In re Z.K. CA2/6

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services (CWS) detained then-eight-year-old Z.K. in August of 2019 after police discovered his father operating a butane honey oil lab2 in their home’s backyard. Z.K.’s maternal great aunt and uncle took the boy into their home three days later. The juvenile court declared Z.K. a dependent of the court in September and continued placement with his aunt and uncle. It ordered his parents to participate in reunification services, including parenting education courses and substance abuse treatment. Mother and father participated minimally in these services. CWS could not contact father at all during the first review period. Mother met with child welfare workers intermittently but tested positive for methamphetamine. At the six-month status review hearing, the parties submitted on CWS’s recommendation that Z.K. remain in placement while his parents received more time to complete reunification services. Father eventually contacted CWS by phone but failed to complete a drug screen or enter treatment before the twelve- month status review. Mother entered inpatient treatment but left after one day. She opted to remain…