In re K.P.

498 S.W.3d 157, 2016 WL 3023987, 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 5605
CourtCourt of Appeals of Texas
DecidedMay 26, 2016
DocketNO. 01-15-01095-CV
StatusPublished
Cited by32 cases

This text of 498 S.W.3d 157 (In re K.P.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Court of Appeals of Texas primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
In re K.P., 498 S.W.3d 157, 2016 WL 3023987, 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 5605 (Tex. Ct. App. 2016).

Opinion

OPINION

Sherry Radack, Chief Justice

This is an accelerated appeal of a December 3, 2015 judgment terminating Mother’s parental rights to KP, her 12-year-old son. On March 29, 2012, the trial court denied an earlier petition to terminate Mother’s parental rights to KP and instead named the Department of Public and Protective Services (referred here throughout as “Department” or “DFPS”) as sole managing conservator and Mother as possessory conservator. After the underlying November 2015 trial that is the [161]*161subject of this appeal, the court found that circumstances have materially and substantially changed since the prior order denying termination was entered and entered a judgment on December 3, 2015, continuing the Department as sole managing conservator and terminating Mother’s parental rights. We affirm.

TRIAL PROCEEDINGS AND EVIDENCE—TERMINATION TRIAL

Several exhibits were introduced at the beginning of the November 2015 trial that provide background about the case. One establishes, through DNA testing, that the only person identified as potentially being KP’s father was not his father. Mother testified at trial that she did not know who else might be the father, and a search of the Paternity Registry did not reveal any notice of intent to claim paternity of KP.

A. Documents related to the 2012 Proceedings

A February 2, 2011 affidavit in support of KP’s removal was entered into evidence at the 2015 trial. It indicated that KP was, at that- time, residing in a medical facility, and that the Department had been unable to ascertain where, and with whom, KP had lived the previous five years. It listed the following as “Facts Necessitating Removal of the Child”:

On September 15, 2009, the Department of Family and Protective Services received a ' referral alleging physical abuse of 7 year old, [KY] (DOB 5/31/02) by the mother, [ ]. The report indicated [KY] was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation, because she attempted to assault the mother, [ ]. During the course of the investigation, [KY] disclosed that she was spanked by her mother, [ ], resulting in bruising on her lower back and upper buttocks. The mother [ ] indicated she has a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and Depression, and there were concerns of domestic violence between the mother, [] and the step-father, [JL]. The case disposition was ruled out, however risk indicated, and the case was transferred to Family Based Safety Services.
('[KP], the child the subject of this suit, was not mentioned in the September 15,2009 referral.)
The parents, [Mother] and the stepfather, [JL] were asked to participate in parenting classes and domestic violence counseling. [Mother] was also asked to complete a psychological evaluation and follow the recommendations from the evaluation. [Mother] and [JL] both completed parenting classes and domestic violence classes; however [Mother] refused to cooperate with a psychological assessment.
In December 2010, the mother, [ ] and [step]father, [JL] were involved in a domestic dispute resulting in [JL] being -arrested and charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury to a Family Member, and [Mother] moved into a Shelter in Galveston County with two of her children, [KP] (D.O.B.8/22/03) and [KY]. The third child, [EL] (D.O.B.11/2/07) was left in the care of a family member. [Mother] was discharged from the shelter after [KP] started a fire in a trash can at the shelter.
On 01/14/11, [KY] was voluntarily placed with the paternal grandmother, [KM],
On 01/14/11, [KP] was hospitalized at Intra-Care Hospital as he was believed to be a threat to himself and others. [KP] has been diagnosis with Mood Disorder and ADHD.
On 01/27/11, [EL] (age 3) was voluntary placed in the home with the maternal great aunt, [DS].
[162]*162On 02/2/11, the mother, [] indicated KP will be discharged from Intra-Care Hospital and does not have a place for [KP] to reside. [Mother] indicated she was residing with relatives; however she is no longer able to reside with relatives, and she is currently, living in a Motel. [Mother] indicated she was planning to move into a new. apartment on 2/1/11; however she was unable to secure the apartment. [Mother] previously self disclosed that she has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Depression. She is currently not on any medication for her diagnosis and is not under the direct care of a psychiatrist currently.
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CPS History
09/27/05 Allegations of Physical Abuse to [KP] and [KY] by [Mother] and [JL]Disposition Unable to Determine.
09 /27/05 • Allegations of Physical Neglect to [KY] by [Mother]. Disposition-Ruled Out.
02/18/09 Allegations of Neglectful Supervision to [KP] and [KY] by [Mother], [ML] (Maternal Grandfather), and, [RL](Maternal Great Uncle)-Disposition Ruled Out.
02/18/09 Allegations of Physical Abuse to [KP] and [KY] by [Mother-Disposition Ruled Out.
02/18/09 Allegations of Physical Neglect to [KP] and [KY] by the mother, [ ].Disposition Ruled Out.
12/10/10-Allegations of Neglectful Supervision to [KP] and [KY] by [Mother-Disposition Ruled Out
12/10/10-Allegations of Physical Abuse to [KP] and [ICY] by [Mother-Disposition Ruled Out
12/10/10-Allegations of Sexual Abuse to [KY] and [KP] by [Mother] and Unknown 1-Disposition Ruled Out.
12/10/10-AJlegations of Sexual Abuse to [KY] by [GH] (maternal cousin). Disposition-Ruled Out.
The whereabouts and identity of [KP] ’s father is currently unknown.
Removal from the home is in the best interests of the child [KP] because the mother indicated she is unable to care to the child, the mother does not have stable housing or employment and cannot meet the basic needs of the child, the mother has mental health concerns which are not being treated, and for all the additional reasons stated above. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is requesting to be appointed Temporary Managing Conservator of [KP].

On March 31, 2011, the ■ court held a status hearing, at which the Department proposed a service plan. . The proposed service plan listed the Department’s concerns, “as of 3/3/11”:

[Mother] did not complete FBSS services and currently has no place to live and no means of caring for [KP].
There is considerable CPS history with this family. ■
[Mother] currently does not have a home for [KP] to come home to.
[Mother] was previously in a domestic violence relationship.
Mother’s location is currently unknown and the step-father is refusing to accept responsibility for his actions.
Neither parent has been cooperating with the agency.
Mother is not willing or able to provide a safe or stable environment for [KP].

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Cite This Page — Counsel Stack

Bluebook (online)
498 S.W.3d 157, 2016 WL 3023987, 2016 Tex. App. LEXIS 5605, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/in-re-kp-texapp-2016.