P.G.

BACKGROUND

I. Referral and first detention hearing

On July 22, 2024, K.G. (a two-month-old boy) came to the attention of the

Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) through an immediate

response referral alleging physical abuse and general neglect. When Mother brought

K.G. to the emergency room at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), bruising

was found on K.G.’s face, arms, feet, and penis. K.G. also had a puncture wound on his

lower left leg, a skull fracture, and potential fractures to the second and third ribs.

DPSS contacted CHOC, and the charge nurse told the social worker that a “CT

scan was completed and found the child to have an acute non-displaced left parietal

2 fracture to the skull.” There was no bleeding in K.G.’s brain, and he was referred to the

hematology department to be screened for any blood disorders.

The Riverside Police Department contacted DPSS and informed the social worker

that the skull fracture had been confirmed, and the rib fracture results were pending. A

Riverside police officer told the social worker that Mother and the maternal grandmother

were present at the hospital, and they were being “very…