Melinda C. v. Super. Ct.CA4/3

FACTS

The minor, A.C., now three years old, was born with a positive toxicology screen for amphetamine and methampthetamine. The Los Angeles Superior Court declared A.C. a dependent child of the juvenile court. She was put under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, placed in a licensed foster home at first and later in the home of a maternal aunt. The minor’s mother Melinda C., the petitioner here, argues the juvenile court lacked substantial evidence the minor would be at risk if returned to her. The minor’s father, Adrian R., has a history of substance abuse and as of June 2012 “is a current abuser of methamphetamine, marijuana, alcohol and pain medication.” Both parents have long criminal histories. A dependency petition filed on behalf of the minor’s half sibling M.L. was sustained in 2009 because petitioner “created an endangering home environment for the

2 child in that excessive pornographic materials, including videos and magazines belonging to the maternal grandfather, were found in the child’s home. . . .” Petitioner “has an unresolved history of substance abuse and is an abuser of methamphetamine . . . .” Petitioner and M.L.’s father Marc L.…