In re S.B. CA1/4

I. BACKGROUND

A. The Parties Mother gave birth to S.B. in October 2016, and Princeton in March 2018. S.B. and Princeton share a biological father, Steven B., who was not involved in minors’ upbringing, and is not party to the appeal. After suffering birth complications from having his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, Princeton was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. On September 16, 2021, emergency responders responded to the family home, finding then three-year-old Princeton unconscious and having difficulty breathing. He was intubated and transported to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, and ultimately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where doctors diagnosed a large forehead hematoma, a lacerated liver, bruising on his chest and back, and minimal brain activity. His extensive injuries were consistent with multiple instances of non- accidental trauma. Princeton was at high risk of not surviving his injuries, or at a minimum being in a long-term vegetative state due to his extensive brain injuries. Hospital staff reported Princeton’s injuries to Contra Costa County Children & Family Services (CFS). Law enforcement went to mother’s home to investigate…