In re L.M. CA3

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Minor L.M.’s biological mother, D.M., has an extensive history of mental health and substance abuse issues. She has repeatedly failed in treatment programs, has been in and out of prison for years, and when not incarcerated, is transient. D.M. has a history with the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency (the Agency). Specifically, D.M. had four children prior to giving birth to L.M. Her twin sons were declared dependent children in 2002. D.M. failed to reunify with them and they were adopted in 2003. D.M.’s daughter was removed from her custody in 2004. D.M. was not provided reunification services and the child was placed with her father. D.M.’s fourth child was declared a dependent child in 2005 and D.M.’s parental rights were terminated in 2006. D.M. gave birth to L.M. in September 2006. When she gave birth, she was incarcerated in Chowchilla State Prison and the father’s identity and whereabouts were unknown. While being held in county jail in 2005, she met and befriended M.W., who was also incarcerated at the time. D.M. asked M.W. to take and raise L.M., in order to avoid Agency involvement. While in labor with L.M., D.M. provided the hospital with…