In re E.C. CA3

BACKGROUND

Our summary of the facts through disposition is taken primarily from our opinion in minors’ parents’ prior appeal. (In re E.C., supra, C097741.) I. On September 13, 2022, the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services (Department) filed petitions under section 300 with respect to minors E.C. and A.J. The petition concerning then-newborn E.C., filed pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), was based on mother’s ongoing substance abuse, her use of methamphetamine during pregnancy, and the failure of E.C.’s father, S.C., to protect minor from mother’s drug use. E.C. was born prematurely and tested positive for methamphetamine at birth. Mother received no prenatal care; she admitted to using methamphetamine two days before E.C. was born and on multiple other occasions during pregnancy. The petition additionally alleged that father was aware of mother’s substance abuse and failed to protect E.C., that he had untreated substance abuse issues of his own, and that parents’ substance abuse hindered their ability to provide protection, supervision, and care. The Department attempted to make a safety plan with father, but he failed to comply with the conditions of the…