December Advocacy Tip

Every month CASA publishes an "Advocacy Tip" to give Advocates the chance to earn 1 Hour of Ongoing Training Credit. Take the quiz at the bottom to earn your credit!

Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship


When approaching final merits on a case where the Permanency Goal is Termination of parental rights, there are 20 different grounds for termination that the court may utilize. The grounds for termination are listed in the Texas Family Code and range from the letter A to the letter T. The court may order termination of the parent-child relationship if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that one or more of the grounds applies to that particular case.


Most Common Grounds for Termination

Some of the most common grounds for termination used in Bexar County Children’s Court are:

K - This ground is executed before or after the suit is filed an unrevoked or irrevocable affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights

O - The parent(s) failed to comply with the provisions of a court order that specifically established the actions necessary for the parent to obtain the return of the child who has been in the permanent or temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services for not less than nine months as a result of the child’s removal from the parent under Chapter 262 for the abuse or neglect of the child

Q - The parent(s) engaged in criminal conduct that has resulted in the parents: 1) confinement of an offense; and 2) confinement or imprisonment and inability to care for the child for not less than two years from the date of filing the petition.


Abuse and Neglect Grounds for Termination

There are three termination grounds in the Texas Family Code that focus solely on abuse and neglect. These grounds are often harder to obtain due to the requirement of presenting clear and convincing evidence to the court.

D - The parent(s) knowingly placed or knowingly allowed the child to remain in conditions or surroundings which endanger the physical and emotional well-being of the child

E - The parent(s) engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the child with persons who engaged in conduct which endangers the physical and emotional well-being of the child

N - The parent(s) constructively abandoned the child who has been in the permanent or temporary managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services for not less than six months, and; 1) the department has made reasonable efforts to return the child to the parent 2) the parent has not regularly visited or maintained significant contact with the child and 3) the parent has demonstrated an inability to provide the child with a safe environment.


The court can terminate the parent-child relationship on as many grounds as pertain to the case. The court is also required to consider the best interest of the children when making a ruling on termination grounds. The number of termination grounds, and the definition of each ground, play a part in the appeal process if a parent should decide to appeal the initial ruling. For more information on grounds for termination visit https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.161.htm

Advocacy Tip Quiz

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate Stephanie

By bfines • April 14, 2026
In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 14, 2026
Joy Varner
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