In re Adam S. CA2/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Facts

A. The family Isamar M. (mother) has four children at issue in this appeal—Adam S. (born April 2015), Ruben G. (born April 2018), Matthew G. (born April 2019), and Samara G. (born July 2023). Adam’s father is Javier S.; the father of the younger three children is Eriverto G. (father). Mother’s fifth child, Carly M. (born October 2011), is not at issue in this appeal because a juvenile court previously terminated mother’s parental rights over her. B. Mother’s physical abuse of Adam, Ruben, and Matthew Mother “smacks” and “hits” Adam, Ruben, and Matthew nearly every day, causing bruises and marks on their bodies. Mother does this when she “gets mad” or when the children do not follow her household rule to “be quiet as a mouse.” She has

2 used her hands, a belt, a broom and other items lying around the house. When mother has lashed Ruben with a belt, she used the “golden” part (that is, the buckle). Mother has also pushed Adam to the floor and held his face down to the ground; smacked Adam, Ruben and Matthew on the mouth; hit Adam with a broom because his hair was unkempt; struck Adam, Ruben and Matthew with a sandal; and slammed…