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Chapter 7
Permanent Grant of Custody

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF JAKSEN COUNTY

JUVENILE DIVISION

IN RE: JAMIE LYNN MORRIS : CASE NO. JA2006-03-92

[center]GRANT OF PERMANENT CUSTODY[/center]

{1} This Court grants permanent custody of Jamie Lynn Morris to the Jaksen County Child Services Board ("JCCSB"). No rights to remain with biological mother, Theresa Morris ("Ms. Morris”).

{2} Ms. Morris is the mother of Jamie Lynn Morris ("Jamie"), born February 4, 1994, In November 2000, Jamie was removed from Ms. Morris’ home after Ms. Morris was found unconscious in the home after overdosing on Oxycontin. JCCSB took temporary custody of the child, who were subsequently placed in foster care. JCCSB had previously removed Jamie from Ms. Morris’ care in August 1997, but returned her to her care in July 1999 after she completed her case plan.

{3} Ms. Morris was either incarcerated or living out of state during much of the year following the November 2000 removal. She sporadically visited Jamie during that time. In February 2001, Ms. Morris was convicted of driving under the influence, fourth offense, and sentenced to three and a half years in prison. She served two months and was then granted judicial release. However, she violated her probation conditions reinstating the maximum sentence, and was returned to prison in March of this year. She currently awaits trial on drug trafficking charges. She was incarcerated at the time of the permanent custody hearing On March 3, with her release date scheduled for November 2009.

{4} Ms. Morris has a long history of substance abuse problems. Substance abuse was the reason for Jamie’s initial removal in August 1997. While out of prison, Ms. Morris sought treatment for her drug and alcohol problems, but consistently was unable to complete drug treatment programs. In March 3 of 2004, the juvenile court found Jamie to be a neglected and dependent child. The juvenile court then held an emergency hearing on JCCSB’s motion for permanent custody on March 4. The juvenile court adopts the magistrate’s decision that granted JCCSB’s motion for permanent custody.