In re Kevin A. CA2/1

BACKGROUND

A. The initial referral and investigation In July 2013, DCFS received a referral in which an unknown person alleged that Mother left the minors home alone for days, possibly without provisions. Also, Mother and her adult daughter, Amanda M., allegedly smoked “‘crystal meth’ together all the time.” Mother, her roommate Karen P., Joseph, and Kevin, denied to DCFS that Mother used drugs, left the minors unsupervised, or left the home for long periods of time. Mother stated she left the minors in the care of her roommate Karen or Father, who lived elsewhere. Kevin denied he was ever left to babysit Joseph or that Mother left the home for extended periods of time. The minors felt safe with Mother and Father and liked being with them. Mother also denied she used drugs with Amanda. Father denied Mother used illegal drugs, made inappropriate arrangements for the minors’ care, or left the home for extended periods of time. Mother and Karen agreed to participate in an on-demand drug test on August 7, 2013, but failed to show. Subsequently, Mother completed a drug test on August 16, 2013, with positive results for methamphetamine. Mother then admitted to DCFS she had consumed…