In re E.C. CA2/1

BACKGROUND

1. Prior child welfare history In 2015, before E.C. was born, the juvenile court asserted jurisdiction over E.C.’s two siblings based on sustained allegations of domestic violence between mother and father, including mother attacking father, and mother’s and father’s history of illicit drug use. In 2017, the juvenile court sustained an additional petition alleging a history of illicit drug use and current drug use by mother. Mother’s and father’s parental rights to E.C.’s two siblings were terminated in 2018. In July 2024, shortly after E.C.’s birth, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received a referral of general neglect. Mother had tested positive

2 for methamphetamine during prenatal care, although she was negative at birth, as was E.C. DCFS investigated and deemed the referral inconclusive. On November 2, 2024, DCFS received a referral regarding E.C. alleging emotional abuse and caretaker absence/incapacity. The caller reported mother had called law enforcement and told them she had a newborn in her care and needed help. Mother said she was suicidal and had drunk a gallon of vodka to kill herself. When police arrived…