In a recent court hearing, discussions centered around the welfare of two children under the care of Melissa Gabriel, with significant concerns raised regarding their safety and the mother's substance use. Testimony revealed that there have been no allegations of physical abuse or neglect in terms of basic needs, such as food. However, safety planning efforts to remove the children from the home have been met with resistance from Gabriel, who has not agreed to proposed arrangements.

The current plan suggests that the older child, referred to as Jay, would stay with his father, while the younger child would be placed with a familiar relative. Concerns were also expressed about the children's medical care, as records indicated they had not been seen by a doctor since 2022 and had missed multiple appointments.

Further alarming evidence was presented regarding the home environment. Testimony noted the presence of marijuana remnants accessible to the children, contradicting previous safety plans that required such items to be secured. Additionally, drug screening results indicated that both Gabriel and her partner tested positive for multiple substances, including THC and cocaine, raising further questions about the children's safety in the home.

During cross-examination, it was clarified that while drug use alone cannot justify the removal of children, the ongoing substance abuse and the presence of inappropriate caretakers in the home contribute to a heightened risk of harm. The case highlights the complexities of balancing parental rights with child safety, as the court weighs the implications of continued substance use against the potential risks to the children involved.