In re A.H. CA2/2

BACKGROUND

Detention and petition K.N. (mother) gave birth to A.H. in July 2020.1 Father was not present at the time of A.H.’s birth and declined to report to the hospital to sign A.H.’s birth certificate. Following discharge from the hospital, the maternal grandmother (MGM) took mother to a mental health evaluation, which resulted in mother being placed on a Welfare and Institutions Code section 5150 hold due to her odd behavior.2 Mother was diagnosed, prescribed medication, and later released.

Mother died during the pendency of this dependency case and therefore is not a party to this appeal. All further statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 On July 16, 2020, MGM received a call claiming mother was seen at a park placing A.H. in a diaper bag. MGM went to the park and brought A.H. and mother back to her home. Over the next several hours, mother made several attempts to leave MGM’s home with A.H. Due to mother showing signs of mental instability, MGM contacted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), who then contacted DCFS and the Department of Mental Health. Responding social workers attempted to interview mother, who was uncooperative,…