In re B.M. CA1/4

Background In September 2019, the Alameda County Social Services Agency (the agency) filed a petition alleging that then 10-month-old B.M. was at

All statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

1 substantial risk of harm pursuant to section 300 subdivisions (b) and (j).2 The petition alleged that the child was born with a cleft lip and palate and that, as a result of mother’s failure to provide necessary medical care, the child was severely malnourished; the family home was infested with fleas; and mother is involved in a relationship characterized by domestic violence. The petition also alleged that mother’s four older children are in a foster home “due to [her] extensive domestic violent relationships . . . , extensive history and use of methamphetamine and unsuitable living conditions.” 3 The child had been removed from mother’s care and placed in the same foster home. In October 2019, the court found the allegations of the petition true and B.M. was found to be a child described by section 300, subdivision (b), (g), and (j). B.M. was continued in her foster placement and reunification services were ordered for mother. Mother received 18 months of…