In re P.L. CA2/4

INTRODUCTION

D.P. (father) appeals from the juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings and dispositional orders removing his daughter from his custody. We conclude substantial evidence supports the court’s orders and affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On April 25, 2023, the Department of Children and Family Services (Department) filed a dependency petition on behalf of P.L., under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivisions (b)(1), (d), and (j).1 P.L. was five years old and was living with her mother. P.L. had been a dependent of the court once before.2 The petition contained four counts. Counts b-1 and j-1 alleged that P.L.’s mother, S.L. (mother), had “an unresolved history of substance abuse and is a current abuser of amphetamines, methamphetamine, and marijuana.” Counts b-2 and d-1 alleged that father is a registered sex offender who was convicted of rape in May 2003. Counts b-1 and b-2 alleged that both parents’ conduct put P.L. at risk of serious physical harm or illness, count d-1 alleged that father’s conduct put P.L. at risk of sexual abuse, and count j-1 alleged that mother’s conduct put P.L. at risk of abuse or neglect. At the initial hearing, held…