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Father seeks finalization after mother signals relinquishment in permanency hearing
Summary
At a permanency hearing the court agreed to continue the child’s placement with the father and set an earlier final hearing after the mother indicated willingness to relinquish parental rights; DFPS remains managing conservator and the court set an April 22, 2025 final date.
A judge continued the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ role as managing conservator and kept 8‑year‑old Alexi Olivares placed with her father, Alan Olivares, after attorneys said the mother, Samantha Medina, wishes to proceed with a relinquishment of parental rights and the ad litem for the child did not object.
DFPS attorney Daniel Traill told the court the child had been returned to the father and that family interactions and school performance were positive since placement. Tori Cook, the DFPS worker on the case, said Alexi “is doing very well in the home” and reported improved grades and dental follow‑up; she said Alexi had moved from a previous school to River Road and had a strong relationship with her therapist.
Mother’s counsel (Miss Grant) told the court her client wanted to proceed with relinquishment; counsel said the prior attempt to prove relinquishment had been delayed by a child‑support concern raised by the ad litem. The father, through counsel, confirmed he supported a relinquishment and asked the court to redirect child‑support payments to him if the finalization was completed.
Ad litem Stacy Zavala said she did not object to relinquishment and she endorsed an earlier final because the child was doing well in the father’s home. The court set a final hearing for Apr. 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., and ordered the department to continue as managing conservator and the child’s placement with the father pending the final.
Why it matters: The possible relinquishment moves a permanency plan toward finalization and would terminate the mother’s parental rights if proven; the court must still ensure the child’s best interests, address child‑support redirection if appropriate, and enter final orders at the scheduled hearing.
What’s next: The court set Apr. 22, 2025, for a final hearing and directed DFPS to continue supervisory responsibilities; counsel and the ad litem will appear to resolve final orders and any outstanding child‑support matters.
