Leah R. v. DCS, Ariz. Ct. App. (2016)
Leah R. v. DCS, Ariz. Ct. App. (2016)
Leah R. v. DCS, Ariz. Ct. App. (2016)
UNDER ARIZONA RULE OF THE SUPREME COURT 111(c), THIS DECISION IS NOT PRECEDENTIAL
AND MAY BE CITED ONLY AS AUTHORIZED BY RULE.
IN THE
MEMORANDUM DECISION
Judge Patricia A. Orozco delivered the decision of the Court, in which
Presiding Judge Patricia K. Norris and Judge Peter B. Swann joined.
O R O Z C O, Judge:
1
Leah R. (Mother) appeals the courts termination of her
parental rights to her four children; U.M., D.L.M., D.R.M., and I.F. (the
Children).1 For the following reasons, we affirm.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
2
In July 2014, Department of Child Safety (DCS) initiated
dependency proceedings as to Mother, alleging that the Children were
dependent due to abuse and neglect. A year later, DCS filed a motion for
severance, alleging abandonment, inability to discharge parental duties due
to substance abuse, and the Childrens length of time in care.
3
After a contested severance hearing the court took the matter
under advisement, and subsequently severed Mothers rights on the
grounds she could not care for the Children as a result of substance abuse
and length of time in care. The court also found DCS proved by a
preponderance of the evidence that severance was in the Childrens best
interests. Mother timely appealed. We have jurisdiction pursuant to
Article 6, Section 9, of the Arizona Constitution, and Arizona Revised
Statutes (A.R.S.) sections 8-235.A, 12-120.21.A.1 and -2101.A (West 2016).2
DISCUSSION
4
Mother argues the court erred in terminating her parental
rights but does not challenge the courts determination that severance was
in the Childrens best interests. We therefore do not address best interests.
8
When determining whether a parent can discharge parental
responsibilities, the court must consider how the substance abuse hinders
the parents ability to be an effective parent. Raymond F., 224 Ariz. at 377-78,
19. In making this finding, the court has flexibility to consider the
circumstances of each case. Id. at 378, 20.
9
The record supports the courts finding that Mother was
unable to discharge her parental responsibilities as a result of substance
abuse. At the contested severance hearing the DCS case manager testified
that in 2008, Mother was referred to DCS because one of the Children was
born exposed to substances. Then in 2013 Mother was again referred to
DCS because of allegations Mother was abusing illegal substances and
neglecting to properly care for the Children. Finally, in 2014 DCS took the
11
Evidence sufficient to support a finding that a substance
abuse issue will continue may include the parents history of drug use and
failure to complete or engage in offered services. Raymond F., 224 Ariz. at
378-79, 26-29. A parents failure to abstain from substances despite a
pending severance is evidence [the parent] has not overcome [the]
dependence on drugs and alcohol. Id. at 379, 29. The court here found
that Mothers history of abuse dated back to her adolescence. Mother was
reported to DCS on at least two prior occasions, and both allegations
included reports Mother used illegal substances, impairing her ability to
care for the Children. The DCS case manager reported that Mothers failure
to comply with substance abuse testing resulted in termination of her
referral for treatment for non-compliance. When Mother did submit to
testing, she tested positive for illicit substances and alcohol; she tested
positive for marijuana as recently as August 2015 and alcohol in October
2015. The case manager reported that Mothers positive test from October
was particularly concerning because she had a history of chronic alcohol
abuse, and Mother reported that she was pregnant at that time.
12
Although Mother contends she is amenable to services, she
admitted she did not consistently submit to substance testing and failed to
promptly reinitiate services terminated as a result of her non-attendance.
The court found that, at best, Mother had two months of sobriety at the time
of the severance trial. The court did not err in finding Mothers substance
abuse issues were likely to continue.
13
When clear and convincing evidence supports at least one of
the grounds for severance, we need not address the other reasons for
:AA