In re H.H. CA3

FACTS

Background The eight-month-old minor was removed from mother’s custody in November 2011 due to mother’s substance abuse and prior history of neglect and failure to reunify with her older children. The juvenile court adopted a reunification plan in December 2011 which addressed mother’s drug abuse and mental health problems and set visits at three times a week. Mother began services and initially was in compliance with her service plan. However, over time, mother failed to engage in substance abuse treatment plans. At the time her services were terminated in August 2013, mother had failed four separate substance abuse treatment programs. Mother tested positive for alcohol in July 2012 and had several “dilute” tests, the last in February 2013. She had ongoing issues with securing stable housing, and was resistant to the offered mental health services. She eventually sporadically attended therapy. The therapist found she was minimally motivated to participate. Mother consistently attended monitored visits with the minor and did complete a parenting class and had direct parenting coaching, but had ongoing difficulty demonstrating positive parenting techniques in visits.…