IN RE: the DEPENDENCY OF T.C.C.B. (2007)

PUBLISHED IN PART

¶ 1 Michelle Bryant challenges the constitutionality of RCW 13.34.180 and 13.34.190, statutes governing termination of the parent and child relationship.   The trial court terminated her parental rights to her daughter, T.C.C.B. She also asserts there was insufficient evidence to find that continuation of the parent-child relationship diminished T.C.C.B.'s prospects for early integration into a stable and permanent home.   Finally, she contends that the trial court erred when it concluded that termination was in T.C.C.B.'s best interests.   Because Bryant fails in her burden to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that these statutes are unconstitutional, we reject her constitutional claim.   There being no other basis to overturn the trial court's order, we affirm.

¶ 2 T.C.C.B. was born in 1994.   Her biological parents are Michelle Bryant and David Blaine.   T.C.C.B. is the youngest of Bryant's four children.   In the first four years of T.C.C.B.'s life, she lived in a home where there was constant chaos, violence, and aggression.   During this time, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) received 48 referrals regarding Bryant and her children.   Four of these referrals were determined to be founded based on failure to protect T.C.C.B.

¶ 3 In August of 1998, Bryant voluntarily placed T.C.C.B. in foster care.   While in foster care, T.C.C.B. disclosed that her stepfather and brother had molested her.   Bryant initially did not believe the allegations.   DSHS removed T.C.C.B. from her mother's care and filed a dependency petition.   In October, Bryant agreed to entry of an order of dependency, and T.C.C.B. was found to be dependent.

¶ 4 A sexual deviancy evaluation of T.C.C.B.'s stepfather did not substantiate the sexual abuse allegations.   T.C.C.B. returned to Bryant's home in August of 1999.   T.C.C.B. participated in a number of programs offered by DSHS for learning and behaviorally disordered children because she had a significant number of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors.

¶ 5 Dr. Robert Fleming diagnosed T.C.C.B. with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disorder, Mild Mental Retardation, as well as other disorders.   The RAD disorder prevents T.C.C.B. from establishing normal attachments to others.   She often has outbursts and can become physically violent.

¶ 6 In January of 2002, T.C.C.B. disclosed that her two brothers and her stepfather's younger brother had sexually molested her.   DSHS placed T.C.C.B. in out-of-home care for the second time.   T.C.C.B. has been in numerous foster homes because of her extreme behaviors.   In 2005, she was placed in Ryther Child Center, a group facility for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children.   She currently resides there.

¶ 7 Bryant has a long history of being emotionally or financially dependent on men.   She has had relationships with several men who have engaged in sexual offenses, including T.C.C.B.'s father.   She also has been with men who have had drug and alcohol problems.   Bryant suffers from depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.

¶ 8 DSHS has offered Bryant an extensive number of services beginning in 1994.   Bryant often placed her children in respite care.   In 1998, Bryant began individual mental health counseling and medication management.   She continued to participate in a number of programs, including Interactive Parenting classes, biblical parenting from a local church, and SECURE training which is a program that teaches how to safely and securely hold T.C.C.B. when she is out of control.

¶ 9 The court ordered Bryant to engage in psychotherapy.   The court also ordered her to engage in an expanded drug and alcohol evaluation and participate in a random monitored urinalysis (UA) program.   She did not participate in random UAs and failed to participate in other services.

¶ 10 The court allowed Bryant supervised visits with T.C.C.B. intermittently from 2002 to 2004.   However, Bryant often canceled scheduled visits or failed to show up.

¶ 11 The court terminated T.C.C.B.'s father's rights in 2004, which he did not appeal.   In 2005, DSHS petitioned for termination of Bryant's parental rights to T.C.C.B. The court terminated Bryant's parental rights to T.C.C.B.

¶ 12 Bryant appeals.

CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE

 ¶ 13 Bryant argues that RCW 13.34.180 and 13.34.190 are unconstitutional because they regulate a fundamental right but are not narrowly drawn to achieve a compelling state interest.   Applying a strict scrutiny standard to this case, we hold that these statutes are not unconstitutional.

 ¶ 14 Parents have a fundamental right in the care and custody of their children.¹  However, this right is not absolute.² We review termination statutes under the strict scrutiny standard because a parent's right to raise his or her children without State interference is a constitutionally protected fundamental liberty interest.³  When a statute allows the State to interfere with a fundamental right, it is constitutional “only if the State can show that it has a compelling interest and such interference is narrowly drawn to meet the compelling state interest involved.” ⁴  In termination proceedings, the State has a compelling interest in preventing harm or the risk of harm to the child.⁵

 ¶ 15 A statute is presumed constitutional, and the party challenging it has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that it is unconstitutional.⁶  Whether a statute is unconstitutional is a question of law that we review de novo.⁷

 ¶ 16 One asserting a facial challenge to a statute must also prove “no set of circumstances exists in which the statute, as currently written, can be constitutionally applied.” ⁸

¶ 17 Bryant does not appear to contest that the State has a compelling interest in preventing either harm or the risk of harm to a child.   Either is constitutionally sufficient.⁹  Rather, she bases her argument on the assertion that the termination statutes are not narrowly tailored to achieve that compelling interest.   Specifically, she argues that the statutes lack the necessary means-ends fit because they do not require “only that degree of regulation ” to prevent harm or the risk of harm to the child.¹⁰

¶ 18 We considered a very similar argument in Dependency of I.J.S.¹¹ Division Two of the Court of Appeals addressed this type of challenge further in Welfare of C.B.¹²

¶ 19 In I.J.S., the parents challenged the constitutionality of the termination statutes, asserting that the statutes do not require the State to prove that the relationship with the parent harms the child.¹³  They also argued that the State must prove that dependency guardianship is not a viable alternative to termination, regardless of whether a dependency guardianship has been filed.¹⁴  This court decided that establishing that a child is dependent and that it is unlikely conditions can be remedied so the child can be returned in the near future under RCW 13.34.180(1)(a) and (e) establishes a finding of harm to the child.¹⁵  More specifically, as part of the required six statutory factors, the State must prove by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that the relationship with the parents harms or potentially harms the child.   Only then may a court consider whether termination is in the best interest of the child.¹⁶

¶ 20 This court also rejected the argument that strict scrutiny requires the trial court to consider dependency guardianship as a viable alternative, regardless of whether a petition is filed.¹⁷  The court distinguished its decision in Dependency of A.C., which held that the trial court must consider a dependency guardianship as an alternative to termination where both a dependency guardianship and a termination petition are filed.¹⁸  Because no one had filed a dependency guardianship petition, the I.J.S. court upheld the constitutionality of RCW 13.34.180 and 13.34.190.¹⁹

¶ 21 C.B. involved a similar facial constitutional challenge to these statutes.²⁰  Division Two agreed with this court's analysis in I.J.S.²¹ But it also held that the State necessarily demonstrates that termination of parental rights is required upon a proper evidentiary showing of all six factors under RCW 13.34.180(1), including (d), (e), and (f).²²  Accordingly, the termination statutes are narrowly drawn to achieve the State's compelling interest in protecting children from harm and thus, constitutional.²³

¶ 22 Relying on the supreme court's decision in Dependency of K.S.C., the C.B. court reasoned that proof of RCW 13.34.180(1)(f) “establishes that continuation of the parent-child relationship will harm the child, and in such circumstances a guardianship ․ would not be an appropriate alternative to termination.” ²⁴  The court also indicated that the requirement that the State first offer the opportunity for and provide services to cure parental deficiencies ²⁵ provides the opportunity to each parent to pursue a less restrictive alternative before the State seeks termination.²⁶

¶ 23 Notwithstanding these authorities, Bryant urges that I.J.S. was wrongly decided.   We disagree and conclude, after due consideration of the arguments she advances in her brief, that precedent is sound.

¶ 24 Nevertheless, Bryant appears to argue that the State's proof by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence of all elements under RCW 13.34.180(1) does not prove that all contact between parent and child should be terminated, subject to the “best interests of the child” requirement of RCW 13.34.190.   Specifically, she argues that narrow tailoring requires the court to consider two statutorily authorized alternatives to termination:  a dependency guardianship or an open adoption.

¶ 25 Neither of these alternatives must be considered for the termination statutes to pass constitutional muster.   First, there is no pending adoption proceeding.   Thus, the reasons stated in K.S.C. and I.J.S. support our conclusion here that the court need not consider the alternative of adoption when there is no pending petition for such a proceeding.   Second, an adoption presupposes termination of the rights of the biological parents.²⁷  Thus, it is unclear how an open adoption is a less restrictive alternative to termination, where termination of parental rights is a prerequisite to adoption.   Third, as the State correctly points out, it is not a party to open adoption agreements.²⁸  It is difficult to see how it could offer such a proposal as a less restrictive alternative in a proceeding to terminate parental rights.   That is particularly problematic where doing so raises the certainty of the State interfering with the rights of prospective adoptive parents.

¶ 26 A dependency guardianship fares no better as a less restrictive alternative.   There is no such proceeding pending.   Thus, there is no constitutional or other requirement to consider a theoretical dependency proceeding.²⁹

¶ 27 C.B. makes clear that the State's compelling interest to prevent harm or risk of harm to the child is narrowly drawn because RCW 13.34.180(1) requires the State to provide the parent with services and an opportunity to engage in them before termination may be ordered.   Here, the State offered Bryant a wide variety of services from 1998 to 2005 in order to cure her parental deficiencies.   Although Bryant participated in some classes, she failed to substantially correct her parental deficiencies since the finding of dependency in 1998.   As in C.B., a guardianship petition here would either harm or threaten harm to T.C.C.B. due to Bryant's parental unfitness.

¶ 28 We note that the circumstances here, where Bryant's parental unfitness causes harm to the child, further undercut her constitutional challenge.   That is because one asserting such a facial challenge must also prove no set of circumstances exists in which the statute can be constitutionally applied.³⁰  She cannot sustain her burden of proof under these circumstances.

¶ 29 Bryant further argues that the termination statutes are unconstitutional because they improperly shift the burden to the parent to raise the question of whether there are less restrictive alternatives.   We disagree.

¶ 30 In I.J.S., this court, following supreme court precedent, concluded that a court considering a petition for termination need not consider a dependency guardianship as an alternative if there was no pending petition for such a guardianship. Bryant now claims that this requires a parent to present a guardianship petition to the court.   According to Bryant, this shifts the burden of proof of less restrictive alternatives to the parent, away from the State.

¶ 31 We disagree with Bryant's characterization.   There is no improper burden shifting when a court declines to engage in review of speculative assertions.³¹  It is difficult to see how a court could review a dependency guardianship as an alternative to termination when there is no petition or other evidence to support a guardianship.   For example, the court in this case found that Bryant's mother and older daughter, Christina, are not viable options to care for T.C.C.B. Thus, a dependency guardianship was simply not an alternative.

¶ 32 Bryant relies on several cases from other jurisdictions to support her constitutional challenge.   The statutes in those cases appear to require the State to prove that the termination of parental rights is the least restrictive means of protecting the child from harm before a court may terminate a parent's rights.³²  None of the cases persuade us that she has met her burden to prove our termination statutes are unconstitutional.

¶ 33 We first note that we are not bound by statutes from other jurisdictions.³³  In Interest of C.W.W., the child was born prematurely with traces of cocaine in her blood and the mother was arrested.³⁴  When the child was two months old and while the mother was in jail, the Department petitioned for an order of dependency and judgment terminating parental rights.   The mother was never offered a case plan with a goal of reunification.   The trial court terminated her parental rights.

¶ 34 The Florida Court of Appeals reversed the termination order because the Department failed to establish by clear and convincing evidence that the mother was unfit.³⁵  The court reasoned that the mother was never offered a case plan with a goal of reunification, much less failed to comply with one, and there was no evidence of any abuse or neglect of the child.³⁶

¶ 35 In Interest of D.A., the Florida Court of Appeals similarly reversed the termination order because the Department failed to prove the allegations of termination by clear and convincing evidence and that termination was the least restrictive alternative.³⁷  There was no evidence in the record that the children were under any threat of harm due to the mother's continued parental relationship with the children.

¶ 36 In contrast, the Department offered Bryant numerous services to remedy her parental deficiencies and she continually failed to either complete the programs offered or comply with the requirements.   Also, experts testified that Bryant is not fit to meet T.C.C.B.'s needs.   As addressed later in this opinion, there is substantial evidence to establish that termination is in T.C.C.B.'s best interests and continuation of the parent-child relationship poses a risk of harm to T.C.C.B.

¶ 37 We conclude that Bryant has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that RCW 13.34.180 and 13.34.190 are unconstitutional.

¶ 38 We affirm the order terminating Bryant's parental rights to T.C.C.B.

¶ 39 The remaining issues of this opinion are not of precedential importance.   Accordingly, pursuant to RCW 2.06.040, the remainder of this opinion is not published.

SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE

¶ 40 Bryant also argues that there was insufficient evidence to terminate the parent-child relationship and the court erred in concluding that termination was in T.C.C.B.'s best interests.   We disagree.

¶ 41 A trial court may order termination of parental rights if the State proves the six statutory allegations under RCW 13.34.180(1) by clear, cogent and convincing evidence and the court finds that termination is in the best interests of the child.38  Clear, cogent and convincing evidence exists when the evidence shows the ultimate fact at issue to be highly probable. 39  We will uphold the trial court's findings if they are supported by substantial evidence such that a reasonable trier of fact could find the necessary facts by clear, cogent and convincing evidence.40  Although the allegations in RCW 13.34.180 must be supported by clear, cogent and convincing evidence, the “best interests” determination need only be supported by a preponderance of the evidence.41  Deference to the trial court's findings is particularly important in termination proceedings.42  Unchallenged findings are verities on appeal.43

¶ 42 RCW 13.34.180(1) requires the State to prove:

(a) That the child has been found to be a dependent child;

(b) That the court has entered a dispositional order pursuant to RCW 13.34.130;

(c) That the child has been removed or will, at the time of the hearing, have been removed from the custody of the parent for a period of at least six months pursuant to a finding of dependency;

(d) That the services ordered under RCW 13.34.136 have been expressly and understandably offered or provided and all necessary services, reasonably available, capable of correcting the parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future have been expressly and understandably offered or provided;

(e) That there is little likelihood that conditions will be remedied so that the child can be returned to the parent in the near future ․;  and

(f) That continuation of the parent and child relationship clearly diminishes the child's prospects for early integration into a stable and permanent home.[[[[44]

RCW 13.34.180(1)(f)

¶ 43 Bryant assigns error to the following findings of fact:

1.52.  The continuation of the parent-child relationship clearly diminishes the child's prospects for early integration into a stable and permanent home.   [T.C.C.B.] is a special needs child with significant developmental and mental health disorders.   Ms. Bryant has shown little or no understanding of her child's condition or problems.   She either pretends the problems do not exist or minimizes them.

1.53.  The child [ ] needs structure, clear directions, consistency and repetition, which the mother cannot give.

1.54.  The court accepts Dr. Fleming's testimony that the child has a one-percent chance of succeeding in her mother's care.   In therapeutic foster care with a therapist, she has a ten percent [sic] chance of success.   Her prospects for permanency and long-term stability can only be maximized by termination of the parent-child relationship.   The Department need not show permanent placement is available at this time.[45]

¶ 44 When determining whether substantial evidence supports RCW 13.34.180(1)(f), the main focus is the parent-child relationship and whether it impedes the child's prospects for integration, not what constitutes a stable and permanent home.46  Nevertheless, Bryant argues that the State failed to prove the existence of any legitimate prospects for a stable and permanent home, including foster or adoptive homes.   She focuses on the fact that T.C.C.B. has only a five to seven percent chance of ever integrating into any home.

¶ 45 Bryant's argument is unpersuasive.   First, the State does not have to prove that a stable and permanent home is available at the time of termination. 47  Second, Dr. Fleming testified that T.C.C.B. has less than a one percent chance of success if returned to her mother, but has a five to seven percent chance of success if placed in a therapeutic foster home. 48  Dr. Fleming measured success by T.C.C.B.'s ability to grow up and work in the community, support herself, and have social relationships.   He stated that when comparing T.C.C.B.'s success rate with the mother to a therapeutic foster home, one to six percent is a 500 percent difference.   This testimony supports the court's finding that the parent-child relationship impedes T.C.C.B.'s prospects for integration because T.C.C.B. has a better chance of success in therapeutic foster care than with her mother.

¶ 46 Bryant also argues that the State failed to prove her legal status, rather than T.C.C.B.'s severe behavioral problems, was diminishing T.C.C.B.'s prospects for integration.   This argument is unconvincing.

¶ 47 T.C.C.B. is mildly retarded and has RAD and PTSD. Dr. Fleming testified that she needs a very stable environment with a sense of safety, consistency and clarity of who is the parent and who is the child.   Bryant has a history of sexual abuse, relationships with abusive men, has struggled with depression for 10 years, has anxiety attacks, deals with borderline personality disorder, and has a long history of parenting problems.   She also has a long history of taking antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antianxiety agents.   Dr. Elizabeth Nyblade testified there are a number of “red flags” to suggest Bryant has an addiction to these medications.

¶ 48 Several experts expressed serious concerns about Bryant's parenting abilities.   Not only did Dr. Fleming conclude that it is very unlikely (less than one percent chance) that Bryant can meet T.C.C.B.'s needs, but other experts agreed.   Dr. Nyblade testified that T.C.C.B. needs a parent who has considerable patience, assertiveness, ability to address T.C.C.B.'s needs objectively, sophistication in mental health issues, and a willingness to go to therapy and learn new techniques.   Bryant fails to show that she can meet these needs.

¶ 49 Nancy Franklin, the home support specialist, testified that during Bryant's supervised visits with T.C.C.B., she had good communication with her, but was unable to set limits and follow through with consequences.   Franklin further testified that she does not think Bryant has the ability to maintain routine and structure while providing appropriate discipline on a consistent basis, which T.C.C.B. needs.   Bryant often missed or ended classes before completion and has not benefited from therapy.

¶ 50 Dr. Nyblade performed a psychological assessment of Bryant in 1998 and another in 2005.   Dr. Nyblade testified that Bryant did not change significantly, but is “slightly worse ․ showing more problems now than she did previously․” 49

¶ 51 Several specialists and caseworkers employed with the Department of Child and Welfare Services testified that T.C.C.B. needs routine and structure, which they believe the mother cannot provide.   At the time of the termination proceeding, Bryant did not have a job, she had a temporary apartment, which she was likely to lose, and has a history of an unstable lifestyle.   The supervisor of Child Welfare Services testified that she believes “this child needs an opportunity to know that she can move on with her life without the threat of returning to a place where she cannot feel safe or have any hope that her needs would be addressed or met.”   There was also testimony that Bryant does not have a realistic view of T.C.C.B.'s needs.

¶ 52 We conclude that substantial evidence supports the court's finding that the parent-child relationship diminishes T.C.C.B.'s prospects of integration into a stable and permanent home. Moreover, substantial evidence supports the court's finding that Bryant cannot provide structure, clear directions, or consistency and repetition, and the finding that T.C.C.B.'s prospects are maximized by termination of the parent-child relationship.

RCW 13.34.190(2)

¶ 53 Bryant also challenges the following finding that termination is in T.C.C.B.'s best interests:

1.55.  The court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that termination is in the child's best interests.  [T.C.C.B.] needs stability and permanence.   She cannot and will not get it in her mother's home, even if Ms. Bryant's mother and daughter, Christina Frymire, help.   Ms. Bryant's mother raised Shaun who has a myriad of behavioral and legal problems.   Christina was responsible for a majority of the chaos and violence in the mother's home and contributed to [T.C.C.B.'s] behaviors.   The mother has had too many bad relationships.   [T.C.C.B.] would be at risk in her mother's home, not only from potential sex abuse but from neglect and a failure to parent.  [T.C.C.B.] has been in limbo for 7 1/212 years during the period of this dependency.   The mother has failed to rehabilitate over the lengthy dependency.   The child's best interests are served by ending the indeterminate state and terminating the mother's parental rights.[50]

¶ 54 Bryant argues that the record does not support the court's finding that termination is in T.C.C.B.'s best interests because the State provided no evidence that anyone can meet T.C.C.B.'s needs.   She argues that Bryant and her biological family are T.C.C.B.'s best chance to have any kind of permanent familial relationship.

¶ 55 Bryant continues to focus on the lack of adoptive prospects for T.C.C.B. Although the court may consider the need for permanent placement with adoptive parents in making its ultimate determination whether deprivation is in the child's best interests,51 this alone is not the determinative factor. 52

¶ 56 Bryant fails to acknowledge the overwhelming testimony that T.C.C.B. requires special care that neither the mother nor any other family member can provide.   As illustrated above, T.C.C.B.'s chances of success would improve 500 percent if she was placed in therapeutic foster care and not returned to her mother.   The experts and case workers in this case expressed serious concerns for T.C.C.B. if placed back in Bryant's home.   T.C.C.B. was raised in a home of chaos, abuse, and neglect.   Although Bryant no longer lives with the men that allegedly abused T.C.C.B., she continues to be dependent on others.   Not only has Bryant failed to correct her parental deficiencies over the past seven and a half years, she expresses a lack of knowledge regarding them.   The testimony overwhelmingly supports the finding that it would be detrimental to T.C.C.B. if she returned to her mother.

¶ 57 We conclude that substantial evidence supports the court's finding that termination is in T.C.C.B.'s best interests.

¶ 58 We affirm the order terminating Bryant's parental rights to T.C.C.B.

FOOTNOTES

1.   In re Dependency of I.J.S., 128 Wash.App. 108, 116, 114 P.3d 1215, review denied, 155 Wash.2d 1021, 128 P.3d 1240 (2005).

2.   Id.;   In re Sumey, 94 Wash.2d 757, 762, 621 P.2d 108 (1980).

3.   In re Welfare of C.B., 134 Wash.App. 336, 342, 139 P.3d 1119 (2006).

4.   I.J.S., 128 Wash.App. at 116, 114 P.3d 1215 (quoting In re Custody of Smith, 137 Wash.2d 1, 15, 969 P.2d 21 (1998)).

5.   Id.

6.   In re Detention of C.W., 147 Wash.2d 259, 277, 53 P.3d 979 (2002).

7.   C.B., 134 Wash.App. at 342, 139 P.3d 1119.

8.   I.J.S., 128 Wash.App. at 115–16, 114 P.3d 1215.

9.   Id. at 116, 114 P.3d 1215.

10.   Brief of Appellant and Motion for Accelerated Review at 20.

11.   128 Wash.App. 108, 114 P.3d 1215.

12.   134 Wash.App. 336, 139 P.3d 1119.

13.   128 Wash.App. at 110, 114 P.3d 1215.

14.   Id.

15.   Id. at 118, 114 P.3d 1215.

16.   RCW 13.34.190(1)(a) provides:  The allegations contained in the petition as provided in RCW 13.34.180(1) are established by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence.

17.   I.J.S., 128 Wash.App. at 119–20, 114 P.3d 1215.

18.   Id. (citing In re Dependency of A.C., 123 Wash.App. 244, 251–52, 98 P.3d 89 (2004)).

19.   Id. (relying on In re Dependency of K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d 918, 931, 976 P.2d 113 (1999) (Termination statutes do not require a court to consider dependency guardianship as an alternative to termination where no petition has been filed)).

20.   C.B., 134 Wash.App. at 342, 139 P.3d 1119.

21.   Id. at 344, 139 P.3d 1119.

22.   Id. at 345, 139 P.3d 1119.  RCW 13.34.180(1) provides:․(d) That the services ordered under RCW 13.34.136 have been expressly and understandably offered or provided and all necessary services, reasonably available, capable of correcting the parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future have been expressly and understandably offered or provided;(e) That there is little likelihood that conditions will be remedied so that the child can be returned to the parent in the near future.   A parent's failure to substantially improve parental deficiencies within twelve months following entry of the dispositional order shall give rise to a rebuttable presumption that there is little likelihood that conditions will be remedied so that the child can be returned to the parent in the near future.   The presumption shall not arise unless the petitioner makes a showing that all necessary services reasonably capable of correcting the parental deficiencies within the foreseeable future have been clearly offered or provided․(f) That continuation of the parent and child relationship clearly diminishes the child's prospects for early integration into a stable and permanent home.

23.   C.B., 134 Wash.App. at 345, 139 P.3d 1119.

24.   Id. (quoting K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d at 930, 976 P.2d 113).

25.   RCW 13.34.180(1)(d) and (e).

26.   C.B., 134 Wash.App. at 345–46, 139 P.3d 1119.

27.   RCW 26.33.260(1).

28.   RCW 26.33.295 provides in relevant part:․(2) Agreements regarding communication with or contact between child adoptees, adoptive parents, and a birth parent or parents shall not be legally enforceable unless the terms of the agreement are set forth in a written court order entered in accordance with the provisions of this section.

29.   I.J.S., 128 Wash.App. at 120–21, 114 P.3d 1215;  K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d at 928, 930, 976 P.2d 113.

30.   I.J.S., 128 Wash.App. at 115–16, 114 P.3d 1215 (citing City of Redmond v. Moore, 151 Wash.2d 664, 669, 91 P.3d 875 (2004)).

31.   In re Tiffany P., 215 W.Va. 622, 625, 600 S.E.2d 334 (2004) (Where least restrictive alternatives are considered, courts are not required to exhaust every speculative possibility of parental improvement before terminating a parent's rights when there is a threat of harm to the child.).

32.   In re C.W.W., 788 So.2d 1020, 1023, 26 Fla. L. Weekly D683 (2001) (For the court to grant a petition terminating parental rights, “the Department must prove the allegations supporting the termination of [those] rights by clear and convincing evidence and must establish that termination of those rights is the least restrictive means of protecting the child from harm.”);   accord In re D.A., 846 So.2d 1250, 1251–52, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D1390 (2003);  In re T.P., 215 W.Va. at 625–26, 600 S.E.2d 334 (“As a general rule the least restrictive alternative regarding parental rights to custody of a child ․ will be employed;  however, courts are not required to exhaust every speculative possibility of parental improvement before terminating parental rights where it appears that the welfare of the child will be seriously threatened[.]”).

33.   Eagan v. Spellman, 90 Wash.2d 248, 255, 581 P.2d 1038 (1978).

34.   788 So.2d at 1021–22.

35.   Id. at 1024–25.

36.   Id. at 1025.

37.   846 So.2d at 1253.

38.   K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d at 925, 976 P.2d 113 (citing RCW 13.34.190).

39.   C.B., 134 Wash.App. at 346, 139 P.3d 1119.

40.   K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d at 925, 976 P.2d 113.

41.   In re A.V.D., 62 Wash.App. 562, 571, 815 P.2d 277 (1991).

42.   K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d at 925, 976 P.2d 113.

43.   In re Mahaney, 146 Wash.2d 878, 895, 51 P.3d 776 (2002) (Bryant also challenges finding of fact 1.55, “best interests” of T.C.C.B., which is addressed below.).

44.   (Emphasis added.)

45.   (Emphasis added.)

46.   K.S.C., 137 Wash.2d at 927, 976 P.2d 113.

47.   Id.

48.   Finding of fact 1.54 states there is a 10 percent chance of success with therapeutic foster care.   This appears to be a scrivener's error that neither party addresses.   The testimony indicated that T.C.C.B. has a better chance of success in therapeutic foster care than she would have with her mother.

49.   Report of Proceedings (Nov. 22, 2005) at 796–97.

50.   (Emphasis added.)

51.   In re Clark, 26 Wash.App. 832, 839, 611 P.2d 1343 (1980).

52.   A.V.D., 62 Wash.App. at 571, 815 P.2d 277 (“[F]actors involved in determining the ‘best interests' of a child are not capable of specification;  rather, each case must be decided on its own facts and circumstances.”).

COX, J.