In re S.S. CA3

FACTS

In February 2013, the juvenile court detained 15-month-old S. S. due to mother’s methamphetamine abuse and mental health issues and the ongoing domestic violence in the home. The Agency placed the minor with a relative. The juvenile court sustained the petition and ordered reunification services for the parents. The six-month review report filed in August 2013 recommended termination of services. The report stated the parents continued to live together at the paternal grandmother’s home and admitted to continued drug use. Neither parent had made any significant progress in services despite being referred to appropriate service providers. The parents visited only four times and did not ask to schedule any more visits. Unsurprisingly, there was no apparent bond between the parents and the minor. The report concluded the parents had failed to make even minimal progress in correcting the problems which led to removal. At the review hearing in September 2013, the court adopted the Agency’s recommendation, terminated services for the parents and set a section 366.26 hearing to select a permanent plan for the minor. The assessment for the section 366.26 hearing stated the minor…