In re A.P. CA2/6

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In April 2012, police discovered mother and A.P., who was then 16 months old, in a "makeshift" tarp-covered dwelling. Mother was under the influence of methamphetamine and in possession of drug paraphernalia. A.P. was sleeping in a stroller and wearing only a diaper. Police arrested mother, who had a criminal history of substance abuse and three prior referrals to Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services (CWS) for drug use and general neglect. CWS filed a juvenile dependency petition to protect A.P. (§ 300, subds. (b), (g).) The juvenile court sustained the petition and ordered CWS to provide family reunification services. Between April and December 2012, mother completed inpatient substance abuse treatment, established a permanent residence, quit smoking, completed a parenting class and made significant improvement in therapy. At the 12-month review hearing, the juvenile court found mother had made excellent progress and placed A.P. in her care with family maintenance services. She had tested negative for drug use and was participating in 12-step and "safe care" programs, renting a room from friends and seeing a psychiatrist to treat her…