In re A.L. CA3

BACKGROUND

Mother and the four minors came to the attention of the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency (Agency) in September 2024 when mother and newborn A.L. tested positive for cocaine at a hospital. On September 22, 2024, a social worker and a registered nurse met with mother, father L., and the maternal grandmother. The nurse said that because minor A.L. was healthy and mother was caring for him appropriately, A.L. could be discharged following the social worker’s assessment. Mother and father L. said they had been married for approximately two years. They said three other children lived with them but A.L. was father L.’s only child. Mother reported attending some

1 Undesignated statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 prenatal checkups while pregnant with A.L., but she missed some appointments because she did not own a car. Both parents denied using drugs. Mother claimed she may have come into contact with cocaine while handling plates at a baby shower. Nevertheless, she was willing to enroll in outpatient treatment services if necessary. The social worker spoke with the other three minors, who indicated they felt safe with mother and father L.…