In re Hunter N. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) received two

referrals on the same date concerning the three children. The first reported that Mother

brought Hunter and Scott to California from Arizona, where they had been living, and left

them to stay with their maternal stepgrandmother (Grandmother) without providing the

children’s medical insurance and other information needed to obtain services for them.

This was of particular concern because Hunter had been diagnosed with Asperger’s

syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and possible bipolar disorder.

He also had significant behavioral problems including tantrums and a recent “meltdown”

during which he choked himself, banged his head, and put a hole in the wall. Hunter’s

behavioral issues had previously required law enforcement intervention and

hospitalization. He had been seeing a therapist, attending a special school through which

2 he received services, and taking medication, but the medication caused side effects and

would change frequently as his treatment providers tried to find the right dose or

medication. Hunter and Scott’s father, C.N., who had a history of…