In re A.A. CA2/8

FACTS AND PROCEDURE

1. Current Petition and Prior Proceedings On May 1, 2013, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) filed a petition, which as subsequently sustained, alleged that M.L. was born with a positive toxicology for amphetamine which placed him and his three siblings at risk of physical harm. The petition further alleged that mother had an unresolved history of drug abuse rendering her unable to provide regular care for her children. The petition alleged that mother had a history of depression and failed to take her prescribed medication. It also alleged that father, Benjamin J. was unable to provide ongoing care for the children.1 Prior history showed that mother failed to protect M.L.’s siblings from a male companion who fractured mother’s daughter B.S.’s jaw. The male companion also inflicted domestic violence on mother. Mother initially lied to DCFS, telling a social worker she had been assaulted by a stranger. 2. DCFS Reports An exhibit attached to the detention report indicated that on April 25 and 26, 2013, M.L.’s “value” for amphetamine was positive. Mother challenged the admission of the test result. M.L. was born healthy…