The biological mother of C.J. L. C. appeals the juvenile court’s order terminating her parental rights.1 She challenges the sufficiency of the evidence; contends that her parental rights should not have been terminated because her reunification plan was in place for less than one year; and asserts that she was never personally served with a summons and the petition to terminate her parental rights. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm.In considering the mother’s appeal, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the juvenile court’s disposition and determine whether any rational trier of fact could have found by clear and convincing evidence that the mother’s right to custody should have been terminated. We neither weigh the evidence nor determine the credibility of any witnesses, but instead defer to the juvenile court’s findings of fact.Citation omitted. In the Interest of N. S. E. , 287 Ga. App. 186, 187 651 SE2d 123 2007. So viewed, the record shows that C.J. L. C. was born out of wedlock on April 9, 2007. Both the 21-year-old mother and the newborn tested positive for methamphetamine, resulting in the Bartow County Department of Family and Children Services “DFCS” taking custody of the newborn that same day. DFCS filed a deprivation petition, and the juvenile court conducted an evidentiary hearing at which the mother was present with counsel. The juvenile court adjudicated the infant deprived based on the mother’s substance abuse and unstable housing and employment. The mother stipulated to the causes of the deprivation. The infant subsequently was placed with his maternal grandparents, with whom he is still living and who wish to adopt him.
DFCS developed a reunification case plan that was discussed with and signed by the mother. Among other things, the plan required the mother to obtain a substance abuse assessment and follow all treatment recommendations; attend and complete a drug abuse treatment program; submit to random drug screens; remain drug free for six consecutive months; obtain a psychological evaluation and comply with treatment recommendations; complete parenting classes; obtain and maintain a source of income and suitable housing; and maintain a bond with the child through regular visitation. The juvenile court thereafter entered an order approving the case plan. The order further required that the mother pay child support and inform DFCS within 48 hours of any change in her address, telephone number, or employment.
