In re Yvette L. CA2/2

FACTS

This appeal involves siblings Yvette L. (born in 2008) and Daniel L. (born in 2010), who were detained by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in January 2012. One year earlier, DCFS investigated a report that the children’s mother Cindy T. (Mother) is an addict who sold drugs from her home. When Mother gave birth to a stillborn in July 2011, she and the fetus tested positive for methamphetamine. DCFS instituted a voluntary case in August 2011, after Mother agreed to undergo drug rehabilitation. The children were placed with Baudelia T., their maternal grandmother (MGM). Voluntary efforts failed: Mother did not participate in drug testing or a substance abuse program. Mother reported that the children’s father, appellant Manuel L. (Father), kicked her in the stomach. The MGM saw Father hit Mother, and accused Father of using drugs with Mother, of breaking her windows, flattening her tires and destroying her property. Father is a known gang member, who, at the time the children were detained, was sought for questioning by police in connection with a murder. DCFS filed a petition on January 17, 2012, alleging that Mother cannot care for her children due to…