C.M. v. State, Dept. of Children & Family Services

CASANUEVA, Judge.

C.M., the nineteen year old mother of D.M., a child three months old at the inception of this dependency proceeding, appeals the final order finding the child dependent as to her, contending she was denied her right to counsel. After reviewing the record, we find her contention meritorious and reverse.

The appellee, State of Florida, Department of Children and Families (the Department) petitioned to place D.M. in shelter care, alleging that C.M. had physically abused D.M. by slapping and bruising the infant. The Department also alleged that C.M. had mental health problems and…