In re H.K.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. Prior dependency case. In June of 2002, the Department of Children and Family Services (the Department) removed then two-year-old H.K. from father‟s custody after she was found wandering alone at a busy intersection. The juvenile court sustained a petition alleging father and mother have a history of substance abuse. H.K. was placed with maternal aunt and uncle but was returned to father‟s care and dependency jurisdiction terminated. Mother committed suicide in 2002. 2. The current case; detention; petition sustained. In March of 2010, father‟s girlfriend was arrested after a physical altercation with father and father agreed to participate in family maintenance services. In August of 2010, the Department received a referral alleging father was abusing prescription drugs, frequently lost consciousness and drove while under the influence with H.K. in the car. H.K. was detained and placed with maternal aunt and uncle. The Department reported H.K. was happy in her placement and maternal aunt stated she was willing to adopt if reunification efforts failed. On October 20, 2010, the juvenile court sustained a dependency petition based on father‟s…