Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Paternity And Conservatorship topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Judge names DFPS temporary managing conservator, orders genetic testing in LaDon Johnson case
Summary
A presiding judge named the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as temporary managing conservator for a child identified as LaDon Johnson and ordered genetic testing of two men identified on the record as possible fathers. No child support or medical support was ordered at this time.
A presiding judge in the High Plains Child Protection Court on the record named the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) as the child’s temporary managing conservator and ordered genetic testing for two men identified as possible fathers.
The action came after attorneys and parties confirmed on the record that the mother had agreed to DFPS being named temporary managing conservator and that both alleged fathers — identified on the record as Mr. Ellis and Mr. Washington — consented to genetic testing. The judge said, "I find it is in the best interest of the child with Donald Johnson to name the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as, the temporary managing conservator of the child." The judge also said she would "not order any kind of child support or medical support to be paid at this time."
Why it matters: naming DFPS temporary managing conservator places decision-making authority for the child’s care with the agency while paternity is resolved. Genetic testing will determine legal parentage and shape next steps for services, placement and potential custody or reunification tasks.
Details from the hearing: DFPS attorney Daniel Trauth confirmed the department was present and prepared to proceed. Attorney Brianna Gomez represented the respondent mother, who — through counsel and guardian ad litem Bailey Sapien — agreed to the department’s temporary appointment. The court instructed DFPS to attempt to arrange concurrent genetic testing for both named men where possible and indicated the department would assist with service paperwork and contact information updates.
The judge said the court would "order the genetic testing on both Mister Ellis and Mister Washington" and noted the testing can take time; she urged parties to complete required paperwork and provide up-to-date contact information to staff.
Next steps and scheduling: on the record the judge referenced the next hearing date as "currently scheduled for May 20 ninth of 20 25" on the 9:00 a.m. docket (as spoken into the record). The court directed DFPS and counsel to coordinate on service, testing logistics and any applications for appointed counsel for the men if they qualify.
Context and process notes: the judge emphasized that whoever is established as the legal parent through testing will later be expected to work with DFPS on services and placement questions. The court also instructed staff to obtain accurate email addresses or other contact information to ensure required forms and notices reach the parties.
No formal contested vote was recorded; the orders noted on the record reflect the judge’s findings and directions to staff and parties.
