In re J.N. CA6

I. Factual and Procedural History

Appellant and L.N. (the mother) have five children: Jasmine was born in September 2001; Abel was born in June 2005; Destiny was born in April 2008; Michael was born in May 2009; and Antonio was born in December 2012.

A. Prior Dependency Cases In May 2002, Jasmine became the subject of dependency proceedings when she was eight months old. Jasmine had been placed in protective custody after the mother was involved in a domestic violence with F.E. The mother had identified F.E. as the alleged father. The mother had a substance abuse history and was incarcerated for an outstanding warrant for narcotics. In July 2002, Jasmine was made a dependent of the court. Paternity was not established at that time. The juvenile court returned Jasmine to the mother’s custody after 12 months of reunification services. The case was dismissed after six months of family maintenance services. In May 2009, a second dependency petition was filed. When Michael was born, he was placed into protective custody after he and the mother tested positive for amphetamines. The mother identified appellant as one of three alleged fathers. It was alleged that appellant had a…