In re Elizabeth L. CA4/3

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In September 2019, mother gave birth to the child. Mother tested positive for opiates and cocaine. The child experienced severe symptoms of withdrawal. Father also had an unresolved problem with substance abuse. The Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) filed a juvenile dependency petition. In October 2019, the juvenile court declared the child a dependent of the court and ordered reunification services. The court placed the child in the care and custody of her paternal grandparents (where she remained throughout the dependency proceedings). During the next 18 months or so, the parents maintained visitations with the child, but they participated minimally in their reunification services. Mother rarely called in for her drug tests and did not show up for any of them. Mother was discharged from her substance abuse program because she went 30 days with no contact. In June 2021, SSA filed a section 366.26 report in advance of a noticed hearing. SSA recommended the juvenile court terminate parental rights and find the child suitable for adoption. The paternal grandparents wished to adopt the child and were “dedicated to caring for the child…