In the Matter of: A.W.H. and N.N.H.

This appeal involves the termination of parental rights. After State authorities received a report that
the mother of the two children at issue was using drugs, the mother admitted that she and the father
used drugs, and the parents stipulated that their children were dependent and neglected. The children
were initially placed with family members. After several months, a no-contact order was entered due to the parents’ continued drug use and related issues. The children were then placed in State custody and permanency plans were created. The plans required, inter alia, that the parents become drug-free and maintain a stable, safe, and drug-free home. Despite years of counseling, treatment, and periods of abstinence from drug use, the parents continued to intermittently test positive for drug use. DCS filed a petition for termination of the parental rights of both parents. After a trial, the trial court terminated their parental rights on grounds of abandonment, substantial noncompliance with the permanency plans, and persistent conditions. The parents now appeal. We affirm.