In Re Jamika W.

On August 30, 1994, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), filed a petition pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 300 (statutory references are to that code unless otherwise indicated) alleging that appellant Lula Mae S., mother of minor, Jamika W., had on numerous occasions left Jamika, then age nine, with various relatives without making provisions for her care and supervision. The petition also alleged that appellant had struck Jamika with a belt and cord, that appellant was a frequent user of cocaine and alcohol, and that appellant had failed to send Jamika to school on a regular basis. On August 31, 1994, following a detention hearing, Jamika was detained in the home of her adult half brother, Jimmy W. [1]

On November 23, 1994, the section 300 petition was sustained as to all allegations. Although she was given notice, appellant did not attend the hearing. The DCFS social worker's report indicated that appellant was developmentally delayed and is addicted to cocaine and alcohol. Appellant has lived with various relatives most of her life and was unable to provide care for herself and Jamika without…