In Re Jennifer R.

Shannon M., also known as Shannon R., (Shannon or the mother) appeals from an order of the juvenile court granting sole legal custody of her daughter Jennifer to Jennifer's father, Michael R. (Michael or the father). Because we find the court's order was in the best interest of the minor and supported by substantial evidence, we affirm.

In September 1990 the San Diego County Department of Social Services (the Department) filed a dependency petition on behalf of one-year-old Jennifer alleging she was a person described by Welfare and Institutions Code [1] section 300, subdivision (b). The petition alleged that Shannon was unable to provide regular care for Jennifer due to substance abuse and that Jennifer's physical safety was endangered due to the parents' domestic violence. It also alleged the parents had failed to properly supervise and attend to Jennifer by failing to maintain a safe and sanitary residence, administering nonprescription drugs for sedative purposes and failing to provide adequate care for extensive heat and diaper rash.

The petition resulted from observations of the trailer where the family resided. A police officer had responded to a…