In re Michael H. CA2/6

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On March 22, 2011, the Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) filed section 300 petitions as to newborn M.H. and her one-year-old brother Michael.

1 All further statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code. The petition alleged that both mother and the children's father, Michael H., Sr.,2 had a significant history of substance abuse and that M.H. was born prenatally exposed to methamphetamine. It was further alleged that father was unable to care for the children by reason of his incarceration. The court sustained the petitions and ordered reunification services for both parents. In its six-month review report, HSA recommended that parents begin an extended visit with the children. HSA reported that both parents had completed parenting classes along with the initial phase of a residential drug treatment program, had provided clean drug tests, and were participating in counseling and attending AA/NA meetings. As a condition of the extended visit, the parents were to continue participating in the next phase of their residential treatment program. The court ordered continued services and gave HSA discretion to begin its…