The father of M.D.B. appeals the juvenile court’s order terminating his parental rights in the child. He contends that the evidence was insufficient to support the termination and that the juvenile court erred in refusing to consider placing the child with either the father’s parents or his sister after terminating his parental rights. We find no merit in any of the father’s contentions, and we affirm the judgment terminating his parental rights in M.D.B. The decision to terminate parental rights is a two-step process. The juvenile court must first determine whether clear and convincing evidence exists of parental misconduct or inability. If such evidence exists, the court must then decide whether termination of the parent’s rights is in the best interest of the child, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and moral condition and needs of the child, including the need for a secure and stable home. OCGA § 15-11-94 a. In the Interest of M.J.T. , 255 Ga. App. 553 565 SE2d 877 2002. The court determines parental misconduct or inability by a finding that the child is deprived, that the deprivation was caused by lack of proper parental care or control, that the cause of deprivation is likely to continue or will not likely be remedied, and that the continued deprivation will cause or is likely to cause serious physical, mental, emotional, or moral harm to the child. OCGA § 15-11-94 b 4 A i-iv. In the Interest of R.W. , 254 Ga. App. 34, 36 2 a 561 SE2d 166 2002. These factors may also be used to support a finding that termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the child. M.J.T. , supra at 554. On appeal we must view the evidence in a light most favorable to the juvenile court’s determination. In the Interest of D.B. , 242 Ga. App. 763 531 SE2d 172 2000. We do not weigh the evidence or determine the credibility of witnesses, and we must defer to the juvenile court’s findings of fact if supported by the evidence. The evidence is sufficient if a rational trier of fact could have found by clear and convincing evidence that the parent’s rights have been lost. M.J.T. , supra, 255 Ga. App. at 554; R.W. , supra at 34.
Viewed in the light most favorable to the juvenile court’s findings of fact, the evidence showed that at the time M.D.B. was born, both his parents were abusing drugs or alcohol or both. During the year before M.D.B.’s birth, the father was convicted of driving under the influence of marijuana, and the mother tested positive for drugs when she gave birth in February 2001. The father appeared at the hospital intoxicated and passed out in the waiting room.1 The Bulloch County Department of Family and Children Services DFACS took emergency custody of the child.
