In re Frank O. CA4/2

I.

INTRODUCTION

In this dependency case, the juvenile court found jurisdiction over the three

children based upon allegations that the parents had substance abuse issues; failed to

provide them with adequate care and shelter; and failed to provide them with necessary

medical and dental treatment. Appellant, Veronica C. (Mother), appeals from the

jurisdictional and dispositional orders. She challenges only the court’s finding that she

had a current substance abuse problem that placed the children at risk of harm within the

meaning of Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b)(1). 1 Mother also

challenges a dispositional order requiring her to participate in an outpatient substance

abuse program. Father did not separately appeal.

We exercise our discretion to consider Mother’s challenge. We disagree with

Mother and conclude that substantial evidence supports the juvenile court’s finding she

had a current substance abuse problem and that there was a substantial risk of harm to the

children. We also disagree that the juvenile court abused its discretion when it ordered

Mother to participate in a drug treatment program. For the reasons below, we affirm…