In re J.S.

BACKGROUND

I. Factual and Procedural Background

The facts of J.S.‟s case are not at issue on appeal and we state them only as necessary to explain the procedural history. J.S. came to the attention of police when, at 12 years of age, neighbors observed him in sexual activity with an eight-year-old boy. On March 12, 2009, a petition under section 602 was filed, alleging that J.S. committed two counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child, violations of Penal Code section 288, subdivision (a). J.S. admitted one count and was adjudged a ward of the court. He was placed at Gateway Residential Programs, from which he was expelled for failing to comply with the program‟s rules. The court sustained a probation violation and placed J.S. at Martin‟s Achievement Place, from which he was expelled for noncompliant and disruptive behavior. The court sustained a probation violation and J.S. was returned to Martin‟s Place, on condition that he take medication prescribed by a juvenile hall psychiatrist. The placement was terminated after J.S. placed his hands on the hips of an adult female staff member from behind and started pushing his erect penis against her through his clothing. After a…