In re P.D. CA2/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Mother has a drinking problem that dates back more than 20 years, has a history of methamphetamine use, and has been diagnosed with anxiety and bipolar disorder. She gave birth to Minor in 2009. Although she remained sober during pregnancy and for more than a year after his birth, she has since had three relapses. In 2011, she drove while intoxicated and without properly securing Minor in his car seat; she was subsequently convicted of willful cruelty to a child, a misdemeanor. She had a second relapse in late 2012, when she picked up Minor from daycare while drunk. Her third relapse occurred in 2013, when she drank herself to unconsciousness and awoke hours later unsure of Minor’s whereabouts. Minor was safe because Grandmother had picked him up from daycare. This last incident came to the attention of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (Department). The Department filed a petition seeking to remove Minor from Mother’s custody due to her substance abuse, her mental health and emotional problems, and unresolved domestic violence issues with Minor’s biological father. The trial court concluded at the detention hearing…