In re A.S. CA2/6

FACTS

Mother has three children, Johana, Juan (also known as David), and Andrea. In February 2019, the San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services (the Department) received a report that Andrea had been sexually molested by two male friends of Mother. At the time of the report, Andrea was five years old, and Juan was 12 years old. Their older sister Johana no longer lived in the home. The Department placed Andrea in protective custody. Juan remained with Mother. The juvenile court confirmed the removal of Andrea from Mother’s custody and ordered Mother to participate in family reunification services. The court authorized Mother to have weekly supervised visits with Andrea. Six-Month, 12-Month, and 18-Month Reviews Andrea did well in foster care and felt safe in her placement. At the six-month review, she said she was afraid of the “bad men” who touched her. She did not tell Mother about her fear because she thought Mother would hit her. Mother was willing to participate in reunification services. But she had difficulty understanding the extent Andrea had been abused and taking responsibility for the protection of her children. After the 12-month review, Andrea expressed…