In re K.K. CA4/1

BACKGROUND

When M.E. (Mother) gave birth to K.K. in April 2020, both she and newborn K.K. tested positive for opiates. K.K. suffered withdrawal symptoms and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Although Mother denied drug use, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found in her purse at the hospital. Mother experienced complications after childbirth, was placed on a ventilator, sedated, and was cared for in the intensive care unit. A physician believed that she had only months to live due to her health issues and that she was not capable of caring for the infant. The Agency filed a petition alleging K.K. was a child within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to section 300, subdivision (b)(1) because the child suffered or was at substantial risk of suffering serious physical harm or illness as a result of the parents’ failure or inability to

Further undesignated statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 protect or care for the child. The petition alleged the child tested positive for opiates and suffered withdrawal symptoms, that B.K. (Father) was incarcerated and Mother had an active criminal protective order…