Maria C. v. Superior Court CA1/1

I. BACKGROUND

Given the limited nature of this writ proceeding, we need only briefly summarize the history of the case and provide more detail when discussing the relevant facts. In March 2023, the juvenile court adjudged Mari a dependent child of the court and removed her from Mother’s custody due in part to allegations that Mother abused alcohol and marijuana and had mental health issues that impeded her ability to properly care for Mari.2 Mother initially complied with the reunification plan, and at the 12- month review hearing, the juvenile court ordered Mari’s return to Mother’s custody pursuant to a family maintenance plan. However, approximately two months later, the juvenile court granted the San Francisco Human Services Agency’s (Agency) request for an order requiring Mother to take a substance use test after the Agency received reports that Mother had been drinking alcohol and was not taking her psychotropic medication. Mother subsequently refused to cooperate with the Agency, so Mari was again removed from her custody. In June 2024, the Agency filed a section 387 petition alleging that the previous disposition had not been effective in protecting Mari, and that Mari no…