In re J.B. CA3

BACKGROUND

The then-12-year-old minor and his family came to the attention of the Placer County Department of Health and Human Services (Department) in September 2023 when law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home where the minor lived with his father and his paternal great-uncle Jason. The search revealed child pornography and drug paraphernalia that was accessible to the minor, and the minor told law enforcement that father used illegal substances. Father was arrested and the minor was taken into protective custody. The extent of Jason’s involvement was also being investigated. In October 2023, the Department filed a dependency petition on behalf of the minor pursuant to section 300, subdivisions (b), (c), and (g). Mother was named only in the section 300, subdivision (b) allegation. The Department reported the minor had been removed from mother in September 2012 due to mother’s substance abuse and mental health issues and was ultimately placed with father, who was awarded sole legal and physical custody. Mother had supervised visitation rights. The minor told the social worker that mother was homeless and had not visited for several months. He also stated she was…