In re E.H. CA4/3

FACTS

Father and A. H. (mother) are the parents of three young children. The family was living together when the children became the subject of a dependency petition filed in the juvenile court pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 300. (All statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.) According to the petition, father tied six-year-old J.H.’s legs together and struck him twice with a sandal. The petition further alleged father has used this as a regular means of discipline. (§ 300, subds. (a), (b).) The initial detention report recommended the children remain with mother and that father receive monitored visitation. Father was arrested as a result of the incident and was in custody during the juvenile court proceedings. The court appointed counsel for mother and father at the first court appearance, found father to be the presumed father, and ordered the children’s temporary care and placement with mother. The court issued a restraining order against father, restraining him from contacting the children other than during court-ordered visitation, and directing that he remain at least 100 yards from the family residence. The court also directed SSA…