In re C.H. CA3

BACKGROUND

During the relevant time period, mother’s children included Ch. (one month old), Ca. (three years old), Co. (four years old), and C.N. (12 years old) (the minors). Mother experienced domestic violence at the hands of the minors’ father, C.H., Sr. (father), even though criminal protective orders were in place. Mother and the minors came to the attention of the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services (Department) when mother gave birth to the youngest minor and the newborn’s lab results were positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. Mother left the hospital with the minor against medical advice and without any money for food or transportation. Social Worker Natasha Chronister and several law enforcement officers went to mother’s residence. Mother denied having used methamphetamine more than once during her pregnancy and refused to drug test. She became irate and aggressive toward Chronister and the officers and was eventually arrested. The minors were detained. Later that day, mother tested positive for methamphetamine. The Department’s attempts to locate father were unsuccessful. On January 2, 2020, the Department filed dependency petitions on…