In Re Interest of Kassara M.

BACKGROUND

On January 21, 1996, Kassara M., then 7 years old, woke up at 3 a.m. and found herself at home alone. Kassara called the 911 emergency dispatch service, and the police came to her home and waited until 7 a.m., when Kassara’s mother, Lesa C., also known as Cheyenne T. (Cheyenne), finally appeared. Kassara was taken into protective custody. On January 22, a petition was filed alleging that Kassara lacked proper parental care, and a detention hearing was held on February 2. An adjudication hearing was held on February 22, at which Cheyenne admitted the allegations of the petition, and…