In Re Baby Boy H.

Statement of the Case and Facts

Appellant, Sheila H., gave birth to the minor, Baby Boy H., on June 16, 1997. At the time of his birth, the minor had a positive toxicology screen for opiates. Consequently, on June 18, a juvenile dependency petition was filed under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300.

The petition alleged appellant’s use of illegal substances impaired her ability to provide adequate and appropriate care for the child. (§ 300, subd. (b).) The petition further alleged the minor had siblings or half-siblings who had been abused or neglected. (§ 300, subd. (j).)

At the time this petition was filed, two of appellant’s children, Wyatt, the minor’s sibling, and Shawn, the minor’s half-sibling, were already dependent children of the court. The court had assumed jurisdiction over these children on June 14, 1996, and reunification services were being provided to appellant.

However, appellant’s parental rights had already been terminated with respect to two other children. The minor’s twin half-siblings, Cody and Anna, were adjudged dependent children in 1992, and family reunification services were provided to appellant. These reunification services were…