Page:Linker-Flores v. Arkansas Department of Human Services, 359 Ark. 131 (2004).pdf/4

Rh testified that Mr. Flores's cooperation was minimal and it took him a long time to get into the program. Once he started the program, he would not voluntarily come to therapy but only attended because of the court order. Dr. Church testified that though Mr. and Mrs. Flores minimized the problems in their relationship and Mr. Flores's abuse of alcohol, the children consistently talked about it and there was no reason to doubt the children's truthfulness. Dr. Church further testified that Mr. Flores admitted to usually drinking twelve to twenty-four beers over a two-day period, but he did not see himself as having a problem with alcohol. After Mrs. Flores was incarcerated, Dr. Church had a few sessions with Mr. Flores, but then Mr. Flores failed to return for further therapy.

Jim Harper, the therapist who had worked with Chad Linker, testified that he was very concerned about Mr. Flores's problems with domestic abuse and alcoholism. Harper testified that at intake, Chad said he got along with Mr. Flores except on Fridays when Mr. Flores became drunk, beat his mother and tore her underwear.

Dr. Paul Deyoub, the clinical psychologist who performed psychological evaluations on Mr. and Mrs. Flores, testified that Mr. Flores "had some interest in getting his biological children, but had no interest in the family, and very little sympathy for the victims." Furthermore, Dr. Deyoub found Mr. Flores to be "resistant beyond the language barrier" and testified that, for Mr. Flores to be capable to take his children would require "that he have a stable situation and that he is providing an adequate home and he will participate in some type of counseling for himself regarding the substance abuse, regarding parenting issues and do better than he did with me in the evaluation when I saw him."

Anna Foster, the case worker, testified both parents completed parenting classes and have had random drug-screens, which have all been negative. She testified she was never able to do a home evaluation because the family didn't have a permanent home. She further testified that on one occasion at the end of November or early December 2002, Mr. Flores came to the DHS office for a visit, smelling very strongly of alcohol. She asked him about it and he originally denied it, but later changed his story to having had one beer due to his many problems. Ms. Foster also testified that Mr. Flores was currently living at 6200 Asher Avenue