C.A. 2nd;
B277434

The Second Appellate District reversed a dependency court order. The court held that a parent's mental illness, standing alone, was not grounds for dependency jurisdiction.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services detained and initiated dependency proceedings as to six-month Joaquin C. based on mother Veronica C.'s “failure to protect” him from her mental illness. Veronica had allegedly been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, for which she acknowledged that she needed treatment. When the county visited Veronica's home, it found Joaquin happy, in good health, and appropriately dressed and groomed. Veronica was “polite, cooperative, and coherent.” Veronica and Joaquin lived with Veronica's mother and adult sister, both of whom were willing and able to provide Veronica whatever assistance and support she needed. The home was clean, well organized, and suitably furnished, and had working utilities and sufficient food.