In re G.A. CA4/1

DISCUSSION

I. Gary's Appeal

A. Facts

In May 2011, Gary was arrested for testing positive for drugs, a parole violation,

and was incarcerated until June 23, 2011, when he entered a residential substance abuse

program. While at the program, Gary was allowed visits with G.A. By June 2011, Gary

had completed a parenting program. In July 2011, the juvenile court held the jurisdiction

and disposition hearing, found the petition true, removed custody from the parents, and

ordered reunification services. In September 2011, Gary completed his substance abuse

program and his drug test results were negative. His contact with G.A. was positive, and

by November 2011, the social worker permitted unsupervised visits.

At the April 2011 six-month review hearing, the social worker recommended that

Gary's reunification services be terminated because Gary had relapsed. The juvenile

court terminated services and set a permanent plan hearing. In December 2011 and

January 2012, Gary failed to submit to drug testing and stopped visiting G.A.

In the August 2012 permanent plan report, the social worker opined that G.A. was

likely to be adopted because he was in good health,…