In re R.R. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

On November 16, 2019, mother brought 15-month-old D.R. and six-month-old

R.R. to the hospital for a cough, disclosing to the staff that there was domestic violence at

home during the visit. She described both physical and verbal altercations with father,

including multiple incidents of rape by father; she also indicated she was currently

pregnant and was having suicidal thoughts. Hospital staff placed mother on a section

5150 hold, and an emergency response referral was made.

While the children were being examined, hospital staff also observed her

‘“dicing”’ something with a card and bringing the paper up to her nose. Mother was

hostile to staff and made statements about not wanting D.R. Mother also admitted that

despite the violence and being raped, she returned to father because she had no family or

other means to be on her own. She acknowledged mental health diagnoses of depression

and anxiety but was not on medication.

Respecting the children, the emergency response social worker noted that R.R.’s

head was flattened and that he was unable to sit up on his own or hold his head up.

Mother indicated possible Cherokee ancestry on her mother’s side. Mother…