"In April of 2023, the department responded to a referral that mother and newborn H.M. both tested positive for 'Cannabinoids/THC and amphetamines.' Mother denied substance use and declined to provide a urine sample. Father acknowledged knowing that mother used methamphetamine throughout her pregnancy. Father tested presumptive positive for amphetamines, methamphetamines, and THC, which he claimed was due to having had sex with mother, who was using drugs. H.M. was placed into protective custody. . . .
In May of 2023, the department met with mother and father to discuss paternity. Both acknowledged that father was not H.M.’s biological father, although he did sign the appropriate paperwork at the hospital that he intended to be H.M.’s father. Mother refused to say who the biological father was. . . .
[B]oth mother and father refused to sign any substance use testing guidelines and were not participating in random testing. Both had tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines, and presumptively positive for THC on three separate occasions. . . .
On June 8, 2023, the department attempted to contact H.M.’s other potential biological fathers. One, Benjamin D., stated he was not interested in ascertaining whether or not the child was his and did not want to become involved in the case. The department was unable to locate another, Justin M. The third, Ruben D., was in custody in jail and refused to take a DNA test, stated there was no possibility that he was the father. . . .
On July 18, 2023, mother completed a psychological review stating that her adoptive mother passed away when mother was 14; her adoptive mother’s brother, who mother considered a father figure, had passed away from cancer; and her sister had died from a fentanyl overdose. Mother stated that she did not really know her biological family and felt that her cousins were strangers. . . .
The six-month review hearing report recommended . . . that family reunification services be terminated for both mother and father and a section 366.26 hearing be set. Neither mother nor father had followed through on the reunification plan."
Lovely all around.
(From Tuolumne County, if you're wondering. Largest city: Sonora, population 5003.)
