In re E.M. CA2/5

I. INTRODUCTION

G.M. (father) appeals from the jurisdictional orders declaring his three children1 dependents of the juvenile court under Welfare and Institutions Code section 3002 based on his physical abuse of his son and substance abuse issues. We affirm.

The children are father’s eldest daughter E.M. and son L.M., born to mother A.M. in December 2009 and September 2012, and his younger daughter N.M., born to mother R.S. in April 2020. The mothers did not appeal from the jurisdictional findings or disposition orders.

All further references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

II. BACKGROUND

A. Petition

On November 10, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (Department) received a referral alleging physical abuse of L.M. by father that also placed E.M. and N.M. at risk. On November 18, 2022, a social worker received a call from L.M.’s school counselor who reported that, the prior Wednesday, L.M. was “upset” and “unable to stay on task.” L.M. told the counselor that his day was “‘ruined’” because father had slapped him. According to L.M., when father became angry, he would hit L.M., which happened “pretty…