In re A.K. CA2/2

BACKGROUND

Petition and Detention Mother and her children were investigated by DCFS in 2014, 2016, and 2017 based on allegations that the children had been neglected due to mother’s substance abuse and resulting caretaker absence. DCFS recommended to mother that she enroll in a drug treatment program, but she failed to complete any program.

2 In 2018, DCFS received a report mother had planned to harm herself by overdosing on a cocaine injection. During the investigation, mother admitted she used methamphetamines and alcohol when stressed, but declined to answer whether she used them in front of the children. In June 2018, DCFS filed a petition under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b),1 on behalf of A.K. and mother’s two older children, Andrew and Ariel.2 DCFS alleged that mother was unable to provide adequate supervision and was placing the children at substantial risk of serious physical harm due to her substance abuse, as well as her mental and emotional problems. At the detention hearing, the children were removed from mother’s care, and A.K. was placed with Ms. C. Monitored visits were ordered for mother. The detention report contains facts supporting…