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Definition of “Substance Abuse” and is a Finding of Parental Substance Abuse Alone Sufficient to Warrant Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

Case Name: In re N.R. (Apr. 29, 2022, B312001) [nonpub. opn.], review granted 8/24/2022
Case #: S274943
Last Updated: September 13, 2023

(1) What is the definition of “substance abuse” for purposes of declaring a child a dependent under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b)(1)? (2) Where a child is under the age of six, does a finding of parental substance abuse alone provide sufficient evidence to warrant juvenile court jurisdiction?

Review on this issue has also been granted with briefing deferred in:

  • In re Kieran S. (B318672) [nonpub. opn.], review granted 9/13/2023 (S280993)
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