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B*J0 D/t0U60 00 D/2 03 063 04 0:5 0^T5 0<5 1e5U>S6U*6'6W7:99^ s:w: 0:4n;;; B; m; 0; D5k< D-< 0K<#= AS?4@ 0@ 0DA AAAAAAA 0NBBBBBBBBBBBB 1uB 72PC(@ Z6Times New Roman Regular(`$.8dd8    ("  Z6Times New Roman Regular *+ (_2623  ..*G+G (_25   /%` ` hp x /23  ../%` ` hp x /    C:\PROGRA~1\COREL\WORDPE~1\TEMPLATE\CUSTOM~1\REVISE~1.WPTC:\Program Files\Corel\WordPerfect Office 2000\Template\Custom WP Templates\revised standard opinion.wpt*5+5 (_23 ` ) hp x )23  ..) hp x ) ` *,+, (_20 h  p x 23  .. p x h 86Definition(#$  0  Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5*8+8 (_24  ," hp x ,23  ..," hp x ,  *2+2 (_22  &hhp x &23  ..&hhp x &  */+/ (_21  #p x #23  ..#p x #  *)+) (_19  pp x 23  ..pp x   *&+& (_18   x 23  .. x   *AA (_17  5+ ` hp x 523  Ԁ5+ ` hp x 5  *GG (_16   /%` ` hp x /23  Ԁ/%` ` hp x /   *88 (_15  ," hp x ,23  Ԁ," hp x ,  *55 (_14 ` ) hp x )23  Ԁ) hp x ) ` *22 (_13  &hhp x &23  Ԁ&hhp x &  *// (_12  #p x #23  Ԁ#p x #  *,, (_11 h  p x 23  Ԁ p x h *)) (_10  pp x 23  Ԁpp x   (&& &_9   x 23  Ԁ x   (AA &_8  5+ ` hp x 523  5+ ` hp x 5  (GG &_7   /%` ` hp x /23  /%` ` hp x /   (88 &_6  ," hp x ,23  ," hp x ,  (55 &_5 ` ) hp x )23  ) hp x ) ` (22 &_4  &hhp x &23  &hhp x &  (// &_3  #p x #23  #p x #  (,, &_2 h  p x 23   p x h ()) &_1  pp x 23  pp x   &&& $_   x 23   x   0AA.Normal  5+ ` hp x 55+ ` hp x 5  <AA:Definition T  5+ ` hp x 55+ ` hp x 5  <AA:Definition L , 5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 5- -(hh&H1  5+ ` hp x 5      5+ ` hp x 5  (]]&H2  5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 5  (]]&H3  5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 5  (]]&H4  5+ ` hp x 5 XXX 5+ ` hp x 5  (]]&H5  5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 5  (]]&H6  5+ ` hp x 5  5+ ` hp x 5  2DD0Address  5+ ` hp x 55+ ` hp x 5  8MM6Blockquote , , 5+ ` hp x 5   5+ ` hp x 5,*CITE,dl*CODEKA<6X9`(Courier NewKSK\  `&Times New RomanS42Emphasis64Hyperlink    <:FollowedHype    4go2Keyboard KA<6X9`(Courier NewKSK\  `&Times New RomanS <:Preformatted  /%  ,Kk %#/KA<6X9`(Courier NewKSK\  `&Times New RomanS/%  ,Kk %#/  <:zBottom of 7@(X7    5+ ` hp x 5?L%2A`Arial?  SK\  `&Times New RomanS7Z(X75+ ` hp x 5  &  d d?)1dxd<6X9`(Courier New<:zTop of For7C(X7    5+ ` hp x 5?L%2A`Arial?  SK\  `&Times New RomanS7Z(X75+ ` hp x 5  ?)2dxd0KS.SampleKA<6X9`(Courier NewKSK\  `&Times New RomanS0.Strong 8dl6TypewriterKA<6X9`(Courier NewKSK\  `&Times New RomanS42Variable: 8HTML MarkupB      2 0CommentB   35;AGMSY_11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.\  `&Times New Roman%2A`Arial  R$      1    _ԀOnApril28,2004,aDefaultJudgmentwasenteredagainstFrankCarey,terminatinghisparentalrights.He  isnotapartytothisappeal. M R$      2    _ԀCareysfirst_DUI_ԀwasonJuly19,1993in_Hickman_ԀCounty.HersecondoffensewasonFebruary2,2000  inBentonCounty. 0 R$      3    _Ԁ_T.C.A._Ԁ5510401,underwhichCareywascharged,indicatesthatanintoxicantmayincludeeitheralcohol  ordrugorboth.|c1 (|G2$ !.8dd8         0  6h0:i+003|x  dU(|37*$ !.8dd8     VVVV)!dxdx)!dxdx( $ Figure  1  \\IB01S02\CLERKJAC,,,,0^_X`YE<<CLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5(|37*$ !.8dd8     ($$   1  X[Z&OLE 2.0 Box <=8C HKKKK(O$3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)si) !.8dd8     _   8oXXdd8  @ !nINTHECOURTOFAPPEALSOFTENNESSEE  @%ATJACKSON#!n #Ԉ #   October11,2004Session F XoX #XXo#INTHEMATTEROF:D.C.ANDS.C.,STATEOFTENNESSEE ? DEPARTMENTOFCHILDREN'SSERVICESv.KARENCAREY,etal.XoX   P @@ ADirectAppealfromtheJuvenileCourtforBentonCounty  J @@No.3007TheHonorableClydeW.Watson,Judge  4 @@*AV) ` dE<` A   @@TTNo.W200400472COAR3PTFiledNovember3,2004   AV) ` dE<n` A o     X?TXXXo8?TXXdXXd8  Thisisaterminationofparentalrightscase.MotherappealsfromtheorderoftheJuvenile g CourtofBentonCounty,terminatingherparentalrightsonthegroundsofpersistenceofconditions. P Specifically,Motherassertsthatthetrialcourterredinadmittingevidenceofaneventthatoccurred 9 afterthePetitiontoTerminatehadbeenfiled,thattheterminationofherparentalrightsisnot "r supportedbyclearandconvincingevidenceintherecord,andthatterminationisnotinthebest  [ interestofthechildren.Wereverseandremand. D #XoXXX?T##XXo#XoX Tenn.R.App.P.3;AppealasofRight;JudgmentoftheJuvenileCourtReversedand  Remanded     #Xo)#XoX.W.FrankCrawford,P.J.,W.S.,deliveredtheopinionofthecourt,inwhichAlanE.Highers, l J.andDavidR.Farmer,J.,joined. U JasonW.Pearcy,Camden,ForAppellant,KarenCarey ' w PaulG.Summers,AttorneyGeneralandReporter;JulieRandallPablo,AssistantAttorneyGeneral, !I! ForAppellee,TennesseeDepartmentofChildren'sServices "2"  OPINION #XXo #XoX $ $ #XXo= #XoX    KarenCarey( Carey, Mother,or Appellant)isthemotherofthetwominorchildrenat &!& issueinthiscase,D.C.(d.o.b.5/8/91)andS.C.(d.o.b.9/29/92).ThenaturalfatherofD.C.andS.C. p'"' isFrankCarey.M  #  1       Y(#(   B)$)Y   OnNovember5,2001,theDepartmentofChildrensServices( DCS,or Appellee)filed   a PetitionforTemporaryCustody,baseduponthefollowinginformation:  8  8`   ...[I]thasbeenreportedthatthemotherofthechildren,KarenCarey, k isanalcoholicandbeatsthechildrenwhensheisdrunk.The T childrenhavestatedthattheirmotherdrinksallthetime,becomes =  belligerentwhensheisdrunk,andphysicallyabusesthem.[D.C.]has & v reportedthathermotherhasattemptedtochokeherandhitsherwith  _ herfists.Thechildrenreportthatthereareoftenmeninthehouse  H whentheirmotherdrinksandlaterpassesout.Bothchildrenhave  1  madestatementsthatindicatepossiblesexualabusebythesemen.It    hasbeenreportedthatthesechildrenroamtheneighborhoodwhen   theirmotherispassedoutand,ononeoccasion,aneighborfound   [S.C.]onInterstate40attemptingtohitchhike.Thehomehad   cockroaches,bagsofgarbagethroughout,andanoutdoortoiletinside n  thehouse.KarenCareydoesnothaveajobatthistime,havingbeen W  terminatedfromherlastjobforbeingdrunkatwork.Therehave @ beenseveralarrangementsmadetohelpKarenCareyentertreatment, )y butshehasrefusedtoentertreatment.b` x` x A ProtectiveCustodyOrderwasenteredthatsameday,placingthechildreninthetemporary 4 custodyoftheiraunt,RosemaryStrickland.AtaNovember6,2001hearing,thetrialcourtfound  probablecauseofdependencyandneglectduetoalcoholuse,physicalabuse,andlackof  supervisiononthepartofCareyandenteredan InterimOrderonDecember31,2001,bywhich  thechildrenweretoremaininMs.StricklandscustodyandcounselwasappointedforCarey.At  aDecember18,2001hearing,CareyagreedtohavecustodyremainwithMs.Strickland.She q furtheragreedtoparticipateinaninpatienttreatmentprogramandtoattendAAmeetings,parenting Z classes,andangermanagementcounseling.Theserequirementsweresetoutinthetrialcourts C OrderofFebruary12,2002.Additionally,theOrderrequiredCareytohaveastablehome,seek ,| employment,paysupportafterprocuringajob,andremainsober. e   ThepartiesreturnedtocourtonApril9,2002.Atthattime,thetrialcourtfoundthatCarey  7 hadnotremainedsober.ByOrderofJune18,2002,overnightvisitationwassuspended,supervised !   visitationwasreinstated,Careywasorderedtoavoidcontactwithanyusersofalcohol,tosubmit " ! torandomalcoholscreensthreetimespermonth,andtocontinueworkingonthegoalssetforthin #" thepreviousorders.FollowingaJuly16,2002hearing,thetrialcourtenteredanOrderon $# September17,2002allowingCareyunsupervisedvisitationwiththechildrenonceperweek,and t% $ reiteratingthatCareywastocomplywithallrequirementscontainedinpreviousorders.Following ]&!% ahearing,onOctober8,2002,custodyofthechildrenwasgiventoDCSandCareywasorderedto F'"& paychildsupportintheamountof$53.00perweek. /(#'   OnOctober24,2002,PermanencyPlanswereenteredforboththechildren.The *Q%) PermanencyPlansweresignedbyCareyandincorporatedalloftherequirementsthatCareywas *:&* orderedtocompleteinthetrialcourtspreviousorders.AQuarterlyReviewwasconductedon +#'+ November19,2002anditwasnotedthatnoprogresshadbeenmadetowardreducingrisksthat  necessitatecontinuedfostercare.AdditionalreviewswereconductedonApril15,2003and  November16,2003.Atbothofthesesubsequentreviews,itwasnotedthatCareyhadmadeno  progresstowardreducingtherisksthatnecessitatedremovalofherchildren. k   OnDecember4,2002,CareywasarrestedinBentonCountyforherthirdDUI.N  #  2      ׀According =  totherecord,thechildrenwereinthevehiclewithheratthetime.Careypledguiltytothisoffense & v andwassentencedtoelevenmonthsandtwentyninedaysinjail.Allbutonehundredtwentydays  _ weresuspended.  H   AhearingwasheldonDecember10,2002,atwhichthePermanencyPlanswereapproved    bythetrialcourtandthechildrenwerefoundtobedependentandneglectedduetoCareys   noncompliancewithseveralpreviouscourtordersandbecauseCareywasscheduledtobeginher   jailsentenceonDecember11,2002.AnOrdertothiseffectwasenteredonFebruary18,2003.     OnSeptember29,2003,DCSfileda PetitiontoTerminateParentalRights(the Petition) W  DCSassertednumerousgrounds,includingCareyswillfulfailuretoobeythetrialcourtsorders, @ willfulabandonmentbasedonfailuretoprovidemorethantokensupport,showingawanton )y disregardforthewelfareofthechildren,failuretomaintainsuitablehousing,despiteDCS b reasonableeffortstoassist,failuretosubstantiallycomplywiththePermanencyPlans,and K persistenceofconditions.AGuardianAdLitemwasappointedbyOrderofNovember13,2003. 4 CareyansweredthePetitiononNovember14,2003.    OnOctober21,2003,CareywasarrestedinBentonCountyforherfourthDUIoffense.At  thetimeofthehearinginthiscase,Careyscriminalcasewasstillpending.    ThismatterwasheardbythetrialcourtonNovember17,2003.An OrderTerminating Z ParentalRightsandDecreeofGuardianship(the FinalOrder)wasenteredonJanuary12,2004. C TheFinalOrderreads,inpertinentpart,asfollows: ,| 8  8`   [T]heCourtfindsuponclearandconvincingevidencethatthe N PetitionToTerminateParentalRightsfiledbytheStateof  7 Tennessee,DepartmentofChildrensServices,iswelltakenasto !   Respondent,KarenCarey,andshouldbesustainedandreliefgranted " ! thereunderforthecausesthereinstated,andtheCourtmakesthe #" followingfindingsoffactandconclusionsoflaw.$#` x` x 8  8`    RegardingtherequirementsinthepermanencyplanthatMs. ]&!% Careywillhaveanotheralcoholanddrugassessment,willcomply F'"& withitsrecommendations,includingattendingshorttermorlong /(#' terminhousetreatmentifrecommended,andattendAAmeetings )h$( onceperweek,Ms.CareydidhaveanotherassessmentinOctober  2003.TherewastestimonypresentedthatrecentlyMs.Careyhasnot  substantiallyattendedAAmeetingsandthatshedidnotfindthe  meetingsworthattending.Theplanrequiresthatcounselinginclude k sessionsonangermanagement,parenting,learningtocommunicate T withoutmakingthreats,andrandomalcoholscreens.Ms.Carey =  signedreleaseformsandparticipatedinaparentingclassinOctober & v 2003.Therewerealcoholscreensdonewhichwerenotpositive,but  _ shedidnotsubmittothebloodalcoholtestfollowingherarreston  H chargesoffourthoffenseDUI.TheplanrequiresthatMs.Careywill  1  learntounderstandthedangersofexposingthegirlstopeoplewho    aredrinkingexcessively,andtheCourtisunsurethatshecomplied   withthatinanyway.TheplanrequiresthatMs.Careyprovide   informationregardingthefatherofthechildren,whichshehasdone.   TheCourtfindsthatMs.Careydidcomplywithseveralofthetasks n  inthepermanencyplan.W ` x` x 8  8`    However,theCourtfindsthatMs.Careyhasnotbeen )y completelytruthfultotheCourt.Ms.Careytestifiedthatshehashad b nothingtodrinkfortwoyears.However,theofficertestifiedthat,at K thetimeofhermostrecentarrestshesmelledofalcohol,thatshe 4 staggeredwhenshewalked,shehadslurredspeech,andsherefused  tosubmittothebloodalcoholtest.` x` x 8  8`    TheGuardianAdLitem,JohnWhitworth,pointedoutwhat  theCourtfindsisthemostimportantissueinthiscase,thatthe q childrenweretakenfromMs.Careybecauseshewasendangeringthe Z childrenwithheralcoholand/ordruguse.TheGuardianAdLitem C pointedoutthatafterthechildrenhadbeenremovedfromthehome ,| approximatelyoneyear,thechildrenwereallowedtoreturnfora e periodofvisitation.Ms.Careyhadthechildreninthevehiclewith N herwhenshewasarrestedandconvictedofathirdoffenseofdriving  7 undertheinfluence.Ms.Careysaysthatitwasduetothe !   prescriptiondrugsthatshewasusing,buttheCourthassome " ! questionafterhearingallthetestimonyandhearingfromthegirlsas #" towhetherornotthatwastrue.Nowshehasapendingfourth $# offenseDUIandDrivingonaRevokedLicense.t% $` x` x 8  8`    ThecaseworkerhastestifiedthatwhenshetalkedwithMs. F'"& Careytotrytohelpherandtotellherwhatsheneededtodo,shewas /(#' argumentative.ThecaseworkertestifiedthatMs.Careyrefusedto )h$( listen.TheCourtfindsthatMs.Careydidnotabsorbanythingthe *Q%) caseworkerwastryingtotellher.*:&*` x` x  +#'+ 8  8`    Obviouslythechildrenhavebeenremovedfromthehomeof  theparentbyorderofthisCourtforaperiodofsix(6)months;a  conditionwhichledtothechildrensremovalstillpersists,whichin  allreasonableprobabilitywouldcausethechildrentobesubjectedto k furtherabuseandneglectandwhich,therefore,preventthechildrens T safereturntothecareofKarenCarey;thereislittlelikelihoodthat =  theseconditionswillberemediedatanearlydatesothatthese & v childrencanbereturnedsafelytoKarenCareyinthenearfuture;and  _ thecontinuationofthelegalparentandchildrelationshipgreatly  H diminishesthechildrenschancestoreturntoasafeandstable  1  permanenthome.  ` x` x 8  8`    TheCourtfindsthat[DC]and[SC]areobviouslyoutgoing   andveryintelligent.Theydeserveachanceinlife. ` x` x 8  8`    TheCourtfindsbyclearandconvincingevidencethatitis W  alsointhebestinterestofthechildren,...forreasonsstatedabove, @ thattheparentalrightsofKarenCareytothechildrenbeforever )y terminatedandthatcustody,control,andpartialguardianshipofthe b childrenbeawardedtotheStateofTennessee,Departmentof K ChildrensServices,withtherighttoplacethechildrenforadoption 4 andtoconsenttosuchadoptioninlocoparentis....` x` x 8  8`    TheCourtfindsthattheDepartmentofChildrensServices  hasexercisedreasonableeffortstopreventremovalandreunifythe  family.q` x` x    `    *0 h 0h(#h(#*0(#(#0p(#(#*Cp(#p(# 8  8`    ITIS,THEREFORE,ORDERED,ADJUDGEDAND e DECREED:N` x` x    `    *0 h 0h(#h(#*0(#(#0p(#(#*!  p(#p(# 8  8`   2.ThatallparentalrightsofKarenCarey,tothechildren,...are #" herebyforeverterminated;thatthecompletecustody,control,and $# partial[sic]guardianshipofsaidchildrenisherebyawardedtothe t% $ StateofTennessee,DepartmentofChildrensServices,withtheright ]&!% toplacethechildrenforadoptionandconsenttosuchadoptionin F'"& locoparentis..../(#'` x` x   Careyappealsandraisesthreeissuesasstatedinherbrief: *Q%)   *:&* 8  8`   1.WhetherthetrialcourterroneouslyterminatedtheAppellants   parentalrightsbasedon persistenceofconditions.` x` x 8  8`   2.Whetherthetrialcourterroneouslyadmittedevidencethat k occurredafterD.C.S.hadfiledthePetitiontoTerminatethe T AppellantsParentalRights.= ` x` x 8  8`   3.WhetherthetrialcourterroneouslyheldthatitwasinD.C.and  _ S.C.sbestinteresttoterminatetheirmothersparentalrights. H` x` x   Sincethiscasewastriedbythecourtsittingwithoutajury,wereviewthetrialcourtsfactual    findings denovo accompaniedbyapresumptionofcorrectnessunlessthepreponderanceofthe   evidenceisotherwise.Tenn.R.App.P.13(d); Campbellv.Fla.SteelCorp .,919S.W.2d26,35   (Tenn.1996).Thetrialcourtslegalconclusionsarereviewed denovo withnopresumptionof   correctness. Campbell ,919S.W.2dat35.Whentheresolutionoftheissuesinacasedependsupon q  thetruthfulnessofwitnesses,thetrialjudge,whohastheopportunitytoobservethemannerand [  demeanorofthewitnessesastheytestify,isinafarbetterpositionthananappellatecourtto D determinecredibility. McCalebv.SaturnCorp .,910S.W.2d412,415(Tenn.1995); Whitakerv. -} Whitaker ,957S.W.2d834,837(Tenn.Ct.App.1997).Therefore,theweight,faith,andcredittobe g giventoanywitnesstestimonywillbegivengreatweightbytheappellatecourt. InreEstateof Q Waltonv.Young ,950S.W.2d956,959(Tenn.1997); Whitaker ,957S.W.2dat837. ;   Thestandardfortheterminationofparentalrightsiswellsettled.TheUnitedStates  SupremeCourthasrecognizedtheimportantnatureofcasesinvolvingtheterminationofparental  rights,statingthat [f]ewconsequencesofjudicialactionaresograveastheseveranceofnatural  familyties. M.L.B.v.S.L.J. ,519U.S.102,119(1996)(quoting Santoskyv.Kramer ,455U.S.745 y (1982)(Rehnquist,J.,dissenting)).Accordingly, theinterestofparentsintheirrelationshipwith c theirchildrenissufficientlyfundamentaltocomewithinthefiniteclassoflibertyinterestsprotected L bytheFourteenthAmendment. Id .Theconstitutionalprotectionsoftheparent-childrelationship 5 requirecertainsafeguardsbeforetherelationshipcanbesevered. SeeO'Danielv.Messier ,905 o S.W.2d182,186(Tenn.Ct.App.1995)(rev'donothergrounds, Inre:Swanson ,2S.W.3d180  Y (Tenn.1999)).  C   Asasafeguard,courtsarerequiredtoapplytheheightened clearandconvincingproof "! standard. SeeSantosky ,455U.S.at769; O'Daniel ,905S.W.2dat186.Tojustifythetermination #" ofparentalrights,thegroundsforterminationmustbeestablishedbyclearandconvincingevidence. $#  See Tenn.CodeAnn.36-1-113(c)(1)(Supp.2003); StateDep'tofHumanServs.v.Defriece ,937 % $ S.W.2d954,960(Tenn.Ct.App.1996).Althoughitdoesnotrequireasmuchcertaintyasthe beyond k&!% areasonabledoubtstandard,the clearandconvincingevidencestandardismoreexactingthan T'"& the preponderanceoftheevidencestandard. O'Danielv.Messier ,905S.W.2d182,188(Tenn. =(#' Ct.App.1995); Brandonv.Wright ,838S.W.2d532,536(Tenn.Ct.App.1992).Inordertobeclear ')w$( andconvincing,evidencemusteliminateanyseriousorsubstantialdoubtaboutthecorrectnessof *a%) theconclusionstobedrawnfromtheevidence. Hodgesv.S.C.Toof&Co. ,833S.W.2d896,901 *J&* n.3(Tenn.1992); O'Danielv.Messier ,905S.W.2dat188.Suchevidenceshouldproduceinthe +4'+ fact-findersmindafirmbelieforconvictionastothetruthoftheallegationssoughttobe  established. O'Danielv.Messier ,905S.W.2dat188; Wiltcherv.Bradley ,708S.W.2d407,411  (Tenn.Ct.App.1985).Incontrasttothepreponderanceoftheevidencestandard,clearand  convincingevidenceshoulddemonstratethatthetruthofthefactsassertedis highlyprobableas l opposedtomerely moreprobablethannot. Lettnerv.Plummer ,559S.W.2d785,787 U (Tenn.1977); Goldsmithv.Roberts ,622S.W.2d438,441(Tenn.Ct.App.1981); Brandonv. ?  Wright ,838S.W.2dat536. ) y   Asathresholdmatter,wewillfirstaddressAppellantssecondissue,concerningthetrial  L courtsadmissionofevidencesurroundingCareysarrestforthefourthDUIonOctober21,2003.  5  CareyarguesthatthisevidenceshouldhavebeenexcludedsinceitaroseafterthePetitionwasfiled    onSeptember29,2003.Itiswellsettledthatthetrialcourtisaffordedwidediscretioninthe   admissionorrejectionofevidence,andthetrialcourtsactionwillbereversedonappealonlywhen   thereisashowingofanabuseofdiscretion. Otisv.CambridgeMut.FireIns.Co. ,850S.W.2d439   (Tenn.1992).Theparamountconcernsinachildcustodycasearethewelfareandbestinterestof s  thechild .SeeWhitakerv.Whitaker ,957S.W.2d837,837(Tenn.Ct.App.1997).Itis,therefore, \  incumbentuponthecourttoadmitallevidencethatisrelevanttothatinquiry.Becauseofthegrave F andspecialnatureofterminationproceedings,norelevantevidenceshouldbeexcluded.Here,the / testimonyofOfficerBolanisrelevantasitgoesdirectlytothequestionofCareyscontinued h drinking,whichisattheheartofthisterminationproceeding.ItistruethatCareyisconstitutionally Q cloakedwithapresumptionofinnocenceonthisfourthDUIchargeuntilsuchtimeasthematteris : adjudicatedinthecriminalcourt;however,whenfacedwithCareysobjectionatthehearing,the # trialcourtgavethefollowingexplanationforallowingtheevidence:   8  8`   ...Imgoingtoallow[OfficerBolan]totestifyconcerningany  personalknowledgehehasofyourclient[Carey].Again,werenot w lookingforguiltorinnocenceinthecase,buthehasarighttotellthe ` Courtanyinformationthathehasconcerningthingsthathemayhave I seenyourclientdoinvolving[the]terminationofherparentalrights 2 tothesechildren.k` x` x   Thetrialcourtwascorrectinitsassessmentand,consequently,didnotabuseitsdiscretion  = inallowingtestimonyconcerningthefourthDUI. !&  TerminationofParentalRights #"   T.C.A.36-1-113(c)(Supp.2003)governsterminationofparentalrightsandrequiresthat z% $ suchterminationbebasedupon: c&!% 8  8`   (1)Afindingbythecourtbyclearandconvincingevidencethatthe 5(#' groundsfortermination[of]parentalorguardianshiprightshavebeen )n$( established;and*W%)` x` x 8  8`   (2)Thatterminationoftheparent'sorguardian'srightsisinthebest *@&* interestofthechild.+)'+` x` x ЇThetrialcourtterminatedCareysparentalrightsonthegroundofpersistenceofconditions,which  iscodifiedatT.C.A.36-1-113(g)(3)(A)(Supp.2003):  8  8`   (3)(A)Thechildhasbeenremovedfromthehomeoftheparentor k guardianbyorderofacourtforaperiodofsix(6)monthsand:T` x` x 8  8`   (i)Theconditionswhichledtothechild'sremovalorotherconditions =  whichinallreasonableprobabilitywouldcausethechildtobe & v subjectedtofurtherabuseorneglectandwhich,therefore,preventthe  _ child'ssafereturntothecareoftheparent(s)orguardian(s),still  H persist; 1 ` x` x 8  8`   (ii)Thereislittlelikelihoodthattheseconditionswillberemediedat    anearlydatesothatthechildcanbesafelyreturnedtotheparent(s)   orguardian(s)inthenearfuture;and ` x` x 8  8`   (iii)Thecontinuationoftheparentorguardianandchildrelationship   greatlydiminishesthechild'schancesofearlyintegrationintoasafe, n  stableandpermanenthome.W ` x` x   Asnotedabove,thetrialcourtbaseditsdecisiontoterminateCareysparentalrightsupon )y afindingthatshecontinuedtodrinkexcessivelyandtomakeunwisechoiceswhenshewasunder b theinfluence.TherecordindicatesthatCareyhascompletedtwo,twelveweekalcoholanddrug K treatmentprograms.Atthetimeofthehearing,Careyhadfoundajobandhadmaintainedher 4 employmentforoversevenmonths.DCSwitness,CoreneGossage,Careysneighbor,testifiedthat  shehadbeeninCareyshomeandthat,toherknowledge,therewasnoalcoholpresent.Inaddition,  Ms.GossagehadattendedneighborhoodpartieswheretherewasdrinkingandhadnotseenCarey  there.Furthermore,BelindaDickinson,anemployeeofCareyCounseling,testifiedthatCarey,  pursuanttothePermanencyPlans,hadsubmittedtoanalcoholanddrugassessment.OnOctober q 17,2003,Ms.DickinsonsentalettertoDCS,whichreads,inrelevantpart,asfollows:[ex11] Z 8  8`   DearMs.Prather:,|` x` x 8  8`   ThefollowingreportconcernsanAlcoholandDrugEvaluation N completedonKarenCareybytheundersignedonOctober17,2003.  7 ThisevaluationconsistedoftheadministrationoftheSubstance !   AbuseScreeningInventory,Version3(SASSI3).Thetimeperiod " ! coveredbythisinventorywasforthepastsixmonths.#"` x` x 8  8`   TheSASSI3isaselfreport,standardizedscreeninginstrument t% $ designedtoidentifyrespondentswhohaveahighprobabilityof ]&!% havingaSubstanceDependenceDisorder.TheSASSI3identifies F'"& respondentsashavingaSubstanceDependenceDisorder,evenif /(#' thoserespondentsdonotopenlyacknowledgeaproblemwith )h$( substancemisuse,ordeliberatelyattempttoconcealsuchaproblem. *Q%) ResearchhasdemonstratedtheSASSI3correctlyidentifies93%of *:&* respondentswhodonothaveaSubstanceDependenceDisorder.Ms. +#'+ CareysprofileontheSASSI3indicatesa LowProbabilityof  havingaSubstanceDependenceDisorder.However,Ms.Careys  defensivenessscoreisrelativelyhigh,itisnotsignificantlyhigh  enoughtoindicatedenialoranattempttoconcealaSubstance k DependenceDisorder.T` x` x 8  8`   AccordingtoMs.Carey,shedeniesuseofalcoholinthepastsix & v months.DuetotheresultsoftheSASSI3,itismyrecommendation  _ thatMs.CareynotberequiredtoparticipateinAlcohol/Drug  H treatment.... 1 ` x` x   WeconcedethatMs.Dicksonsopinionletterisnotcompletelydispositiveinthatthe   SASSI3assessmentdoesnotaccountforthefactthatapersonmayabusealcoholfromtimetotime   withoutbeingdependentuponit.However,itdoescreatesomedoubtastothecorrectnessofthe   trialcourtsconclusionaboutCareyscontinuedrelationshipwithalcohol. n    ThemosttroublingevidenceinthisrecordisclearlyCareysthirdconvictionforDUIand @ herfourtharrestforthesameoffense.ConcerningthethirdDUI,Careytestifiedthatshewasnot )y undertheinfluenceofalcoholbut,rather,hadtakenprescriptionmedicationforaleginjury. b AlthoughthetrialcourtdidnotgivecredencetoCareystestimony,iftheissuehereisherabuseof K alcoholandshewasnotabusingalcoholbutwasundertheinfluenceofaprescribedmedication, 4 then,applyingtheclearandconvincingstandard,thatcreatessomequestioninthisCourtsmind  astowhetherthethirdDUIevincesacontinuedabuseofalcohol.O  #  3      ׀Therewasalsotestimonythat  thechildrenwereinthetruckwithCareywhenshewascitedforthisthirdDUI;however,thereis  noindicationintherecordthatCareywaschargedwithchildendangermentinrelationtothisevent.    ConcerningthearrestforthefourthDUI,OfficerBolantestifiedthatthevehicleCareywas Z occupyingwasexperiencingenginetroubleandwasnotactuallymovingatthetimeheandhis C partnerstoppedtoofferanassist.HealsotestifiedthatCareyfailedthreefieldsobrietytests,which ,| werevideotaped.OfficerBolantestifiedthatitwashispartner,OfficerFlowers,whoconductthe e sobrietytests.OfficerFlowersdidnottestify,norwasthevideotapeadmittedintoevidence.Carey N didnotsubmittoabloodtestand,atthetimeofthehearing,shehadnotbeenconvictedofthis  7 offense. !     Fromalloftheevidenceinthisrecord,itiscleartousthatCareyhasbeenguiltyattimes #" ofpoorparentingandbadjudgment.Wedonotcondoneherconduct;however,wemustfollowthe $# dictatesofthelegislatureinmakingourrulinginthiscase.Therefore,werespectfullydisagreethat t% $ thereisclearandconvincingevidencethatgroundsexistforterminationinthiscaseunderT.C.A. ]&!% 36-1-113(g)(3)(A). F'"&   /(#'   Furthermore,atthetimeofthehearing,D.C.wastwelveyearsoldandS.C.waselevenyears   old.Asthetrialcourtpointedout,theyappearedtobe outgoingandveryintelligent.Intermsof  whatisinthebestinterestofthesechildren,itisnotclearfromthechildrensowntestimony,or  fromtherecordasawhole,thatterminationofCareysparentalrightsisthebestchoicehere. k Althoughweconcedethatthebondbetweenthismotherandherchildrenisnotthestrongest,D.C. T andS.Csrespectivetestimonyindicatesthateachisnotcompletelyateasewiththeprospectofnot =  seeingtheirmother: & v 8  8`   Q.Ofcourse,you[D.C.]mightnotgettoseeyourmomagainuntil  H 18andyougetoutofhighschool.Doyouunderstandthat? 1 ` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes. ` x` x 8  8`   Q.Takingthatallintoconsideration,wouldyouliketokeepvisiting   withyourmom?n ` x` x 8  8`   A.Iguess.@` x` x S.C.testifiedlikewiseasfollows: b 8  8`   Q....[S.C.],doyouunderstandwhatIwastellingyoursisterabout 4 thismightbethelasttimeyougettoseeyourmom?` x` x 8  8`   A.Yes,sir.` x` x 8  8`   Q.TheJudgeissittinghereandhesgoingtolistentowhatyallsay. q WhatareyoutellingtheJudgetodo?Thatyoudontwanttosee Z yourmomanymoreoryoudstillliketoseeherjustevenifithadto C beatMcDonaldsortheparkorsomethinglikethat?Whatdoyou ,| wanttodo?e` x` x 8  8`   A.Iguesssoattheparkorsomething. 7` x` x 8  8`   Q.Soyoudliketokeepthevisitsgoing?Maybenotmoveinwith " ! herbutdothevisits?#"` x` x 8  8`   A.Maybevisitorsomething.t% $` x` x   Inadditiontothechildrenstestimony,therecordsupportsthetrialcourtsconclusionthat F'"& CareyhasmadesubstantialstepsincomplyingwiththePermanencyPlans.Careyhasmaintained /(#' ajobforatleastsevenmonths.Shepaysasubstantialportionofherincomeinchildsupport.She )h$( exerciseshervisitationrightswiththechildrenandoftengivesthemmoneyandsmallgiftsatthese *Q%) visits.Shehasbeenabletoprocuremoreadequatehousingandhasattendedcounseling.Fromthe *:&* testimonyoftheDCScaseworkerandfromCareystestimonyandheractions,itisapparentthat +#'+ shecaresaboutthesechildren.Inaddition,thechildrensfosterparenttestifiedthatsheandher  husbandhavenopresentintentiontoadoptD.C.andS.C.Thistestimony,coupledwiththefactthat  D.C.andS.C.arenowteenagers,doesnotbodewellfortheirchancesofbeingadoptedinthenear  future. k   Fortheforegoingreasons,wefindthattheevidencebeforeusdoesnotassuagethisCourt =  ofitsdoubtsaboutthecorrectnessofthetrialcourtsconclusionthatCareycontinuestoabuse & v alcoholorthatsuchabusemakesheranunfitmothertothesechildren,especiallyinlightofthe  _ progressCareyhasmadeandthefactthattherearenoadoptiveparentswaitinginthewings.    H Applyingtheclearandconvincingstandard,wereversetheOrderofthetrialcourt,terminatingthe  1  parentalrightsofCarey.Weremandthecaseforsuchfurtherproceedingsasmaybenecessary,    includingdeterminationofvisitationandcustody.Costsofthisappealareassessedagainstthe   Appellee,StateofTennesseeDepartmentofChildrensServices.#XXo #XoX      `     h   __________________________________________ @    `     h   W.FRANKCRAWFORD,PRESIDINGJUDGE,W.S.