T-N.H.

BACKGROUND

In July 2020, the Alameda County Social Services Agency (Agency) filed a petition alleging S.H., then seven years old, and J.G., then two years old, came within section 300, subdivisions (b) and (g). As amended, and as relevant here, the petition alleged mother’s substance abuse and mental health issues placed the children at risk of harm under section 300, subdivision (b). Mother disclosed suffering from mental health conditions — including depression and anxiety — and told the Agency she lacked a support system to assist her when she was “feeling overwhelmed or unable to find child care.” She was “currently taking” marijuana and had previously used “other substances.” Mother expressed a willingness to “drug test” and an interest in finding new housing and “expanding her support network.” The juvenile court detained the children and ordered reunification services for mother. These included substance use treatment, counseling and mental health services, visitation, and parenting education. The Agency encouraged mother to “complete the substance use and mental health evaluations.” Mother completed a substance abuse evaluation but was denied entry into a treatment…