The Court of Appeals of Oregon has upheld a ruling that terminates the parental rights of a mother, T. M. F., to her two daughters, M and D. This decision, filed under docket number A189939, comes amid serious concerns regarding the mother's substance abuse and its impact on the children's well-being.

The ruling affects T. M. F., who was found unfit to care for her daughters, aged four and six at the time of the trial. The court's decision emphasizes the importance of ensuring the children's safety and stability, particularly in light of the mother's ongoing struggles with substance abuse.

Background

The case began when the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) became involved with T. M. F. and her children in the fall of 2022. At that time, D was receiving treatment for leukemia at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Concerns arose regarding the mother's substance abuse when she appeared to be under the influence during visits with D. In February 2023, the juvenile court placed D under its jurisdiction due to the mother's admissions about her substance abuse and unstable living conditions.

By April 2023, the juvenile court also found M to be under its jurisdiction, citing similar concerns about the mother's ability to provide a safe environment for her children. Over the next year, the court shifted the children's permanency plans from reunification with their mother to adoption, leading ODHS to file petitions to terminate the mother's parental rights in May 2024.

The termination trial took place in October 2025, where the court heard testimonies from various witnesses, including the mother, psychologists, therapists, and ODHS caseworkers. The evidence presented included psychological evaluations of the children, which highlighted their emotional and behavioral challenges.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, led by Presiding Judge Ortega, affirmed the juvenile court's decision to terminate the mother's parental rights. The court found that clear and convincing evidence established that the termination was in the best interests of the children. The ruling stated, "we are persuaded that clear and convincing evidence establishes that termination of mother’s parental rights is in the children’s best interest."

The court noted that while the mother and M shared a bond, it was characterized by anxiety and dependency, with M feeling responsible for her mother's well-being. In contrast, D showed limited attachment to her mother and expressed excitement about the possibility of joining a new family. The court emphasized that the children's need for stability and a safe environment outweighed the bond they had with their mother.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for the children, M and D, who will now be placed for adoption. The court's decision underscores the importance of prioritizing the children's mental and emotional well-being over maintaining their connection with their biological mother. The ruling also sends a clear message about the standards for parental fitness, particularly in cases involving substance abuse.

The court's findings may influence future cases involving the termination of parental rights, especially those related to substance abuse and child welfare. It highlights the necessity for child welfare agencies to thoroughly assess the best interests of children when making placement decisions.

What's Next

The mother has the option to appeal the ruling, though details about any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the opinion.