In re the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of L.L. (Minor Child) and J.L. (Mother) v. Indiana Department of Child Services (mem. dec.)

• Court: Indiana Court of Appeals
• Decided: October 9, 2019
• Docket: 19A-JT-891
• Status: Published

Opinion

MEMORANDUM DECISION

Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D), this Memorandum Decision shall not be FILED regarded as precedent or cited before any Oct 09 2019, 8:36 am court except for the purpose of establishing CLERK the defense of res judicata, collateral Indiana Supreme Court Court of Appeals estoppel, or the law of the case. and Tax Court

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE John R. Worman Curtis T. Hill, Jr. Evansville, Indiana Attorney General of Indiana Abigail R. Recker Robert J. Henke Deputy Attorneys General Indianapolis, Indiana

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA

In re the Termination of the October 9, 2019 Parent-Child Relationship of Court of Appeals Case No. L.L. (Minor Child) and 19A-JT-891 J.L. (Mother), Appeal from the Vanderburgh Superior Court Appellant-Respondent, The Honorable Brett J. Niemeier, v. Judge Trial Court Cause No. Indiana Department of Child 82D04-1811-JT-2122 Services, Appellee-Petitioner.

Mathias, Judge.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 1 of 15 [1] The Vanderburgh Superior Court terminated J.L.’s (“Mother”) parental rights

to her minor child. Mother appeals and raises two issues, which we restate as:

I. Whether the Indiana Department of Child Service’s (“DCS”)’s failure

to provide Mother with a mental health referral violated her due

process rights; and,

II. Whether the trial court’s order terminating her parental rights is

supported by clear and convincing evidence.

[2] We affirm.

Facts and Procedural History

[3] L.L. was born on January 14, 2013.1 Shortly thereafter, L.L. was removed from

Mother’s care because she had used methamphetamine. L.L. was returned to

Mother’s care in May 2014 after Mother completed court-ordered services.2

[4] In April 2016, DCS removed L.L. from Mother’s home for a second time

because she was using methamphetamine and was in possession of non-

prescribed substances. Paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and pills were found

within three-year-old L.L.’s reach, near his toys.

1 L.L.’s biological father’s parental rights were terminated in a separate cause. 2 However, Mother was unsatisfactorily discharged from Drug Court because she forged her attendance at AA/NA meetings.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 2 of 15 [5] On April 29, 2016, DCS filed a petition alleging that L.L. was a Child in Need

of Services (“CHINS”). L.L. was adjudicated a CHINS on May 11, 2016.

Mother was ordered to abstain from use of drugs and alcohol, undergo

substance abuse and mental health evaluations, submit to random drug screens,

participate in supervised or monitored visitations, and remain in contact with

the family case manager.

[6] On the same date that the CHINS petition was filed, Mother was charged with

Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent, Level 6 felony maintaining a common

nuisance, Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of Class

A misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, and Class C

misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia. After the State agreed to reduce the

felony charges to misdemeanors, Mother pleaded guilty to all charges and was

ordered to serve eighteen months in the Drug Abuse Probation Services

Program.

[7] Mother was not compliant with the conditions of that program, and three

petitions to revoke were filed by her probation officer due to non-compliance.

The first, filed in January 2017, was due to Mother’s failure to submit to a drug

screen and failure to participate in substance abuse treatment. The second, filed

in February 2017, was due to her failure to submit to a drug screen and pay

probation fees. The third, filed in March 2017, was due to a positive test for

methamphetamine. Mother was unsatisfactorily discharged from the program

after the third violation.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 3 of 15 [8] Mother also failed to comply with court-ordered services in the CHINS

proceedings, including failure to submit to drug screens. As a result, during the

CHINS proceedings, two verified informations for rule to show cause were filed

against Mother.

[9] After the first rule to show cause was filed in the fall of 2016, Mother’s

compliance with services briefly improved, including her participation in drug

rehabilitation services. Therefore, L.L. was returned to Mother’s care for a

temporary trial home visit on December 20, 2016. Approximately two weeks

later, the child was removed from Mother’s care because she stopped

participating in random drug screens, and she was taken into custody by law

enforcement after the first petition to revoke was filed in her criminal case.

[10] Mother resides with her fiancé, who has a history of manufacturing, possessing,

and using methamphetamine. Mother admitted to using methamphetamine

with her fiancé. Mother’s fiancé was ordered to participate in services, but he

“participated only minimally in the case.” Appellant’s App. p. 15. Her fiancé

“has not been supportive of Mother pursuing reunification with [L.L.]” Id.

[11] Mother lived with her father, L.L.’s grandfather, before she moved in with her

fiancé. Her father also uses methamphetamine, and Mother admitted to using

with her father. And Mother admitted delivering methamphetamine to her

father. Id. at 17.

[12] Mother agrees that children require a sober caregiver, yet she failed to maintain

her own sobriety throughout the CHINS and termination proceedings. Mother

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 4 of 15 admitted to using methamphetamine in March 2017 but denied any other use.

However, she tested positive for methamphetamine in July 2017, October 2018,

and December 2018.

[13] Mother completed substance abuse treatment on July 5, 2017, but continued to

use methamphetamine. Mother refused to participate in additional treatment

that was offered to her. She tested positive for alcohol use even though she was

also ordered not to consume alcohol. Mother also missed approximately half of

the drug screens offered by her family case managers. Mother admits that she is

an addict and uses methamphetamine because she is depressed.

[14] Mother participated in visitation with L.L., and the visitation reports were

generally positive. However, she was frequently late to visitation and missed

visitation while she was incarcerated for the three probation violations. Each

time visitation progressed beyond supervised visitation, Mother would miss a

drug screen or test positive for methamphetamine resulting in a return to

supervised visitation for Mother and L.L.

[15] Mother is unemployed and relies on her fiancé for financial support. Mother

has not expressed any inclination or interest in maintaining an independent

source of income for herself or her child. Mother’s continued stability is

dependent on her fiancé who is also a methamphetamine addict.

[16] DCS filed a petition to terminate Mother’s parental rights on November 19,

2018. On January 2, 2019, before the scheduled fact-finding hearing, the family

case manager made a scheduled visit to Mother’s home. The home was not

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 5 of 15 suitable for a child. Empty beer bottles were lying in the backyard. Boxes

blocked the front door and access to other rooms leaving only a small path

between the living room and kitchen. Because the home’s bedrooms were

unsuitable, Mother and her fiancé were using the living room as a bedroom.

[17] The fact-finding hearing was held on February 14, 2019. The trial court

concluded that Mother’s continuing methamphetamine use and risk of relapse

is “very high, given Mother’s past performance.” Appellant’s App. p. 21. In

addition, the trial court found:

26. Mother’s absolute lack of participation to demonstrate her sobriety and stability in order to regain custody of the child leaves the Court without a doubt that Mother is unwilling and unable to fulfill her parental obligations to the child.

27. Overall, Mother has failed to remedy the situation that brought about the removal of the [child]. Based on the pattern of behaviors and continuing pattern of substance abuse by Mother, the Court finds that there is not a reasonable probability the situation which brought about the removal of the child is likely to be remedied. The Court finds that Mother’s past behavior is the best predictor of her future behavior.

Id. The court also concluded that continuation of the parent-child relationship

poses a threat to L.L.’s wellbeing because of Mother’s continued drug use. And,

L.L. “has already suffered years without being with his Mother due to []

Mother’s drug usage. The emotional and mental health issues associated with

this lack of stability can have lifelong significance.” Id. at 22. The court also

concluded that termination of Mother’s parental rights was in L.L.’s best

interest.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 6 of 15 [18] Mother now appeals the trial court’s order termination her parental rights to her

minor child, L.L.

I. Due Process

[19] First, Mother argues that she was denied due process because DCS failed to

provide a referral for mental health treatment. She argues the services were

necessary, and therefore, DCS was required to request dismissal of its petition

to terminate her parental rights pursuant to Indiana Code section 31-35-2-

4.5(d)(3). It is well-settled that when the State seeks to terminate the parent-

child relationship, it must do so in a manner that meets the requirements of due

process. Hite v. Vanderburgh Cty. Office of Family & Children, 845 N.E.2d 175, 181

(Ind. Ct. App. 2006).

[20] In pertinent part, Indiana Code section 31-35-2-4.5(d)(3) provides:

(d) A person described in section 4(a) of this chapter may file a motion to dismiss the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship if any of the following circumstances apply: . . .

(3) That:

(A) IC 31-34-21-5.6 is not applicable to the child;

(B) the department has not provided family services to the child, parent, or family of the child, in accordance with applicable provisions of a currently effective case plan prepared under IC 31-34-15 or IC 31-37-19-1.5, or a permanency plan or dispositional decree approved under IC 31-34 or IC 31-37; and

(C) the services that the department has not provided are substantial and material in relation to

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 7 of 15 implementation of a plan to permit safe return of the child to the child’s home.

***

The motion to dismiss shall specify which of the allegations described in subdivisions (1) through (4) apply to the motion. If the court finds that any of the allegations described in subdivisions (1) through (4) are true, as established by a preponderance of the evidence, the court shall dismiss the petition to terminate the parent-child relationship. In determining whether to dismiss a petition to terminate a parent-child relationship pursuant to a motion to dismiss that specifies allegations described in subdivision (4), the court may consider the length of time remaining in the incarcerated parent's sentence and any other factor the court considers relevant.

(Emphasis added).

[21] DCS observes that, under the plain language of the statute, it is not statutorily

obligated to move to dismiss a termination petition, and further, that it had

provided Mother with reasonable efforts to reunify with L.L before it filed its

petition to terminate Mother’s parental rights.3 DCS observes that in “‘seeking

termination of parental rights,’” DCS has no obligation “‘to plead and prove

that services have been offered to the parent to assist in fulfilling parental

obligations.’” In re J.W., Jr., 27 N.E.3d 1185, 1190 (Ind. Ct. App. 2015)

3 Mother argues that Indiana Code section 31-35-2-4.5(d) requires DCS to state in the petition for involuntary termination of parental rights whether one of the section (d) factors applies as a basis for filing a motion to dismiss the petition. However, in 2012, the statute was amended to be permissive rather than mandatory. See D.H. v, Ind. Dep’t of Child Servs., 122 N.E.3d 832, 833 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019), trans. denied.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 8 of 15 (quoting S.E.S. v. Grant Cty. Dep’t of Welfare, 594 N.E.2d 447, 448 (Ind. 1992)),

trans. denied. Likewise, although DCS “‘is generally required to make

reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify families during the CHINS

proceedings,’” that requirement under our CHINS statutes “‘is not a requisite

element of our parental rights termination statute, and a failure to provide

services does not serve as a basis on which to directly attack a termination order

as contrary to law.’” Id. (quoting A.Z. v. Ind. Dep’t of Child Servs., 915 N.E.2d

145, 148 & n.3 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009)).

[22] Furthermore, DCS provided Mother with services throughout the CHINS and

termination proceedings, but her participation was inconsistent. Mother

initially completed substance abuse treatment but refused to continue with

treatment after she tested positive for methamphetamine in July 2017. She also

missed almost half of the random drug screens that DCS provided. DCS made a

referral for a mental health evaluation, but Mother did not follow through with

the resulting recommendation to participate in individual therapy.4 Tr. pp. 78–

79. Mother was resistant to both substance abuse treatment and mental health

treatment.5 Tr. pp. 82–84. DCS provided Mother with supervised and

4 Mother challenges the trial court’s finding concerning her failure to obtain mental health treatment. We agree with Mother that her family case manager did not provide her with a referral for individual therapy. However, when Mother and the case manager discussed individual therapy, Mother was resistant and indicated that she was not willing to undergo mental health treatment. Tr. pp. 82-84. To the extent the trial court’s finding implies that Mother received a referral for individual mental health treatment, we agree that is not supported by the evidence. But this error does not require reversal of the trial court’s order. 5 Mother admits that the case managers encouraged her to seek treatment and provided her with information if she decided to seek treatment on her own. Appellant’s Br. at 16.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 9 of 15 monitored visitation and a parenting aide. Mother utilized those offered

services.

[23] For all of these reasons, we conclude that DCS provided Mother with

reasonable efforts to reunify with L.L. and that its failure to provide her with a

referral for individual therapy does not equate with a denial of due process.

II. Sufficient Evidence

[24] Mother also argues that the evidence is insufficient to support the termination

of her parental rights to L.L. The controlling statute provides that a petition to

terminate parental rights must allege:

(B) that one (1) of the following is true: (i) There is a reasonable probability that the conditions that resulted in the child’s removal or the reasons for placement outside the home of the parents will not be remedied. (ii) There is a reasonable probability that the continuation of the parent-child relationship poses a threat to the well-being of the child. (iii) The child has, on two (2) separate occasions, been adjudicated a child in need of services; (C) that termination is in the best interests of the child; and (D) that there is a satisfactory plan for the care and treatment of the child.

Ind. Code § 31-35-2-4(b)(2).

[25] DCS must prove each element by clear and convincing evidence. Ind. Code §

31-37-14-2; In re G.Y., 904 N.E.2d 1257, 1260 (Ind. 2009). Because Indiana Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 10 of 15 Code section 4(b)(2)(B) is written in the disjunctive, the trial court is required to

find that only one prong has been established by clear and convincing evidence.

In re A.K., 924 N.E.2d 212, 220 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010). Clear and convincing

evidence need not establish that the continued custody of the parent is wholly

inadequate for the child’s very survival. Bester v. Lake Cty. Office of Family &

Children, 839 N.E.2d 143, 148 (Ind. 2005). It is instead sufficient to show by

clear and convincing evidence that the child’s emotional and physical

development are put at risk by the parent’s custody. Id. If the court finds the

allegations in a petition are true, the court shall terminate the parent-child

relationship. Ind. Code § 31-35-2-8(a).

[26] We have long had a highly deferential standard of review in cases involving the

termination of parental rights. In re D.B., 942 N.E.2d 867, 871 (Ind. Ct. App.

2011). We neither reweigh the evidence nor assess witness credibility, and we

consider only the evidence and reasonable inferences favorable to the trial

court’s judgment. Id. In deference to the trial court’s unique position to assess

the evidence, we will set aside a judgment terminating a parent-child

relationship only if it is clearly erroneous. Id. Clear error is that which leaves us

with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made. J.M. v. Marion

Cty. Office of Family & Children, 802 N.E.2d 40, 44 (Ind. Ct. App. 2004), trans.

denied.

[27] We have also often noted that the purpose of terminating parental rights is not

to punish parents but to protect their children. In re S.P.H., 806 N.E.2d 874, 880

(Ind. Ct. App. 2004). Although parental rights have a constitutional dimension, Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 11 of 15 the law allows for their termination when clear and convincing evidence

establishes that they are unable or unwilling to meet their responsibilities as

parents. Id. Thus, parental interests must be subordinated to the children’s

interests in determining the proper disposition of a petition to terminate

parental rights. G.Y., 904 N.E.2d at 1259.

[28] Mother argues that DCS failed to present clear and convincing evidence to

prove both prongs of Indiana Code section 31-35-2-4(b)(2)(B). Because that

section is written in the disjunctive, we need only address Mother's argument

that the DCS did not prove continuation of the parent-child relationship poses a

threat to L.L.'s well-being.

[29] Importantly, a trial court “need not wait until a child is irreversibly influenced

by a deficient lifestyle such that [his or] her physical, mental, and social growth

is permanently impaired before terminating the parent-child relationship.” K.E.

v. Ind. Dep't of Child Servs., 39 N.E.3d 641, 649 (Ind. 2015) (citation omitted).

“In determining whether the continuation of a parent-child relationship poses a

threat to the child[], a trial court should consider a parent’s habitual pattern of

conduct to determine whether there is a substantial probability of future neglect

or deprivation.” In re A.P., 981 N.E.2d 75, 81 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012).

[30] First, we acknowledge that Mother and L.L. are bonded. And the visitation

reports were generally positive. Mother and L.L. enjoyed spending time

together, and it is evident that Mother loves her child. But Mother has struggled

with substance abuse addiction, and in particular methamphetamine use, for

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 12 of 15 several years. She tested positive for methamphetamine throughout the CHINS

proceedings and after the petition to terminate her parental rights was filed.

Mother relies on her fiancé for financial support and is not employed. Her

fiancé is also a methamphetamine addict. Mother admitted that her fiancé

manufactures, possesses, and uses methamphetamine. On the date of the fact-

finding hearing, he was on probation for possession of methamphetamine. And

Mother’s fiancé is not supportive of Mother reunifying with L.L.

[31] Because of Mother’s inconsistent participation in services, refusal to participate

in substance abuse treatment,6 missed and failed drug screens, incarceration at

various times during these proceedings, and her lack of stability, L.L. has not

been placed in Mother’s care for most of his life. L.L. requires stability that

Mother is not able to provide.

[32] For all of these reasons, we conclude that clear and convincing evidence

supports the trial court’s conclusion that continuation of the parent-child

relationship poses a threat to L.L.’s well-being.

[33] Mother also argues that termination of her parental rights was not in L.L.’s best

[I]n determining what is in the best interests of a child, the trial court is required to look beyond the factors identified by [DCS]

6 We agree with Mother’s argument that the trial court’s finding concerning the effectiveness of narcotics anonymous programs is not supported by the evidence. See Appellant’s Br. at 22. But the trial court’s finding that Mother refused to participate in substance abuse treatment is supported by clear and convincing evidence.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 13 of 15 and to consider the totality of the evidence. In so doing, the trial court must subordinate the interests of the parent to those of the child. The court need not wait until a child is irreversibly harmed before terminating the parent-child relationship. Moreover, we have previously held that the recommendations of the case manager and court-appointed advocate to terminate parental rights, in addition to evidence that the conditions resulting in removal will not be remedied, is sufficient to show by clear and convincing evidence that termination is in the child's best interests.

In re J.S., 906 N.E.2d 226, 236 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) (citations omitted).

[34] Mother acknowledges that L.L. is thriving in a loving, pre-adoptive home, but

argues that her rights should not be terminated simply because L.L.’s foster

home is a “better place to live.” Appellant’s Br. at 28. The family case manager

and court-appointed special advocate both testified that termination of Mother’s

parental rights was in L.L.’s best interest. Tr. pp. 99, 110–11. Throughout the

CHINS and termination proceedings, Mother refused to address her substance

abuse issues and has continued to use methamphetamine. L.L. needs a stable,

drug-free home. Mother has not demonstrated that she has the ability to support

herself, but instead relies on her fiancé to support her. Moreover, her fiancé is

also a methamphetamine addict who, by Mother’s own admission, is not

supportive of Mother’s reunification with L.L.

[35] For all of these reasons, we conclude that DCS presented clear and convincing

evidence that termination of Mother’s parental rights was in L.L.’s best interest.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 14 of 15 Conclusion

[36] Mother’s due process rights were not violated when DCS failed to provide her

with a referral for individual therapy. And clear and convincing evidence

supports the trial court’s order terminating her parental rights.

[37] Affirmed.

Robb, J., and Pyle, J., concur.

Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-JT-891 | October 9, 2019 Page 15 of 15