In re Wyatt M. CA3

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

In 2004, mother broke her back. She was prescribed various pain medications following back surgery. She eventually became addicted to those prescription medications and occasionally used methamphetamine as well. In 2006, mother briefly dated Michael M. (father). Their relationship, though short-lived, resulted in the birth of the minor in February 2007. At some point prior to the minor’s birth, mother tested positive for methamphetamine, codeine, and prescription drugs. When the minor was born, she again tested positive for prescription drugs. Father did not learn he was the minor’s biological father until 2008. By that time, he was in a relationship with Alexa M., the petitioner and the respondent in this appeal, who later became his wife. In March 2008, Placer County Child Protective Services (CPS) removed the minor from mother’s custody due to her criminal history and drug and alcohol abuse. Shortly thereafter, father obtained sole legal and physical custody of the minor, who from that point on lived with father and Alexa. Mother and father participated in mediation through Placer County family court services, and the court ordered weekly supervised…