In re E.C. CA3

BACKGROUND

Detention of Minor & Section 300 Petition On September 9, 2013, Yuba City Police Officer Maky arrested mother after conducting a search of her motel room. During the search law enforcement found two grams of methamphetamine and a hypodermic syringe. Both the syringe and the methamphetamine were accessible to the four-year-old minor. The room was filthy with clothing and trash piled around the room. The bed had been removed from the room due to nonpayment of rent, so mother and the minor were sleeping on the floor. There were also two dogs in the room. The minor’s body, clothing, and hair were dirty and she emitted a foul smell of dirt and dogs. Officer Maky called the Sutter County Department of Human Services (the Department) and requested a social worker respond, because the minor needed placement. Mother admitted to the social worker that she had used methamphetamine that morning. The minor was placed in protective custody. The Department had also been investigating a neglect referral since August 2013. As part of that investigation, mother advised the social worker she had been diagnosed as bipolar and schizotypal, although mother disagreed with the diagnosis. She…