in the Interest of F.H., a Child ( 2018 )

Affirmed and Memorandum Opinion filed August 16, 2018.
In The
Fourteenth Court of Appeals
NO. 14-18-00209-CV
IN THE INTEREST OF F.H., A Child
On Appeal from the 328th District Court
Fort Bend County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. 16-DCV-235493
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Appellant, J.H. (Father) appeals the trial court’s decree terminating his
parental rights to F.H. (Fiona).1 Father contends the evidence was legally and
factually insufficient to support the trial court’s findings as to the predicate grounds
on which his parental rights were terminated and that termination was in Fiona’s best
interest. We affirm.
1
We use pseudonyms to refer to the child in this case. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. §
109.002(d) (West 2014); Tex. R. App. P. 9.8.
BACKGROUND
The Department received a referral in August 2016 alleging neglectful
supervision of Fiona by P.V. (Mother). It was reported that Mother had given Fiona
to a cousin and was planning to give the cousin custody of Fiona. Mother had been
hospitalized for alcohol poisoning and substance abuse. After being released from
the hospital, Mother made suicidal threats and demanded Fiona back.
The caseworker spoke to maternal grandmother who did not have a phone
number for Mother and did not know where Mother was living. She thought Fiona
was with Mother. The caseworker then spoke to paternal grandmother who stated
Father was in jail and she was unsure of Mother’s and Fiona’s whereabouts.
In September 2016, the caseworker was informed that Mother was in jail and
Fiona was with paternal grandmother. Paternal grandmother brought Fiona to the
Department’s office. Mother told the caseworker she was arrested for driving while
intoxicated. Father told the caseworker he was arrested in August of 2016 and had
not met Fiona. Fiona was placed in a Parental Child Safety Placement with Mother’s
cousin and his wife.
Mother and Father had previous involvement with the Department in relation
to their older children, G.P. (Grace) and M.H. (Martin). The Department received a
referral in December of 2015 alleging neglectful supervision by Mother and Father.
Grace was placed with her biological father. The Department was granted temporary
conservatorship over Martin and he was placed with an aunt and uncle. An order
terminating Mother and Father’s parental rights to Martin was introduced as an
exhibit at trial.
2
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On September 16, 2016, the Department filed an original petition for
protection of a child, for conservatorship, and for termination in a suit affecting the
parent-child relationship. An emergency order was entered on September 16, 2016
granting the Department temporary sole managing conservatorship of Fiona. This
appointment was continued by order after an adversary hearing on September 29,
2016.
1. Trial Proceedings
Evidence about Father
Father was in jail when the Department first became involved in the case with
pending charges related to the assault of Mother. The alleged assault occurred on
August 17, 2016 while Mother was pregnant with Fiona, who was born a few days
later. Maternal grandmother testified that Mother came to her home after the alleged
assault and was injured with a bump on her head. At trial, Mother testified that Father
was in jail facing charges that he assaulted her prior to Fiona’s birth. Mother testified
that at the time of the alleged assault, Father was living with paternal grandmother.
When Father was released from jail, he again lived with paternal grandmother.
Father was in jail the majority of the time while the case involving Fiona was
pending. Father had not completed any of the court-ordered services. Father had not
paid any child support and had never seen Fiona. During a hearing in January 2017,
Father spoke to the caseworker about Fiona and asked to see her. The caseworker
set up a visitation date and Father did not show up. The caseworker continued to set
up visitation times and “the caregiver came constantly for two or three months
waiting for a visit.” Father never showed up for a visit. The caseworker testified that
she thought Fiona was emotionally injured by Father.
3
The caseworker testified that she did not believe Father could provide Fiona
with a safe and stable home because he was in jail. The caseworker testified Father
currently had pending charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against
Mother. Further, the caseworker testified that Father had four felony burglary
charges that were pending. She testified that when the Department first became
involved with the family, when Martin came into custody, Father had just been
released from parole. She was not aware of Father having stable housing or a job
during the case.
The Department investigator testified there “was a lot of criminal history” in
paternal grandmother’s home. Father’s sister and brother-in-law lived in the house
and they had criminal history. The investigator believed Mother and Father were
living there when there was a prior Department case involving drug use and domestic
violence. Father was living in that home when he was arrested on the assault charge.
The investigator believed Father and Mother were abusing drugs while living in that
home.
Fiona’s guardian ad litem testified that she believed Father had harmed Fiona
when “he beat [Mother]” while she was carrying Fiona. Further, she testified that
Father is not able to avoid domestic violence or using drugs and is unable to work to
financially support Fiona.
The current caregiver testified that she had done nothing to exclude Father
from having access to Fiona. She had never received a phone call from Father asking
about Fiona. The current caregiver took Fiona for visits at the Department’s office
for two to three months but Father never showed up.
The Department attempted to call Father as a witness at trial. However,
Father’s counsel objected based on the Fifth Amendment. The trial court sustained
the objection and denied the Department’s request to call Father as a witness.
4
The indictment charging Father with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
was introduced into evidence. It alleges Father caused bodily injury to Mother by
striking her with a glass bottle on or about August 17, 2016. Also introduced into
evidence is a bail bond for Father dated June 12, 2017. It states Father was arrested
on June 5, 2017, for felony burglary of a building. Drug tests results introduced at
trial indicated Father tested positive for cocaine and cocaine metabolites on
December 23, 2015, during the Department case related to Martin.
The clerk’s record2 contains an affidavit filed by a caseworker for the
Department in support of emergency relief that avers Father has the following
criminal history:
 6/22/2001 burglary of a building – convicted and confined for 180 days;
 4/22/2002 burglary of building – convicted and disposition referred to
a magistrate;
 8/15/2005 criminal mischief between $50 and $500 – disposition held;
 6/1/2006 possession of marijuana under 2 ounces – convicted and
confined for 20 days;
 11/23/2007 possession of marijuana under 2 ounces – convicted and
confined for 25 days;
 3/17/2009 unlawfully carrying a weapon – convicted and confined for
30 days;
 3/8/2010 burglary of a habitation – convicted of a lesser charge and
confined for 166 days;
 3/8/2010 theft of property between $1,500 and $20,000 – disposition
released without prosecution;
2
We presume the trial court took judicial notice of its record without any request being
made and without any announcement that it has done so. See In re A.W.B., No. 14–11–00926–CV,
2012 WL 1048640, at *3 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Mar. 27, 2012, no pet.) (mem. op.)
(presuming trial court took judicial notice of order adopting family service plan). In the Interest of
C.M.C., 14–12–00186–CV, 2012 WL 3871359 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Aug. 30, 2012,
pet. denied) (mem. op.).
5
 12/7/2010 burglary of a building – convicted and confined for 12
months;
 3/1/2011 theft of a firearm – disposition referred to magistrate;
 6/28/2011 aggravated robbery – convicted of lesser charge and
confined for 3 years;
 4/25/2013 burglary of a building – convicted and confined for 12
months;
 6/27/2015 theft of property less than $50 with previous conviction –
convicted and confined for 15 days;
 5/8/2016 evading detention– disposition referred to magistrate; and
 8/18/2016 aggravated assault with a deadly weapon of family
member - disposition referred to magistrate.
Further, the affiant states that on December 19, 2015, the Department received
a referral of neglectful supervision of Grace and Martin by Mother and Father. “It
was reported that [Father] smokes crack cocaine on daily basis in the house around
the children. . . . Mother has knowledge of Father smoking crack cocaine . . . Father
and Mother get into fist fights with the children present in the same room. Law
enforcement has been called out on several occasions due to the domestic violence
in the home.” The record reflects in a Family Service Plan dated October 23, 2016,
Father admitted to using cocaine in 2015.
Evidence about Fiona
Fiona has been in her current placement, with Mother’s cousin and his wife,
since she was three weeks old. The caseworker testified that she has no concerns
with Fiona’s current placement with Mother’s cousin and his wife. She stated it is
nourishing, safe, and stable. The caregivers are committed to caring for Fiona and
put her well-being first and foremost. They are meeting her emotional and physical
needs. The CASA advocate testified the interactions between Fiona and the
6
caregivers were that of a loving family unit. Additionally, Fiona’s caregiver testified
that Fiona visits her brother, Martin, regularly.
The caseworker testified Fiona does not know Mother and Father. The current
caregivers intend to adopt Fiona. The caseworker did not think giving the current
caregivers conservatorship and not terminating Mother and Father’s parental rights
would accomplish the goal of obtaining a safe and stable home for Fiona. She felt
Fiona needed stability in her life.
2. Trial Court Decree
On February 22, 2018, the trial court entered a final decree terminating
Mother’s3 and Father’s parental rights to Fiona. The decree terminated Father’s
parental rights under section 161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (F), (M), (N), and (O). The trial
court also found that termination of Father’s parental rights was in the best interest
of Fiona. This appeal followed.
ANALYSIS
Parental rights can be terminated upon proof by clear and convincing evidence
that (1) the parent has committed an act prohibited by section 161.001(b)(1) of the
Family Code; and (2) termination is in the best interest of the child. Tex. Fam. Code
Ann. § 161.001(b)(1), (2) (West Supp. 2016); In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d 336, 344
(Tex. 2009).
A. Standard of Review
Involuntary termination of parental rights is a serious matter implicating
fundamental constitutional rights. Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20 (Tex. 1985);
In re D.R.A., 374 S.W.3d 528, 531 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, no pet.).
3
Mother did not appeal the termination of her parental rights.
7
Although parental rights are of constitutional magnitude, they are not absolute. In re
C.H., 89 S.W.3d 17, 26 (Tex. 2002) (“Just as it is imperative for courts to recognize
the constitutional underpinnings of the parent-child relationship, it is also essential
that emotional and physical interests of the child not be sacrificed merely to preserve
that right.”).
Due to the severity and permanency of the termination of parental rights, the
burden of proof is heightened to the clear and convincing evidence standard. See
Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001; In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 265–66 (Tex. 2002).
“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.” Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 101.007 (West
2014); In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 264. This heightened burden of proof results in a
heightened standard of review. In re C.M.C., 273 S.W.3d 862, 873 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, no pet.).
In reviewing the legal sufficiency of the evidence in a parental termination
case, we must consider all the evidence in the light most favorable to the trial court’s
finding to determine whether a reasonable fact finder could have formed a firm belief
or conviction that its finding was true. In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d at 344; In re J.F.C.,
96 S.W.3d at 266. We assume that the fact finder resolved disputed facts in favor of
its finding if a reasonable fact finder could do so, and we disregard all evidence that
a reasonable fact finder could have disbelieved. In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d at 344; In
re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266.
In reviewing the factual sufficiency of the evidence, we consider and weigh
all of the evidence, including disputed or conflicting evidence. In re J.O.A., 283
S.W.3d at 345. “If, in light of the entire record, the disputed evidence that a
reasonable fact finder could not have credited in favor of the finding is so significant
8
that a fact finder could not reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction, then
the evidence is factually insufficient.” Id. We give due deference to the fact finder’s
findings and we cannot substitute our own judgment for that of the fact finder. In re
H.R.M., 209 S.W.3d 105, 108 (Tex. 2006). The fact finder is the sole arbiter when
assessing the credibility and demeanor of witnesses. Id. at 109.
B. Predicate Termination Grounds
Father challenges the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence supporting
the trial court’s judgment terminating his parental rights to Fiona under sections
161.001(b)(1)(D), (E), (F), (M), (N), and (O). Only one predicate finding under
section 161.001(b)(1) is necessary to support a judgment of termination when there
is also a finding that termination is in the child’s best interest. See In re A.V., 113
S.W.3d 355, 362 (Tex. 2003). We first evaluate whether termination was proper
under section 161.001(b)(1)(E).
Termination may be ordered under subsection E, if the trial court finds by
clear and convincing evidence that the 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.” Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 161.001(b)(1)(E).
Under subsection E, the relevant inquiry is whether evidence exists that the
endangerment of the child’s physical and emotional well-being was the direct result
of the parent’s conduct, including acts, omissions, or failures to act. In re J.T.G., 121
S.W.3d 117, 125 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.); see also In re S.M.L., 171
S.W.3d 472, 477 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.). In this context,
endanger means “to expose to loss or injury; to jeopardize.” In re T.N., 180 S.W.3d
376, 383 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2005, no pet.) (quoting In re M.C., 917 S.W.2d 268,
269 (Tex. 1996) (per curiam)). A child is endangered when the environment creates
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a potential for danger that the parent is aware of but disregards. In re S.M.L., 171
S.W.3d at 477.
Termination under subsection E must be based on more than a single act or
omission—the evidence must demonstrate a voluntary, deliberate, and conscious
course of conduct by the parent. In re C.A.B., 289 S.W.3d 874, 883 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2009, no pet.). “Although ‘endanger’ means more than a threat
of metaphysical injury or the possible ill effects of a less-than-ideal environment, it
is not necessary that the conduct be directed at the child or that the child actually
suffers injury.” In re T.N., 180 S.W.3d at 383; see also In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d at
345 (holding that endangering conduct is not limited to actions directed toward the
child). Danger to the child’s well-being may be inferred from parental misconduct
alone, and courts may look at parental conduct both before and after the child’s birth.
In re J.O.A., 283 S.W.3d at 345 (“[T]he endangering conduct may include the
parent’s actions before the child’s birth, while the parent had custody of older
children, including evidence of drug usage.”). Further, neglect can be as dangerous
to a child’s emotional or physical health as intentional abuse. In re A.B., 412 S.W.3d
588, 599 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2013), aff’d, 437 S.W.3d 498 (Tex. 2014).
Additionally, evidence as to a parent’s treatment of another child is relevant to
whether a course of conduct under subsection E has been established. In re D.T., 34
S.W.3d 625, 636–37 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2000, pet. denied).
As a general rule, subjecting a child to a life of uncertainty and instability
endangers the child’s physical and emotional well-being. See In re J.O.A., 283
S.W.3d at 345. Although incarceration alone will not support termination, evidence
of criminal conduct, convictions, and imprisonment may support a finding of
endangerment under subsection E. See In re A.R.M., No. 14-13-01039-CV, 2014 WL
1390285, at *8 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] Apr. 8, 2014, no pet.) (mem. op.);
10
In re C.A.B., 289 S.W.3d at 886. Likewise, illegal drug use may support termination
under subsection 161.001(b)(1)(E) because “it exposes the child to the possibility
that the parent may be impaired or imprisoned.” Walker v. Texas Dep’t of Family &
Protective Servs., 312 S.W.3d 608, 617 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, pet.
denied). Further, abusive or violent conduct by a parent can produce a home
environment that endangers a child’s well-being. In re J.I.T.P., 99 S.W.3d 841, 845
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, no pet.). If the evidence proves a course of
conduct that has the effect of endangering the child, the requirement of subsection E
is met. In re D.M., 58 S.W.3d 801, 812 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2001, no pet.)
(citing Tex. Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d 531, 533-34 (Tex.1987)).
Father contends the evidence is insufficient to establish that he endangered
Fiona as he did not physically harm her and was in jail for the majority of her life.
Additionally, Father contends that the evidence introduced was related to pending
criminal charges such that the terms of any punishment or confinement remained
speculative. The Department responds that Father’s history of drug use, criminal
history, and failure to visit or meet Fiona supports the trial court’s finding.
When the Department was involved with the family related to Martin, Father
had recently been released from parole. There was evidence in the record that Father
tested positive for cocaine and cocaine metabolites in 2015 during the Department
proceedings involving Martin, Father admitted to using cocaine, and Mother stated
that Father used cocaine. A parent’s drug use may qualify as a voluntary, deliberate,
and conscious course of conduct endangering the child’s well-being. In re S.R., 452
S.W.3d 351, 361–62 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, pet. denied); see also
In re C.A.B., 289 S.W.3d at 885.
Additionally, Father was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
of Mother in August of 2016 while she was pregnant with Fiona. Maternal
11
grandmother testified that she witnessed the injury to Mother following that assault.
“Abusive and violent criminal conduct by a parent can produce an environment that
endangers the well-being of his children.” In the Interest of Q.M., No. 14-17-00018-
CV, 2017 WL 1957746, at *9 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] May 11, 2017, pet.
denied) (mem. op.); see also In re J.I.T.P., 99 S.W.3d at 845. (“Domestic violence,
want of self-control, and propensity for violence may be considered as evidence of
endangerment.”).
The indictment also alleges Father was previously convicted of felony robbery
committed on June 25, 2013. There was uncontradicted testimony at trial that Father
had four pending felony burglary charges. The record contains evidence of Father’s
criminal history for sixteen years before the trial in this case. During that time, Father
has repeatedly been sentenced to confinement. “Endangerment may include
evidence that a parent has been imprisoned.” In re U.P., 105 S.W.3d 222, 233–34
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied); see also Boyd, 727 S.W.2d at
533 (holding that “imprisonment is certainly a factor to be considered by the trial
court on the issue of endangerment”); Avery v. State, 963 S.W.2d 550, 553 (Tex.
App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1997, no writ) (holding imprisonment alone can be
demonstrative of a course of conduct that endangers the emotional well-being of a
child); In the Interest of J.J., 911 S.W.2d 437, 440 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 1995,
writ denied) (affirming termination of parental rights of father who was frequently
jailed, used crack cocaine, and abused wife in presence of children).
The evidence introduced at trial showed Father was incarcerated when Fiona
was born and when the Department became involved in the case. Father was released
for a period of time while the case was pending; however, he was again incarcerated
at the time of trial. Father had not visited with Fiona during the case while out of jail
12
even though visitation had been set up by the Department. No evidence was offered
as to why Father did not visit Fiona.
Father’s absence from Fiona’s life, coupled with his incarcerations, criminal
history, and drug use create a course of conduct from which the factfinder could
have determined Father endangered Fiona’s emotional and physical well-being. See
In re Z.N.M., No. 14-17-00650-CV, 2018 WL 358480, at *6–7 (Tex. App.—Houston
[14th Dist.] Jan. 11, 2018, no pet.) (mem. op.); In re Q.M., 2017 WL 1957746, at
*9; In re V.V., 349 S.W.3d 548, 553–54 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet.
denied). Reviewing all the evidence in the light most favorable to the termination
findings under subsection E, we conclude a reasonable fact finder could have formed
a firm belief or conviction as to the truth of the findings that Father endangered Fiona
through his acts or omissions. Further, in view of the entire record, we conclude the
disputed evidence is not so significant as to prevent the trial court from forming a
firm belief or conviction that termination of Father’s parental rights was warranted
under section 161.001(b)(1)(E). Accordingly, we conclude the evidence is legally
and factually sufficient to support the section 161.001(b)(1)(E) finding.
Having concluded that the evidence is legally and factually sufficient to
support the trial court’s finding of endangerment under section 161.001(b)(1)(E), we
need not discuss Father’s challenge to the court’s finding under sections
161.001(b)(1)(D), (F), (M), (N), and (O). See In re A.V., 113 S.W.3d at 362. We
overrule Father’s first five issues.
C. Best Interest of the Child
We review the entire record in deciding a challenge to the court’s best-interest
finding. In re E.C.R., 402 S.W.3d 239, 250 (Tex. 2013). There is a strong
presumption that the best interest of a child is served by keeping the child with his
or her natural parent. In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 2006); In re D.R.A., 374
13
S.W.3d at 533. Prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe environment
is also presumed to be in the child’s best interest. Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 263.307(a)
(West Supp. 2016).
Courts may consider the following nonexclusive factors in reviewing the
sufficiency of the evidence to support the best interest finding, including: the desires
of the child; the present and future physical and emotional needs of the child; the
present and future emotional and physical danger to the child; the parental abilities
of the persons seeking custody; the programs available to assist those persons
seeking custody in promoting the best interest of the child; the plans for the child by
the individuals or agency seeking custody; the stability of the home or proposed
placement; acts or omissions of the parent which may indicate the existing parent-
child relationship is not appropriate; and any excuse for the parent’s acts or
omissions. Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367, 372 (Tex. 1976); see also Tex. Fam.
Code Ann. § 263.307(b) (West Supp. 2016) (listing factors to consider in evaluating
parents’ willingness and ability to provide the child with a safe environment). This
list is not exhaustive, and evidence is not required on all of the factors to support a
finding terminating parental rights. Id.; In re D.R.A., 374 S.W.3d at 533.
1. The desires of the child, the plans for the child by the individuals or
agency seeking custody, and the stability of the home or proposed
placement
When a child is too young to express her desires, the factfinder may consider
that the child has bonded with the foster family, is well cared for by them, and has
spent minimal time with a parent. In re J.D., 436 S.W.3d 105, 118 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, no pet.). Further, the stability of the proposed home
environment is an important consideration in determining whether termination of
parental rights is in the child’s best interest. See In re D.M., 452 S.W.3d 462, 472
(Tex. App.—San Antonio 2014, no pet.). A child’s need for permanence through the
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establishment of a “stable, permanent home” has been recognized as the paramount
consideration in the best-interest determination. See In re K.C., 219 S.W.3d 924, 931
(Tex. App.—Dallas 2007, no pet.). Therefore, evidence about the present and future
placement of the child is relevant to the best-interest determination. See In re C.H.,
89 S.W.3d at 28.
Father primarily contends that placement with paternal grandmother should
have been considered. The record indicates that paternal grandmother was not a
party to this proceeding and did not seek conservatorship of Fiona. Cf. In re C.B.,
No. 01-01-00117-CV, 2002 WL 1722035, at *6 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.]
July 25, 2002, no pet.) (mem. op., not designated for publication). Additionally,
Father does not explain how potential placement with paternal grandmother weighs
against the finding that termination of his parental rights was in Fiona’s best interest.
Fiona has been in her current placement since she was three weeks old. There
was no evidence that Father had visited Fiona when he was out of jail. Additionally,
there was no evidence that Father could provide a stable and permanent home for
Fiona. Father was in jail when Fiona was born. While he was out of jail for a time
during the pendency of the case, he was back in jail at the time of trial.
There was evidence that the current caregivers, Mother’s cousin and his wife,
placed Fiona’s well-being first and foremost. Fiona had been living with them since
she was three weeks old. The caseworker testified they are meeting her emotional
and physical needs and the environment is nourishing, safe, and stable. Mother
believed that Fiona was bonded with her current caregivers and they were the only
parents she had known. The caregivers hoped to adopt Fiona.
2. The present and future physical and emotional needs of the child and
the present and future emotional and physical danger to the child
The evidence supporting termination under one of the grounds listed in section
15
161.001(b)(1) can also be considered in support of a finding that termination is in
the best interest of the child. See In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27 (holding the same
evidence may be probative of both section 161.001(b)(1) grounds and best interest).
A parent’s ability to provide a child with a safe environment is a primary
consideration in determining the child’s best interest. In re A.C., 394 S.W.3d 633,
642 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no pet.); see also Tex. Fam. Code Ann.
§ 263.307(b)(7), (12). The fact finder may infer from past conduct endangering the
child’s well-being that similar conduct will recur if the child is returned to the parent.
See In re M.R.J.M., 280 S.W.3d 494, 502 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2009, no pet.).
As discussed herein, Father’s absence from Fiona’s life, coupled with his
incarcerations, criminal history, including an alleged assault of Mother, and drug use
create a course of conduct from which the factfinder could have determined Father
endangered Fiona’s emotional and physical well-being. Such evidence also weighs
in favor of the trial court’s finding that termination of Father’s parental rights was in
Fiona’s best interest.
3. Acts or omissions of the parent which may indicate the existing parent-
child relationship is not appropriate and any excuse for the parent’s
acts or omissions
Father contends he was unable to comply with the Department’s service plan
due to his incarceration. Father contends the failure to comply with the service plan
was a partial reason for termination of his parental rights. However, there was
evidence supporting the best interest finding beyond Father’s failure to complete a
service plan. Father’s criminal history and incarcerations support the trial court’s
best interest determination. Additionally, the evidence showed that Father was
absent from Fiona’s life and when given the chance to visit her during the case he
did not show up. Further, there is no evidence that Father attempted to work on the
service plan while out of jail during the case.
16
Father contends the evidence offered in support of best interest was
conclusory and insufficient to support the trial court’s findings. We disagree. The
evidence included Father’s absence from Fiona’s life, incarcerations, criminal
history, and drug use. Additionally, there was evidence that Fiona was in a stable
and loving home with caregivers that were providing for her needs and wanted to
adopt her. Further, the evidence was that Fiona knew no other parents outside of
caregivers and had been with them since she was three weeks old. After considering
the relevant factors under the appropriate standards of review, we hold the evidence
is legally and factually sufficient to support the trial court’s finding that termination
of the parent-child relationship is in Fiona’s best interest. We therefore overrule
Father’s sixth issue.
CONCLUSION
The trial court’s judgment is affirmed.
/s/ John Donovan
Justice
Panel consists of Justices Donovan, Wise, and Jewell.
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