In re Y.T. CA5

FACTS

Initial Removal On October 14, 2019, Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy N. Sanchez responded to a disturbance call and contacted mother, then three-year-old Y.T., and an acquaintance of mother, P.V. P.V. was giving mother a ride to a job interview before he and mother became involved in an altercation where bottles were thrown. The deputy found mother to be highly agitated and uncooperative. He further observed mother demonstrating signs consistent with being under the influence of a controlled substance. Deputy Sanchez became concerned when mother tightened her grip on Y.T.’s arm. Mother was placed under arrest based upon her level of intoxication. Mother claimed she drank only one beer on the date of her arrest, and denied throwing a beer bottle at P.V. Mother admitted to methamphetamine use two days prior to her arrest. Y.T. was found to be dirty, inappropriately clothed for the weather, and it was later discovered that Y.T.’s hair was infested with lice. Y.T. was placed into protective custody by Deputy Sanchez, and the following day a social worker from the Kern County Department of Human Services (department) received the case for further investigation. Mother denied using…