In re J.W. CA5
On November 12, 2019, the Merced County Human Services Agency (agency) received a referral alleging the conditions of mother’s home were hazardous to
nine-year-old J.W. and eight-year-old D.T. An agency social worker responded to mother’s home with Merced County Sheriff’s Deputy Ochoa. Mother’s home was found to be “in disarray with trash, debris, old food, clothing, wet clothing in the bathroom, an over-filled cat box, standing bucket of water under the kitchen sink, broken items, and various other hazards.” Mother was using the gas oven to heat the house in the morning, and she was unaware of the risk posed if the oven’s flame went out. Several knives were in reach of the children and empty glass alcohol bottles were on the porch and driveway. The home had a strong smell of mildew and urine from the cat and J.W.’s enuresis. Ochoa’s eyes began burning, and he had to leave the home to catch his breath.
Comments on In re J.W. CA5