
mother. Pursuant to an affidavit of voluntary relinquishment of parental rights signed during trial, the trial
court's order also terminated A.B.H.'s parental rights. A.B.H. does not appeal.
or knowingly placed I.G.H. with persons who engaged in conduct which endangered her
physical or emotional well-being. We affirm.
BACKGROUND FACTS
I.G.H. was born on August 11, 2008, to B.J.H. and A.B.H. At that time, I.G.H.,
A.B.H., and B.J.H. resided in the home of A.B.H.'s mother. In addition to her mother,
A.B.H.'s grandmother and her older daughter, L.N.C., also lived at that residence.
A.B.H.'s mother was the children's primary caregiver. In November 2008, B.J.H. moved
out amid allegations of domestic violence between himself and A.B.H. He was,
however, permitted to visit his daughter and stepdaughter.
A.B.H. began using drugs when she was eleven years old3 and according to her
own admission, was using drugs in 2009. In June 2009, she was suspected of forging
checks on relatives' checking accounts and law enforcement commenced an
investigation. A search warrant was obtained, and on June 10, 2009, the Canyon
Police Department conducted a raid at the residence. An investigator for the
Department of Family and Protective Services was notified because of the presence of
children. Following the raid, the children were removed and immediately placed with
A.B.H.'s uncle.
A.B.H. was charged with child endangerment, possession of methamphetamines
and forgery. Pursuant to a plea agreement, she was granted deferred adjudication and
placed on community supervision. At the time of the raid and removal of the children,
3
A.B.H. was in her early twenties at the time of the hearing.
2
B.J.H. was serving a twenty-two month sentence for evading detention. His sentence
was originally imposed in April 2009, and his release was scheduled for February 2011.
According to the investigator's testimony, at the time of the raid, the home was in
disarray, had large black trash bags and debris scattered throughout and presented a
hazardous environment for young children. Additionally, the discovery of drugs and
drug paraphernalia gave the Department cause to be concerned about the well-being of
the children. Consequently, the Department initiated this termination proceeding two
days after the raid.
Following a trial before the bench and testimony from numerous witnesses, the
trial court announced its ruling terminating the parental rights of both B.J.H and A.B.H.
Findings of fact and conclusions of law were entered in support of the order. B.J.H. is
the sole party appealing the termination order. In this appeal, he challenges both the
legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting that order.4
INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION OF PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
Section 161.001 of the Texas Family Code permits a court to order termination of
parental rights if the petitioner establishes one or more acts or omissions enumerated
under subsection (1) of the statute and also proves that termination of the parent-child
relationship is in the best interest of the child. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. ' 161.001
(West Supp. 2011); Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 370 (Tex. 1976). Though the
4
B.J.H. timely filed a Statement of Points challenging the sufficiency of the evidence and other issues
ultimately not raised in his brief. Effective September 1, 2011, section 263.405(b) of the Texas Family
Code, which required a timely filed Statement of Points to preserve issues for appellate review, was
repealed. See Act of May 5, 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., ch. 75, 2011 Tex. Sess. Law Serv. 348, 349.
3
same evidence may be probative of both issues, both elements must be established
and proof of one element does not relieve the petitioner of the burden of proving the
other. See In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 28 (Tex. 2002); Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 370.
Therefore, we will affirm the termination order if the evidence sufficiently establishes any
statutory ground upon which the trial court relied in terminating parental rights as well as
the best interest finding. See In re S.F., 32 S.W.3d 318, 320 (Tex.App.BSan Antonio
2000, no pet.).
§ 161.001(1)(D) - DANGEROUS CONDITIONS OR SURROUNDINGS
Under section 161.001(1)(D), parental rights may be terminated when clear and
convincing evidence shows that a parent knowingly placed or knowingly allowed a child
to remain in conditions or surroundings that endanger the physical or emotional well-
being of the child. In our analysis, we must examine the time before the child's removal
to determine whether the environment itself posed a danger to the child's physical or
emotional well-being. Ybarra v. Tex. Dept of Human Services, 869 S.W.2d 574, 577
(Tex.App.--Corpus Christi 1993, no writ). Although the focus of subsection (D) is on the
child=s living environment and not on the parent=s conduct, parental conduct may
produce an endangering Aenvironment.@ See In re D.T., 34 S.W.3d 625, 633
(Tex.App.BFort Worth 2000, pet. denied). See also Matter of B.R., 822 S.W.2d 103,
105-06 (Tex.App.BTyler 1991, writ denied) (citing In Interest of L.S., 748 S.W.2d 571
(Tex.App.BAmarillo 1988, no writ)). Subsection (D) requires a showing that the
environment in which the child is placed poses a threat to the child=s physical or
emotional health. Doyle v. Texas Dept of Pro. and Reg. Serv., 16 S.W.3d 390, 395
4
(Tex.App.--El Paso 2000, pet. denied). Additionally, subsection (D) permits termination
of parental rights based on a single act or omission by the parent. In re L.C., 145
S.W.3d 790, 796 (Tex.App.BTexarkana 2004, no pet.).
§ 161.001(1)(E) - DANGEROUS CONDUCT
Under section 161.001(1)(E), parental rights may be terminated when clear and
convincing evidence shows that a parent engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the
child with persons who engaged in conduct which endangers the physical or emotional
well-being of the child. The cause of the danger to the child must be the conduct in
question, as evidenced not only by the parent's actions but also by his or her omission
or failure to act. Doyle, 16 S.W.3d at 395. Additionally, subsection (E) requires more
than a single act or omission; a voluntary, deliberate, and conscious Acourse of conduct@
by the parent is required. In re D.T., 34 S.W.3d at 634. AEndanger@ means more than a
threat of metaphysical injury or the possible ill effects of a less-than-ideal family
environment; it means actual exposure to loss or injury. In re M.C., 917 S.W.2d 268,
269 (Tex. 1996), (citing Texas Dept. of Human Services v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533
(Tex. 1987)). See also In re T.N., 180 S.W.3d 376, 383 (Tex.App.BAmarillo 2003, no
pet.).
Parental knowledge that actual endangering conduct has occurred is not
necessary; it is sufficient that the parent was aware of the potential for danger and
disregarded the risk. In re S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d 472, 477 (Tex.App.--Houston [14th Dist.
2005, no pet.). Furthermore, the child need not suffer actual injury and the parent's
5
conduct need not be directed at the particular child in question. In re M.C.T., 250
S.W.3d 161, 169 (Tex.App.--Fort Worth 2008, no pet.).
The law does not require that a child be a victim of abusive conduct before the
Department can involuntarily terminate a parent's rights to that child. In re C.J.F., 134
S.W.3d 343, 352 (Tex.App.--Amarillo 2003, no pet.). "Rather, if the evidence shows a
course of conduct which has the effect of endangering the emotional well-being of the
child, a finding under section 161.001(1)(E) is supportable." Id.
§ 161.001(2) - BEST INTEREST5
Notwithstanding the sufficiency of the evidence to support termination under
section 161.001(1), the reviewing court must also find clear and convincing evidence
that termination of the parent-child relationship was in the child's best interest. See '
161.001(2). In deciding best interest, we consider numerous factors. See § 263.307(b).
The Supreme Court has considered 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; (6)
the plans for the child by these individuals; (7) the stability of the home; (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,
544 S.W.2d at 371-72. These factors are not exhaustive; some listed factors may be
5
Although B.J.H. does not present an issue challenging the trial court's best interest finding, we
nevertheless review the finding as a necessary element for termination of his parental rights.
6
inapplicable to some cases, while other factors not on the list may also be considered
when appropriate. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27. Furthermore, undisputed evidence of
one factor may be sufficient in a particular case to support a finding that termination is in
the best interest of the child. Id. On the other hand, the presence of scant evidence
relevant to each Holley factor will not support such a finding. Id. Evidence that proves
one or more statutory grounds for termination may also constitute evidence illustrating
that termination is in the child's best interest. See id. at 28. In any case, there must be
evidence from which a factfinder could reasonably have formed a firm conviction or
belief that the child's best interest warranted termination. In re D.S.A., 113 S.W.3d 567,
574 (Tex.App.--Amarillo 2003, no pet.).
STANDARD OF REVIEW IN TERMINATION CASES
The natural right existing between parents and their children is of constitutional
dimension. See Santosky v. Kramer, 455 U.S. 745, 758-59, 102 S. Ct. 1388, 71 L. Ed. 2d
599 (1982). See also Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20 (Tex. 1985). Consequently,
termination proceedings are strictly scrutinized. In Interest of G.M., 596 S.W.2d 846
(Tex. 1980). Parental rights, however, are not absolute, and it is essential that the
emotional and physical interests of a child not be sacrificed merely to preserve those
rights. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 26.
A termination decree is complete, final, irrevocable, and divests for all time that
natural right as well as all legal rights, privileges, duties, and powers that exist between
a child and his or her parent other than the child=s right to inherit. Holick, 685 S.W.2d at
7
20. Thus, due process requires application of the clear and convincing standard of
proof in cases involving involuntary termination of parental rights. In re J.F.C., 96
S.W.3d 256, 263 (Tex. 2002). Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree
of proof which 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. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. '
101.007 (West 2008). See also In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 25-26.
In a legal sufficiency review of the evidence to support an order terminating
parental rights, we look at all the evidence in the light most favorable to the finding to
determine whether a reasonable trier of fact could have formed a firm belief or
conviction as to the truth of the allegations sought to be established. See Tex. Fam.
Code Ann. ' 101.007 (West 2008); In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. To give appropriate
deference to the factfinder's conclusions and the role of a court conducting a legal
sufficiency review, looking at the evidence in the light most favorable to the judgment
means that a reviewing court must assume the factfinder resolved disputed facts in
favor of its finding if a reasonable factfinder could do so. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266.
Thus, we disregard all evidence that a reasonable factfinder could have disbelieved or
found to have been incredible. Id.
The standard for reviewing the factual sufficiency of termination findings is
whether the evidence is such that a reasonable factfinder could form a firm belief or
conviction about the truth of the Department's allegations. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 25-
26. Under that standard, we consider whether the disputed evidence is such that a
reasonable factfinder could not have resolved the disputed evidence in favor of its
8
finding. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. If, 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,
then the evidence is factually insufficient. Id.
ANALYSIS
Here, the trial court found that termination of B.J.H.'s parental rights to I.G.H. was
in her best interest. The trial court also found that he:
(1) knowingly placed or knowingly allowed I.G.H. to remain in
conditions or surroundings which endangered her physical or emotional
well-being; and
(2) engaged in conduct or knowingly placed I.G.H. with persons who
engaged in conduct which endangered her physical or emotional well-
being.
Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(1)(D) and (E) (West Supp. 2011).
Under subparagraph (D), the focus is on the child's living environment. From her
birth in August 2008 until June 2009, when she was removed from the home following
the raid, I.G.H. was living with her mother and half-sister in her grandmother's home.
A.B.H.'s uncle, who temporarily kept the children after their removal, testified that
A.B.H. and her children were living in filth and trash. He added that trash bags would
pile up for weeks in the kitchen and living room and that the bottoms of L.N.C.'s feet
were black from the filth. The Department investigator testified that at the time of the
raid, officers discovered controlled substances and drug paraphernalia as well as large
9
trash bags and debris scattered throughout. Although I.G.H. was too young to be
mobile, drugs found in a bathroom were within reach of her older half-sister, L.N.C. As
a result of the raid, one of the charges brought against A.B.H. was endangering a child,
to which she pleaded guilty and was granted deferred adjudication and placed on
community supervision for five years.
Other than the time he briefly lived in the residence, the Department did not
provide any evidence demonstrating B.J.H.'s knowledge of the conditions of the home
after he moved out in November 2008. Instead, through vigorous cross-examination of
witnesses, B.J.H. was able to show that he did not live in the house at the time of the
raid, was not connected to the drugs found nor to the forgeries tied to A.B.H. and had
no input regarding I.G.H.'s living conditions while she was in the care of her mother and
grandmother.
B.J.H. did express concern for I.G.H. in November 2008, not so much because of
I.G.H.'s living environment, but because he discovered that A.B.H. was breast feeding
I.G.H. while abusing methamphetamines. B.J.H. threatened to leave A.B.H. if she did
not get clean and attempted to remove I.G.H. from the home. According to his
testimony, he contacted the Department and also called the Canyon Police Department
to report A.B.H.'s drug abuse. At one point, he was in the process of placing a car seat
in his vehicle in an attempt to remove I.G.H. from that environment when A.B.H.'s
mother accused him of stealing the car seat. At that time, his efforts to take I.G.H were
thwarted by Canyon Police Officers and A.B.H. According to the Department's
caseworker, B.J.H.'s call to report A.B.H.'s drug abuse was characterized as a domestic
10
violence call. B.J.H., however, explained that his argument with A.B.H. was the result of
her conduct, i.e., breast feeding his four-month-old daughter while abusing
methamphetamines.6
Viewed in the light most favorable to the termination finding, we conclude that
this evidence is legally sufficient to support termination under section 161.001(1)(D).
However, given the heightened standard of review in termination cases, in conducting a
factual sufficiency review, we find the Department failed to establish by clear and
convincing evidence that B.J.H. knowingly placed or knowingly allowed I.G.H. to remain
in conditions or surroundings which endangered her physical or emotional well-being.
Therefore, issue one is sustained.
We begin our analysis of issue two by noting that although a substantial portion
of the testimony and evidence presented during trial focused on A.B.H.'s conduct, the
Department did present evidence that B.J.H. engaged in conduct not befitting a parent
as well. The Department presented evidence of B.J.H.'s criminal history from two
prosecutors. His pen packet included a 2002 conviction for resisting arrest, a 2003
conviction for assault causing bodily injury, a 2003 conviction for theft by check, a 2005
conviction for evading arrest with a vehicle and a 2009 conviction for evading detention.
While imprisonment, standing alone, is not a basis for termination of parental rights,
Texas Dept. of Human Services v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533-54 (Tex. 1987), it is an
appropriate factor to consider. Id.
6
B.J.H. was eventually charged with felony assault. That case was dismissed, however, pursuant to a
plea bargain agreement wherein B.J.H. agreed to plead guilty to evading detention in exchange for a
recommendation of twenty-two months confinement.
11
In 2007, prior to I.G.H.'s birth, the Department previously investigated B.J.H. for
drug use7 and domestic violence against his stepdaughter, L.N.C. The case, however,
was closed after A.B.H.'s grandmother agreed to protect L.N.C. In 2008, the
Department had two intakes on B.J.H., one for neglectful supervision and one for
physical abuse. Both were ruled as RTBs (reason to believe), however, no further
action was taken.
A counselor who evaluated L.N.C. testified that L.N.C. observed domestic
violence between her mother and B.J.H. She also testified that L.N.C. disclosed that
B.J.H. once grabbed her by the arm, strangled her around the neck and spanked her
excessively with a wooden paddle. L.N.C. was also evaluated by a psychologist who
likewise testified that L.N.C. claimed B.J.H. hurt her arm and threw her on the bed.8
During his testimony, B.J.H. denied harming L.N.C., but admitted incidents of domestic
violence in his relationship with A.B.H. Contrary to the Department's witnesses, B.J.H.
testified that domestic violence did not occur in the presence of the children.
In support of his case, B.J.H. testified that he worked regularly to provide for his
family and tried to interact with his daughter and stepdaughter. During his incarceration,
he completed parenting, religious, life skills and anger management classes and he
attempted to comply with as many of the Department's family based services as
7
After I.G.H.'s birth in 2008, there is nothing in the record to indicate drug use by B.J.H. The Department
never asked him to submit to testing and he tested negative while incarcerated.
8
According to L.N.C.'s grandmother, B.J.H. grabbed L.N.C. when she stepped in during an argument with
A.B.H.
12
possible. He expressed his intent to complete services upon his release, including a
batterer's prevention program, which was not available to him while incarcerated.
B.J.H.'s good intentions notwithstanding, the evidence demonstrated a voluntary,
deliberate and conscious "course of conduct" of physical abuse and anger toward
A.B.H. and L.N.C. which could impact the well-being of I.G.H. Abuse does not need to
be directed at the child in question to support a finding of endangerment. See In re
W.J.H., 111 S.W.3d 707, 716 (Tex.App.--Fort Worth 2003, pet. denied). See also In re
C.J.O., 325 S.W.3d 261, 265 (Tex.App.--Eastland 2010, pet. denied) (holding that
domestic violence may be considered evidence of endangerment under section
161.001(1)(E)). Additionally, B.J.H.'s propensity to commit crimes that could subject
him to incarceration could negatively impact I.G.H. by subjecting her to a life of
uncertainty and instability which could endanger her physical and emotional well-being.
See In re S.D., 980 S.W.2d 758, 763 (Tex.App.--San Antonio 1998, pet. denied).
Based upon this record, we conclude the evidence is legally and factually sufficient to
support termination of B.J.H.'s parental rights under section 161.001(1)(E). Issue two is
overruled.
Having found that at least one ground for termination was established, we will
review the trial court's best interest finding. Following her removal from the home and
temporary custody by her uncle, I.G.H. was placed in a foster home. A psychologist
testified that the animosity and conflict in the family made placement with family
members unsuitable and it was in the best interest of the children for them to be cared
for outside the family. A counselor who assessed I.G.H. testified that she was
13
hyperactive, anxious, cautious and made angry sounds. Her behavior was indicative of
an abusive or chaotic environment. Although her prognosis was guarded, she believed
that removing I.G.H. from her environment would allow for self-correction of her
behavior.
According to the counselor, B.J.H. has not seen I.G.H. since she was four
months old. She was two at the time of the hearing in 2010. The counselor
recommended termination of parental rights and expressed that I.G.H. was very bonded
to her foster family and her half-sister, who is also staying with the same family. The
counselor's understanding was that the foster family was willing to adopt both girls if
they were available. She also expressed concern over separating the girls who needed
permanency and stability. The Department's caseworker testified that termination was
in the best interest of I.G.H. for purposes of adoption. Based on this evidence, we
agree with the trial court's determination that termination of B.J.H.'s parental rights to
I.G.H. was in her best interest.
CONCLUSION
Having found clear and convincing evidence to support termination under section
161.001(1)(E) and section 161.001(2) of the Texas Family Code, we affirm the trial
court's order terminating B.J.H.'s parental rights to I.G.H.
Patrick A. Pirtle
Justice
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