Department of Human Services v. C. A.

In this dependency case, it is undisputed that mother is unfit. The juvenile court assumed jurisdiction based on allegations that father “does not have sole legal custody of the child”—and therefore “cannot protect the child from mother’s neglectful behavior”—and that father’s substance abuse interferes with his ability to safely parent. Father appeals, contending that the evidence is insufficient to show that the child’s conditions and circumstances are such as to endanger his welfare. ORS 419B.100(l)(c). We agree with father and reverse.

To support juvenile court jurisdiction, the court must…