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Summary

Missouri Court of Appeals upheld termination of a mother’s rights after her newborn tested positive for meth. She missed drug tests, failed treatment, and lacked stable housing or contact. Substance use was central to the decision.

2025 | State Juristiction

Interest of LMS

Keywords termination of parental rights; meth; substance use; stable housing; treatment; child welfare; methamphetamine
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Summary

The Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of a parent's rights, a decision primarily based on the infant's positive toxicology screening for methamphetamine at birth. Further contributing factors included the mother's documented non-compliance with drug testing protocols, her failure to complete mandated treatment programs, and a persistent lack of stable housing or consistent contact. The appellate court’s ruling emphasized that chronic substance use was a central determinant in the decision.

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Summary

The Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of parental rights for a mother following the positive methamphetamine test of her newborn infant. The court's decision cited the mother's failure to attend scheduled drug tests, incomplete participation in treatment programs, and an absence of consistent housing or regular communication. Ultimately, substance use issues were identified as the primary factor influencing the court's judgment.

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Summary

The Missouri Court of Appeals confirmed the decision to end a mother's parental rights. This action followed a situation where her newborn baby tested positive for methamphetamine. The court's ruling was primarily influenced by the mother's ongoing substance use issues. Evidence presented indicated that she had not attended required drug tests, did not complete treatment programs, and lacked consistent housing or regular communication.

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Summary

A court in Missouri decided it was right to take away a mother's rights. This happened after her new baby had drugs in its body. The mother did not go to her drug tests and did not finish her treatment. She also did not have a steady home or keep in touch. Her use of drugs was the main reason for this decision.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

709 S.W.3d 422 (2025)

Highlights