In re A.R. CA3

I. BACKGROUND

Minor A.R. was born in April 2012. Although she was full term, she weighed less than four pounds at birth, had placenta previa, and was born with symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome. Mother admitted drinking alcohol during her pregnancy. For three months after the minor’s birth, mother agreed to participate in voluntary family maintenance. Thereafter, the case was closed. On March 28, 2013, eight months after voluntary services were closed, the minor was taken into protective custody. Mother had been intoxicated, unable to maintain her balance, and dropped the minor twice to the ground, causing the minor to sustain injury to her head. Mother was charged with public intoxication and felony child abuse. On April 2, 2013, the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency (the Agency) filed a section 300 petition on behalf of the minor. In addition to allegations relating to the March 28, 2013, incident, the petition alleged that mother had an extensive history of substance abuse, primarily alcohol, which had resulted in the removal and termination of services for three of the minor’s half siblings, and the termination of parental rights to a fourth half sibling. The juvenile…