In re Raymond R. CA2/1

BACKGROUND

The family involved in this case faces very serious challenges. Raymond R. was born in 2001 with fetal alcohol syndrome. Raymond also has been diagnosed with mental retardation. His brother Michael has other special needs. Mother has a history of severe alcoholism and has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Father also has various limitations. A. The detention report On November 4, 2010, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reported the following in connection with a detention hearing before the juvenile court to determine whether the minors should be removed immediately from the care of Father, who had sole legal custody of the children at that time. Mother and Father had a long history of referrals to DCFS beginning in 2001, the year of Raymond’s birth. In 2006, a referral for emotional abuse and general neglect by Mother was substantiated and DCFS filed a petition. On May 7, 2008, DCFS removed the minors from Mother and Father’s care because Mother abused alcohol, Mother had been intoxicated while the minors were in her care, and Mother had been verbally and physically aggressive toward Father. In addition, Father had been aware of Mother’s…