Department of Human Services v. C. Z.

In this juvenile dependency case, the state alleged that mother’s use of marijuana presented a reasonable likelihood of harm to her two children, and the juvenile court took jurisdiction over both children as to mother on that basis. Mother appeals from that juvenile court judgment and argues that the state has not established a “reasonable likelihood of harm” to the children by a preponderance of the evidence. We agree and, accordingly, reverse the judgment finding jurisdiction over the children.

The hearing on jurisdiction established the following undisputed facts. Mother and father have…