In re A.A, CA4/3

FACTS

When the underlying proceedings began in May 2024, Mother had full custody of her three children: daughter A.A., then age 16; daughter B.A., then age 11; and son J.A., then age 10. B.A. and J.A. share the same father, who lives in Georgia and visited them twice a month. A.A.’s father was not involved in her life and did not participate in the proceedings. The family first came to the attention of the Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) in 2009, due to a prior child welfare case for A.A., who had been removed from Mother’s care due to allegations of physical abuse by Mother’s then-boyfriend and Mother’s failure to protect. In 2011, Mother regained custody of A.A. In 2015, a new allegation of physical abuse by Mother against A.A. was deemed unfounded. In 2016, an allegation of general neglect was substantiated as to J.A.’s father due to domestic violence against Mother. In 2017, Mother was awarded custody of B.A. and J.A., and their father was granted visitation. In 2022, Mother reported A.A. had run away from home after being caught smoking marijuana, while A.A. stated she left because she was afraid Mother would hit her. The allegation of physical abuse of A.A. was…