State of Louisiana in the Interest of C.M.S., C.M.S., S.L.D., L.S.W. and S.P.W. (Per Curiam on Rehearing)
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Judgment rendered August 4, 2011. No. 46,472-JAC ON REHEARING COURT OF APPEAL SECOND CIRCUIT STATE OF LOUISIANA ***** STATE OF LOUISIANA IN THE INTEREST OF C.M.S., C.M.S., S.L.D., L.S.W. AND S.P.W. ***** Per Curiam on Rehearing Originally Appealed from the Fifth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Richland, Louisiana Trial Court No. J0663 Honorable E. Rudolph McIntyre, Jr., Judge ***** DAVID R. LOVERIDGE Counsel for Defendant-Appellant T.P. JAMES E. PATTON, II Counsel for Plaintiffs-Appellees C.M.S., C.M.S., S.L.D., L.S.W. and S.P.W. FELIX J. BRUYNINCKX, III Counsel for Plaintiff-Appellee State of Louisiana KEESHA M. BORDELON Counsel for Plaintiff-Appellee State of Louisiana, DOSS, DCFS DAWN H. MIMS Counsel for Defendant-Appellee H.A. DAVID R. LOVERIDGE Counsel for Defendants-Appellees G.S. and R.W. ROBERT W. ORCUTT Counsel for Appellee Oneida Child Protective Board ***** Before WILLIAMS, STEWART, CARAWAY, PEATROSS and LOLLEY, JJ. PER CURIAM ON REHEARING Our original opinion in this matter correctly noted that the state must prove the grounds for termination of parental rights by clear and convincing evidence. However, the opinion left out the word much in explaining what clear and convincing evidence means. Proof by clear and convincing evidence requires a showing that the existence of a disputed fact is highly probable, meaning much more probable than its nonexistence. State in the Interest of K.D., 586 So. 2d 692 (La. App. 2d Cir. 1991). The applicant on rehearing also asserts that the opinion incorrectly places the burden on the parent to demonstrate compliance with the case plan to the department when it is the state who bears the burden of proof. The opinion makes clear that the burden of proof is on the state. However, it also recognizes that a parent who is working a case plan must demonstrate to the department that he is complying with its requirements. Noncompliance will, unfortunately, lead to termination proceedings. In reviewing this record, there was no indication of T.P. s compliance or attempt to comply with the case plan requirement that he provide financial assistance for the child s care. With these clarifications to our original opinion, the application for rehearing is denied.
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