In re C.S. CA4/1

Background Information

CS and his fraternal twin brother were born about two months premature in

August 2012. Their mother (Mother) reported she had abused alcohol and cocaine while

pregnant. Mother had four other children, each of whom had been removed from her

care. Two had been adopted and two were subject to permanent plans. Mother identified

the twins' father as "Anthony," but did not know his whereabouts.

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (Agency) detained the

twins while they were still in the hospital. At the jurisdiction/disposition hearing, the

court assumed jurisdiction and removed the twins from Mother's care (without objection)

because of her inability to properly care for them. The court ordered reunification

services for Mother, and set a six-month review hearing.

Within several months, Father came forward as a possible biological parent.

Paternity test results revealed a 99.99 percent probability that Father was the biological

father of CS, but excluded him as the father of CS's twin brother. Counsel was appointed

All statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code. 2 for Father, and the court…