In re Mia A. CA2/6

BACKGROUND

Mia was born with health problems caused by prenatal exposure to drugs. The juvenile court declared Mia a dependent of the court and ordered reunification services for Mother. At the six-month review hearing, the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services (“DSS”) recommended terminating reunification services on grounds that Mother remained unable to care for Mia and reunification was unlikely within the next six months. Mother agreed not to contest the recommendation in exchange for more frequent visits with Mia. Although Mother stated she intended to file a motion to modify the court’s order at a later time, she acknowledged that she understood there was “no promise or guarantee” that reunification services would be reinstated. The juvenile court found adequate services had been provided and Mother’s progress in reunification was minimal. The court terminated reunification services. Thereafter, the juvenile court found Mia was adoptable and terminated Mother’s parental rights. The court disagreed with Mother’s contention that Mia would benefit from a continued relationship with her, and deemed insufficient Mother’s offer of proof that she was doing well in…