In re Rachel M. CA5

INTRODUCTION

Amanda M. (mother) appeals from the juvenile court’s orders denying her petition pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 388,1 finding adoption as the permanent plan for her child, Rachel M., and terminating mother’s parental rights. We reject mother’s contentions and affirm the juvenile court’s orders.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Initial Proceedings On February 18, 2011, the Kern County Department of Human Services (department) detained Rachel M., who was four years old.2 On or about February 24, 2011, a petition was filed pursuant to section 300 alleging that Rachel was at substantial risk of physical harm because mother was abusing substances, suffered from a mental illness, “flips out,” failed to get adequate treatment for her mental illness, and could not provide Rachel with regular care. The petition further alleged Rachel was at substantial risk of harm because of mother’s willful or negligent failure to properly maintain the residence, which was filthy and full of cockroaches. The petition alleged mother’s residence was filthy and unhealthy because it was filled with spiderwebs containing dead cockroaches, cookware that was covered in cockroach…