Mother completed services; department recommends dismissal by July 12 as father remains jailed

The High Plains Child Protection Court heard status updates in the case of Sharkaviana Johnson and was told department staff anticipate recommending dismissal by the existing dismissal date of July 12 if current progress continues. The department reported Johnson completed required parenting classes, completed individual counseling, and continued to test negative on drug screens.

Jean Graff and Erica Smith, speaking for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, told the court Johnson “has completed the parenting program” and “continues to test negative on her drug test.” The department reported the child’s father, Jose (last name not specified on the record), is currently in the Potter County Jail after an arrest on May 22 for alleged assault of family members; his criminal charges remain pending and he had not engaged in services before the arrest.

Attorney Tracy Riley for the mother said the family is pleased with the progress and welcomed the department’s plan to recommend dismissal. Attorney ad litem Stacy Zavala said she had only recently learned that the child had moved back with the mother shortly after the report was filed, and asked that the department inform the ad litem of contemplated placement moves in advance. Department counsel acknowledged an oversight in communication and agreed to include the ad litem in future staffing decisions.

No new orders for continued or expanded services were entered at today’s status hearing; the department indicated it would recommend dismissal on or before July 12, subject to continued monitoring and a final staffing. The court continued the case with no further hearings set on the record at this session.