In re D.M. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

In November 2020, DPSS received a referral alleging general neglect of D.M. by

Mother. The referral arose from a domestic violence incident between Mother and her

boyfriend. The boyfriend told law enforcement that Mother threatened him with a

pedicure tool and that Mother smoked methamphetamine in front of D.M. Mother agreed

2 to keep D.M. away from her boyfriend and to submit to an on-demand urine test. Mother

denied having any Indian ancestry.

The social worker later spoke with a maternal aunt and maternal grandmother.

Both denied being aware of any domestic violence between Mother and her boyfriend.

Maternal grandmother told the social worker that she did not have any Indian ancestry.

The social worker tried to reach D.M.’s father but later learned from paternal

grandfather that he was in jail for violating a restraining order protecting paternal

grandmother. Paternal grandfather denied having any Indian ancestry. Paternal

grandfather expressed concern that father and Mother were abusing drugs and were

incapable of parenting D.M. Paternal grandmother also denied having Indian ancestry.

When DPSS reached father, he confirmed that he did not have any…