C.A. 2nd;
B276877

The Second Appellate District affirmed a dependency court order. The court held that a mentally ill parent's failure to take her anti-psychotic medications consistently supported the exercise of dependency jurisdiction over her minor children.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services initiated dependency proceedings as to minors Travis and Samantha, alleging that mother Allison S.'s serious mental health issues had put the children at risk. Allison's condition made her hear voices, believe she was being stalked, believe law enforcement was following her, believe the children were being manipulated by the government, and believe she had implants in her brain, among other delusions. Allison's psychotic episodes manifested themselves in various ways. At times, she became angry. At least once, she became suicidal, threatening suicide while the children were present. Allison's psychiatrist reported that he would be concerned for the minors' safety if Allison were not medicated. Although Allison was prescribed medication, she continued to go unmedicated at times, continued to experience severe episodes related to her illness, and continued to drive alone with Travis and Samantha in the car, even while she was experiencing delusions.