I.H.

FACTS

In August 2023, the children’s mother contacted law enforcement and informed them she had left the children, I.H., who was 10 years old and I.T., who was three, alone for 24 hours, had used cocaine, and did not know where she was.3 She told police Father lived in Arkansas and had not seen the children for several years. On September 1, 2023, SSA filed the initial petition which alleged Father had not maintained contact or provided care for the children and that his whereabouts were unknown. On September 5, 2023, the court found the children came within section 300 and detained them from the care of Father. On September 12 and 20, 2023, SSA spoke with Father who expressed a willingness to reunify with the children. SSA informed Father it was recommending he participate in parent education and individual counseling. As to counseling, SSA asked Father to address the events leading to the petition, past trauma, building a relationship with the children, and barriers that affect parenting. Father initially agreed to participate in recommended services to reunify with the children.

3 Because this petition does not challenge any findings or orders related

to the mother, we do…