In re Edward G. CA2/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Referral and Investigation

On September 27, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received a referral alleging that father hit Edward on the head with a metal water bottle. The referring party found a corresponding red bump on Edward’s head. That same day, a DCFS social worker contacted the children’s mother, Rebecca V. (mother), who said that father did not live with the family but visited often. Mother admitted that “one of [her and father’s] biggest arguments is their methods of disciplining the children.” She said that she did not witness the incident with the bottle. Mother did “argue with father” afterwards, but believed it was an accident. When the social worker interviewed father, he “stated that he was waiting for social workers to come . . . because he knew

2 that he[] ‘f***ed up[]’” and “made a mistake by ‘tapping’ . . . Edward on the side of his head[.]” Father said that while he was watching the children, he saw Edward trip his younger sister Amelia; “he instantly got angry and his first reaction was to ‘bop’ . . . Edward on the side of his head.” Father expressed remorse, said that he…