NO. 07-12-0234-CV
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE SEVENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
AT AMARILLO
PANEL D
OCTOBER 18, 2012
______________________________
IN THE INTEREST OF K.A.S., A CHILD
_________________________________
FROM THE 108TH DISTRICT COURT OF POTTER COUNTY;
NO. 80548-E; HONORABLE DOUG WOODBURN, JUDGE
_______________________________
Before QUINN, C.J., and CAMPBELL and PIRTLE, JJ.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Appellant, Sammuel, 1 appeals the trial court’s order terminating his parental
rights to his son, K.A.S. He asserts the evidence was legally and factually insufficient to
terminate his parental rights and termination of his rights is not in the best interest of
K.A.S. We affirm.
Background
The child the subject of this proceeding is K.A.S., a male born in September
2010. Sammuel was adjudicated his father in March 2012. K.A.S. is presently two
1
To protect the parents’ and children’s privacy, we refer to Appellant by his first name and other interested
parties by their initials. See Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 109.002(d) (West Supp. 2012). See also Tex. R.
App. P. 9.8(b). Throughout the remainder of this opinion, provisions of the Texas Family Code will be
cited as “section ___” and “§ ___.”
years old. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (the Department)
originally became involved when Sammuel, K.A.S. and his mother, Destiny, all tested
positive for a controlled substance at the time of his birth. Initially, K.A.S. was
voluntarily placed in the custody of relatives; however, on March 1, 2011, Sammuel
reported that the placement relatives were themselves using controlled substances.
On March 31, 2011, the Department filed its Original Petition seeking
appointment as K.A.S.’s temporary sole managing conservator and termination of
Sammuel’s parental rights. 2 In the supporting affidavit, the Department’s caseworker
stated Sammuel had tested positive for controlled substances since his child’s birth and
also acknowledged that his family members with whom he and K.A.S. had been living
were using drugs. Four extended family members subsequently failed to comply with
the Department’s request for drug screens and an additional family member tested
positive for marijuana. Two other family members acknowledged using marijuana.
Prior to K.A.S.’s removal, Sammuel had pled guilty to hindering the apprehension
of a known felon (K.A.S.’s mother), 3 a third-degree felony with a range of two to ten
years confinement, and received deferred adjudication. In March, Sammuel tested
positive for marijuana and cocaine at a drug screening performed at the request of his
community supervision officer, Nolan Massey. As a result, Sammuel was placed in an
out-patient substance abuse program.
2
The Original Petition also sought to terminate the parental rights of K.A.S.’s mother. His mother
subsequently executed an affidavit voluntarily relinquishing her parental rights.
3
See Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 38.05(a), (d) (West 2011). She was subsequently sentenced to two years
confinement for possession of a controlled substance.
2
In April 2011, the Department met with Sammuel and created a Service Plan.
Sammuel signed the Plan and it was subsequently filed as a court order. The Plan
required him to complete counseling (psychological and parenting), a drug and alcohol
assessment, and substance abuse treatment. The Plan further required him to maintain
stable housing, provide pay stubs from work and refrain from engaging in a drug
lifestyle.
In May 2011, Massey terminated Sammuel’s participation in the out-patient drug
treatment program and filed a report of violation of the conditions of Sammuel’s
community supervision. He was incarcerated from May 2011 until early November
2011. Massey testified at the final hearing that after Sammuel was released, he did not
work any required services even though he was capable of doing so. Sammuel also
began supervised visitations with K.A.S.
In early December, Sammuel began counseling sessions with Steve Jennings.
Their goals were to work on home stability, gainful employment and drug awareness. In
mid-December, Sammuel tested negative for controlled substances but admitted to
continued alcohol use, a violation of his community supervision conditions. Sammuel
attended four of six sessions and cancelled three sessions indicating he did not have
transportation. During the sessions, he admitted his drug of choice was marijuana, that
he had two positive tests for controlled substances, and that he had missed drug
screenings required by the Department. Jennings opined during the final hearing that
Sammuel attended one session under the influence of marijuana. Jennings testified
Sammuel appeared at his counseling session emitting a strong odor of marijuana, his
eyes were red, appeared disheveled and couldn’t keep track of what he was talking
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about. Jennings also testified Sammuel did not reach their goals and recommended
more services--individual counseling and classes with the Amarillo Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He also recommended that reunification with K.A.S. not
occur until Sammuel could establish a safe and consistent environment for the child.
In January 2012, Sammuel failed to appear for a scheduled drug test requested
by the Department. In February, after some assessment, the Department performed an
evaluation. Although Sammuel completed an assessment and underwent drug and
alcohol treatment while incarcerated, he acknowledged marijuana use and did not
believe his alcohol dependency was a problem. He did not complete any psychological
or parenting counseling.
Also in February, Tina Frost, the Department employee responsible for
supervising Sammuel’s visitations with K.A.S., testified at the final hearing that
Sammuel showed up at one visitation smelling of alcohol. She indicated that, during the
visitations, Sammuel and K.A.S. did not bond. Although they talked and played, she
testified Sammuel did not respond to K.A.S.’s complaints of a dirty diaper even though
he had been instructed on how to change his diaper. Further, when Sammuel became
frustrated with K.A.S., he used obscenities around the baby. After February 28, the
Department could not reach him at the phone number he provided and Sammuel
ceased visiting. 4
4
Katie Klaehn, supervisory caseworker, testified that, of thirty-one visitations scheduled when Sammuel
was not incarcerated, there were only four visitations where he stayed the full two hours. He came late or
cut ten visits short and he did not show up or cancel seventeen visits.
4
An Amarillo Police officer testified that Sammuel was arrested for criminal
trespass at a residence after he had received a warning. The arresting officer indicated
Sammuel was arguing with the owner and was intoxicated. The officer also confiscated
a forty ounce container of malt liquor from Sammuel. Sammuel’s probation officer
subsequently filed a second report of violation based upon his arrest for trespass and
Sammuel was incarcerated from March 24 to April 17.
When Sammuel was released, the Department sent him a new referral for
supervised visitation but he did not call or show up for any visitations. Klaehn testified
that, at a subsequent court hearing in the termination case, Sammuel attended and
smelled of alcohol. In May, Sammuel was arrested for public intoxication and was
incarcerated for approximately ninety days.
At the final hearing, Sammuel testified he could stay off drugs and alcohol
because “he was a father.” He testified that, at the time he was drinking during the
termination proceedings, he knew it violated community supervision requirements and
could result in imprisonment. He also indicated that he hadn’t quit drinking alcohol
because he “[has] never been no alcoholic or nothing like that.” He admitted that, when
he was released from jail, he started drinking again because “temptation is out there.”
He also admitted that he had consumed alcohol prior to the last court hearing in the
termination case.
Thereafter the trial court issued a termination order finding that Sammuel had (1)
knowingly placed or knowingly allowed K.A.S. to remain in conditions and surroundings
which endangered his son’s physical or emotional well-being; § 161.001(1)(D), (2)
5
engaged in conduct or knowingly placed K.A.S. with persons who engaged in conduct
which endangered his son’s physical or emotional well-being; § 161.001(1)(E), and (3)
failed to comply with the provisions of the court order specifically establishing the
actions necessary for him to obtain his son’s return; § 161.001(1)(O). The trial court
also determined that it was in K.A.S.’s best interest to terminate the parent-child
relationship between Sammuel and his son. § 161.001(2). This appeal followed.
Discussion
Involuntary Termination – Standard of Review
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); In re M.S., 115 S.W.3d 534, 547 (Tex. 2003). Consequently, termination
proceedings are strictly scrutinized. Holick v. Smith, 685 S.W.2d 18, 20-21 (Tex. 1985).
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 17, 26 (Tex. 2002).
In proceedings to terminate the parent-child relationship brought under section
161.001, the Department must establish at least one ground listed under subdivision (1)
of the statute and also prove that termination is in the best interest of the child. §
161.001; In re J.L., 163 S.W.3d 79, 84 (Tex. 2005). Though the 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 at 28; Holley, 544 S.W.2d at 370. Further, due process requires application of
6
the clear and convincing standard of proof in cases involving termination of parental
rights. In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d 256, 253 (Tex. 2002). 5
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. § 101.007 (West
2008); In re J.F.C., 96 S.W.3d at 266. To give appropriate deference to the fact finder’s
conclusions and the role of the 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 fact finder resolved disputed facts in favor of its finding if a reasonable
fact finder could do so. Id. Thus, we disregard all evidence that a reasonable fact
finder could have disbelieved or found to have been incredible. See In re J.P.B., 180
S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005).
The standard of reviewing factual sufficiency of termination findings is whether
the evidence is such that a reasonable fact finder 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 fact
finder could not have resolved the disputed evidence in favor of its 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 fact finder could not have credited in favor of the finding is so significant that
5
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 §
101.007 (West 2008). See also In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 25-26.
7
a fact finder could not reasonably have formed a firm belief or conviction, then the
evidence is factually insufficient. Id.
Only one statutory ground is required to terminate parental rights under section
161.001. See In re S.F., 32 S.W.3d 318, 320 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 2000, no pet.).
Therefore, we will affirm the termination order if there is both legally and factually
sufficient evidence on any statutory ground upon which the trial court relied in
terminating parental rights as well as the best interest finding. Id.
Section 161.001(1)(D) & (E)
The trial court found that Sammuel knowingly placed or knowingly allowed the
child to remain in conditions or surroundings which endangered his physical or
emotional well-being and also engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the child with
persons engaged in conduct which endangered the child’s physical and emotional well-
being. See § 161.001(1)(D), (E). 6 “Endanger” means to expose to loss or injury--to
jeopardize. See In re J.T.G., 121 S.W.3d 117, 125 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 2003, no
pet.). Although “endanger” means “more than a threat of metaphysical injury or the
possible ill effects of a less-than-ideal family environment;” Walker v. Tex. Dep’t of
Family and Protective Servs., 312 S.W.3d 608, 616 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2009,
pet. denied), danger to a child need not be established as an independent proposition
but may be inferred from parental misconduct even if the conduct is not directed at the
child and the child suffers no actual injury. See Tex. Dep’t of Human Servs. v. Boyd,
727 S.W.2d 531, 533 (Tex. 1987). Moreover, the conduct does not have to occur in the
6
Throughout the remainder of this opinion, section 161.001(1)(D) will be referred to as “subsection (D)”
and section 161.001(1)(E) will be referred to as “subsection (E).”
8
child’s presence; Director of Dallas Cty. Child Protective Servs. v. Bowling, 833 S.W.2d
730, 733 (Tex.App.—Dallas 1992, no writ), and may occur before the child’s birth and
both before and after the child has been removed by the Department. See In re
S.M.L.D., 150 S.W.3d 754, 757-58 (Tex.App.—Amarillo 2004, no pet.); In re D.M., 58
S.W.3d 801, 812 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 2001, no pet.).
Under subsection (D), it is necessary to examine the evidence related to the
environment of the child to determine if the environment was a source of endangerment
to the child’s physical or emotional well-being. In re D.T., 34 S.W.3d 625, 632
(Tex.App.—Fort Worth 2000, pet. denied). A child is endangered when the environment
creates a potential for danger that the parent is aware of but disregards. See In re
S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d 472, 477 (Tex.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, no pet.).
Inappropriate, abusive, or unlawful conduct by persons who live in the child’s home or
with whom the child is compelled to associate on a regular basis in his home is a part of
the “conditions or surroundings” of the child’s home under subsection (D). See In re
J.T.G., 121 S.W.3d at 125 (abuse or violent conduct by a parent or other resident of
home may produce an endangering environment). See also In re W.S., 899 S.W.2d
772, 776 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ) (“environment” refers not only to the
acceptability of living conditions, but also to a parent’s conduct in home). Subsection
(D) permits termination based upon only a single act or omission. Id.
Under subsection (E), the relevant inquiry is whether evidence exists that the
endangerment of the child’s physical or emotional well-being was the direct result of the
parent’s conduct, including acts, omissions, and failures to act. In re J.T.G., 121
S.W.3d at 125. Termination under subsection (E) must be based on more than a single
9
act or omission; a voluntary, deliberate, and conscious course of conduct by a parent is
required. Id.; In re D.T., 34 S.W.3d at 634. Thus, while both subsections (D) and (E)
focus on endangerment, they differ regarding the source and proof of endangerment. In
re S.M.L., 171 S.W.3d at 477. Subsection (D) concerns the child’s living environment,
rather than the conduct of the parent, though parental conduct is certainly relevant to
the child’s environment, and subsection (E) requires a course of conduct rather than a
single act or omission. Id. (citing In re J.T.G., 121 S.W.3d at 125). See In re R.D., 955
S.W.2d 364, 367 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 1997, pet. denied).
To determine whether termination is necessary, 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. In re M.R.J.M., 280 S.W.3d 494, 502 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth
2009, no pet.). Conduct that subjects a child to a life of uncertainty and instability also
endangers the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Id.; In re S.D., 980 S.W.2d
758, 763 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 1998, pet. denied).
Analysis
When K.A.S. was born, he tested positive for a controlled substance. When he
was removed, Sammuel was on community supervision for hindering the apprehension
of his girlfriend who was ultimately convicted of possession of a controlled substance.
Sammuel and K.A.S. had been living with Sammuel’s family members who were
exposing K.A.S. to drugs. The same month the Department filed its Petition seeking
emergency removal, Sammuel was screened by his community supervision officer and
tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. Despite being placed in an outpatient
10
program for this violation of the conditions of his community supervision, he committed
another violation and was incarcerated.
After he was released from incarceration which also included participation in a
substance abuse program, Sammuel failed to show up for scheduled drug testing. Nor
did he complete, or in most cases initiate, any services required by his Plan or his
conditions of community supervision. Instead, he attended a counseling session under
the influence of marijuana and visited K.A.S. while smelling of alcohol. He was
subsequently arrested for criminal trespass while intoxicated and incarcerated for a
violation of his community supervision conditions, released, and, approximately a month
later, arrested for public intoxication and incarcerated for the second time in two
months. In between his incarcerations, he did not initiate any services required by his
Plan or community supervision conditions. Instead, he attended a court hearing in his
termination case smelling of alcohol and, despite all this, continues to assert that he
does not have an alcohol problem.
The specific danger to the child’s well-being may be inferred from parental
misconduct alone, including conduct that subjects the child to a life of uncertainty and
instability. Boyd, 727 S.W.2d at 533. See In re R.W., 129 S.W.3d 732, 738-39
(Tex.App.—Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied) (considering drug and alcohol abuse in
endangerment finding). Drug use and its effect on a parent’s life and ability to parent
may establish an endangering course of conduct. In re R.W., 129 S.W.3d at 739. See
In re S.D., 980 S.W.2d at 763. “An environment which routinely subjects a child to the
probability that [he or] she will be left alone because [his or] her parents are once again
jailed, whether because of the continued violation of probationary conditions or because
11
of a new offense growing out of use of illegal drugs, or because the parents are once
again committed to a rehabilitation program, endangers both the physical and emotional
well-being of the child.” Id. (finding violations of subsections (D) & (E)). See In re
J.T.G., 121 S.W.3d at 125-26.
Sammuel asserts there is no evidence he “knowingly placed or allowed [K.A.S.]
to remain in conditions or surroundings which endangered the child’s physical or
emotional well-being” in violation of subsection (D). This assertion overlooks evidence
that, after the Department’s involvement at his child’s birth, he lived with his son in
surroundings where persons were using drugs.
Sammuel also contends there was no positive test for drug use since he tested
negative in November 2011 and no evidence Sammuel’s alcohol consumption was a
danger to his child. We disagree. Although there was no positive test for drugs, there is
evidence that Sammuel was under the influence of marijuana at a counseling session in
December 2011 or January 2012; see In re M.E.-M.N., 342 S.W.3d 254, 263
(Tex.App.—Fort Worth 2011, pet. denied) (“A parent’s decision to engage in illegal drug
use during pendency of a termination suit, when the parent is at risk of losing a child,
supports a finding that the parent engaged in conduct that endangered the child’s
physical or emotional well-being.”), and failed to show up for a scheduled drug test in
February 2012. See In re K.C.B., 280 S.W.3d 888, 895 (Tex.App.—Amarillo 2009, pet.
denied) (“The trial court may infer from a refusal to take a drug test that appellant was
using drugs.”). His alcohol dependency also played an important part in his two arrests
in March and May 2012.
12
That he later denied using alcohol before attending a court hearing created a
conflict in testimony. Given the direct testimony by an attendee at the hearing that he
smelled of alcohol and two subsequent arrests where Sammuel was intoxicated, the
trial court could have resolved this conflict in favor of its finding of endangerment. See
In re S.M.L.D., 150 S.W.3d at 758 (conflict in evidence regarding positive drug tests is
one that trial court could resolve in favor of its finding). 7
Accordingly, we find the evidence presented by the Department is more than
sufficient to support a firm belief or conviction about the truth of the allegations, even
when viewed in a neutral light. We further find the evidence was factually sufficient to
support the trial court’s judgment that Sammuel knowingly placed or knowingly allowed
his son to remain in conditions or surroundings which endangered his physical or
emotional well-being and also engaged in conduct or knowingly placed his son with
persons engaged in conduct which endangered the child’s physical and emotional well-
being. See subsections (D) & (E). See also Robinson v. Texas Department of
Protective and Regulatory Services, 89 S.W.3d 679, 687 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.]
2002, no pet.) (illegal drug activity coupled with a violation of community supervision
after agreeing not to commit such acts in a Plan for reunification “establishe[d] clear and
convincing proof of voluntary, deliberate, and conscious conduct that endangered the
well-being of her children”).
7
“As in a legal sufficiency review, it is the fact finder who is responsible to resolve the conflicts in the
testimony and pass upon the credibility of witnesses.” In re A.L.D.H., 373 S.W.3d 187, 194 (Tex.App.—
Amarillo 2012, no pet.) (citing In re R.D.S., 902 S.W.2d 714, 716 (Tex.App.—Amarillo 1995, no writ).
Further, witness credibility issues “that depend on appearance and demeanor cannot be weighed by the
appellate court.” In re J.P.B., 180 S.W.3d 570, 573 (Tex. 2005) (per curiam).
13
Inasmuch as only one statutory ground is required to terminate parental rights
under section 161.001, we will omit a discussion of the Department’s allegations under
section 161.001(1)(O). See M.C. v. Tex. Dep’t of Family and Protective Servs., 300
S.W.3d 305, 311 (Tex.App.—El Paso 2009, pet. denied); In re M.E.-M.N., 342 S.W.3d
at 264. Sammuel’s first two issues are overruled pretermitting his third issue. See Tex.
R. App. P. 47.1.
Best Interest of the Child
Notwithstanding the sufficiency of the evidence to support termination under
section 161.001(1), we must also find clear and convincing evidence that termination of
the parent-child relationship was in K.A.S.’s best interest. While there is a strong
presumption that the best interest of the child will be served by preserving the parent-
child relationship; see In re R.R., 209 S.W.3d 112, 116 (Tex. 2006) (per curiam), the
focus is on the best interest of the child--not the best interest of the parent. See Dupree
v. Tex. Dep’t of Protective & Regulatory Servs., 907 S.W.2d 81, 86 (Tex.App.—Dallas
1995, no writ). Prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe environment is
also presumed to be in the child’s best interest. § 263.307(a) (West 2008).
The same evidence of acts or omissions used to establish grounds for
termination under section 161.001(1) may be probative in determining the best interests
of the child. In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 28. In Holley v. Adams, 544 S.W.2d 367 (Tex.
1976), the Texas Supreme Court provided a nonexclusive list of factors that the trier of
fact in a termination case may use in determining the best interest of the child. Id. at
371-72. These factors include: (1) the desires of the child; (2) the emotional and
14
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 to promote the best
interest of the child; (6) the plans for the child by these individuals or by the agency
seeking custody; (7) the stability of the home or proposed placement; (8) the acts or
omissions of the parent that may indicate that the existing parent-child relationship is
not a proper one; (9) any excuse for the acts or omissions of the parent. Id. These
factors are not exhaustive, and there is no requirement that the Department prove all
factors as a condition precedent to parental termination. Walker, 312 S.W.3d at 619
(citing In re C.H., 89 S.W.3d at 27).
Specifically, Sammuel asserts the evidence was legally and factually insufficient
because he was incarcerated through much of the proceedings leaving him a limited
opportunity for visitation and completion of the services required by his Plan. He also
points to testimony that his supervised visits with K.A.S. went “fairly well” and he played
“well” with K.A.S. Although there was no evidence that he had any current income, he
testified he has qualified for social security disability income and planned for K.A.S. to
live with his cousin who is caring for his ninety-two year old grandmother.
Although K.A.S. is too young to express his desires, there is evidence that he
calls his foster parents “mama” and “dada.” There is also evidence that, during K.A.S.’s
visitations with Sammuel, there didn’t appear to be any bonding and Sammuel was
unresponsive to K.A.S.’s needs. Further, in the two hours or less Sammuel was in
supervised visitation, he would become frustrated with his son and speak obscenities.
Given K.A.S.’s age, he is unable to fend or care for himself and, as such, is physically
15
and emotionally vulnerable. Given the evidence, there is a high likelihood that, if left in
Sammuel’s care, he will continue to live in a highly unstable and uncertain environment.
At the time of the final hearing, Sammuel was incarcerated due to repeated violations of
his community supervision conditions and faced imprisonment for between two to ten
years. Although he testified he had qualified for social security disability payments, he
was unemployed, had not made any arrangements for assistance such as food stamps,
had not completed high school, didn’t have any stable means of transportation, had
seen his child only sporadically since birth and had not shown any motivation to follow
through with services for either community supervision or his Plan when he was not
incarcerated. Importantly, Sammuel had not shown any desire to successfully treat his
addiction to alcohol and frequently engaged in illegal conduct that violated his Plan and
community supervision conditions exposing him to the likelihood of extended
incarceration. Sammuel’s dependency on drugs and alcohol has led to an unstable and
uncertain environment for K.A.S. The future appears no better.
K.A.S., on the other hand, has been living in the same foster home since his
removal. The foster parents have indicated a desire to adopt him and interact well with
him. There is also evidence that K.A.S. already looks at his foster parents as being his
mother and father. He is doing well and his needs are being met.
In light of all the evidence, the trial court could have reasonably formed a firm
belief or conviction that termination of Sammuel’s parental rights was in K.A.S.’s best
interest. Accordingly, we hold the evidence is both legally and factually sufficient to
support the trial court’s finding that termination of his parental rights was in K.A.S.’s
best interest. Accordingly, Sammuel’s fourth issue is overruled.
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Conclusion
The trial court’s judgment is affirmed.
Patrick A. Pirtle
Justice
17