In re Kahlil W. CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

Bruce W., father of four-year-old Kahlil W., appeals from the juvenile court’s order terminating jurisdiction, awarding sole legal and physical custody of Kahlil to Kahlil’s mother Rachel W., and requiring Bruce to have monitored visits with Kahlil (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 362.4).1 Bruce does not challenge the court’s order regarding custody, but argues the juvenile court abused its discretion in requiring monitored visitation because substantial evidence did not support the court’s sole factual finding that Bruce had not completed court-ordered individual counseling. Because substantial evidence did not support that finding, we reverse the custody and visitation order and direct the juvenile court to enter a new order based on the evidence.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. The Juvenile Court Declares Kahlil a Dependent Child of the Court The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services became involved with the family after a caller reported Kahlil’s parents had a physical altercation. Rachel was

1 Statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 holding Kahlil, who was 18 months old at the time, during the fight. The juvenile…