In re Ak.L. CA2/8

FACTS AND PROCEDURE

Mother is the parent of Ak.L. (born in 2000) and An.L. (born in 1995). Mother adopted the children in 2006. Both children had been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome, and An.L. had additionally been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder. The family came to the attention of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in January 2011 when a referral alleged emotional abuse of both children by mother. 1. First Amended Petition DCFS filed a petition, which, as later amended, alleged: (1) mother physically abused An.L. by striking her face and pushing her to the ground; (2) An.L. suffered from suicidal ideation and depression, and on numerous occasions mother had failed to take An.L. to psychiatric appointments, refused to have An.L. assessed for remedial services, and refused to allow An.L. to have education services; (3) mother had used inappropriate methods of discipline, including depriving both children of food and depriving them of sleep by waking them up in the middle of the night to do chores; and (4) mother emotionally abused An.L. by restricting her social…