In re V.P. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

The child came to the attention of respondent Riverside County Department of

Public Social Services (the Department) when mother tested positive for

methamphetamine shortly after the child was born. The Department’s investigation

revealed the child’s parents had unresolved substance abuse issues, criminal histories,

did not have appropriate provisions for the care and support of the child, and mother

had an unresolved mental health history. It took the child into protective custody and

filed a section 300 juvenile dependency petition.

At the November 2021 detention hearing, the court noted its receipt of Judicial

Council Forms, form ICWA-020, stating the parents were not aware of any Indian

ancestry in their families, and found ICWA did not apply to the proceedings. The

child was detained in foster care.

1 All references to statutes herein are to the Welfare and Institutions Code unless otherwise noted. References to rules are to California Rules of Court.

2 The parents did appear at the setting of the contested hearing on jurisdiction,

but did not attend when the combined hearing for jurisdiction and disposition went

forward a month later. At the…