In re Blake D. CA2/3

INTRODUCTION

Kenneth R. appeals from the order of the juvenile court taking jurisdiction over his son, three-year-old Blake. He contends the record lacks sufficient evidence to support the finding that his conduct justifies declaring Blake a dependent under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (a).1 We conclude the evidence supports the finding under section 300, subdivision (a). Accordingly, we affirm the order.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On April 28, 2011, Kenneth returned Blake to mother’s house2 with bruises and marks about the child’s head, face, and ears. Photographs of Blake taken before the child’s visit with Kenneth showed no marks or bruises. Receiving no explanation from Kenneth about Blake’s condition, mother took the child to the emergency room and contacted the police. The police observed red marks, bruising, and swelling around Blake’s right eye, the right side of his head and his right ear, along with bruising on the top part of his ear lobe and a speck of dried blood just outside of his ear canal. The maternal grandmother informed the Department of Children and Family Services (the Department) that she answered the door when Kenneth…