In the Interest of C.J.B.

OPINION

TOM GRAY, Chief Justice.

C.J.B. was taken from Cheryl Billups shortly after his birth and placed in foster care. Cheryl was a drug and alcohol abuser. By the time C.J.B. was 19 months old, Cheryl convinced the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (the Department) that she was clean and sober and could take care of C.J.B. But she had deceived the Department. Cheryl was already drinking again when she regained custody of her child. In a little over three months, C.J.B. was again removed from Cheryl’s custody.

Cheryl sobered up, but it was too late. The Department had…