Butte County Child Protective Services v. Rayla W.

Stephen W. was declared a dependent child of the juvenile court under former section 300, subdivision (a) (Stats. 1986, ch. 1122, § 2, repealed by Stats. 1987, ch. 1485, § 3, operative Jan. 1, 1989) and section 300, subdivisions (a) and (b) of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (Stats. 1987, ch. 1485, § 4, operative Jan. 1, 1989.) 1 (All statutory references to sections of an undesignated code are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.) The court sustained a petition which alleged that Stephen was born under the influence of opiates, that Stephen’s parents have a long-standing substance abuse problem, and that they are incapable of providing for Stephen’s care, custody and control. Stephen was placed with his paternal grandparents pending successful completion by his parents of a family reunification plan. Rayla W., Stephen’s mother, appeals. We shall affirm.

Stephen was born on November 27, 1988. Shortly after his birth, Stephen displayed symptoms consistent with drug withdrawal. Testing revealed opiates in Stephen’s urine. He was treated medically for his withdrawal symptoms. The matter was referred to Butte County Child Protective Services (CPS). The mother admitted…