In re T.W. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

This dependency originated when C.V., mother’s six-year-old child from a prior

relationship, was taken to the hospital by her maternal grandmother on August 24, 2010.

The maternal grandmother informed the hospital staff that the injury was sustained when

she fell down some stairs a day or so earlier. However, the grandmother was concerned

because the child’s mother used drugs and father, mother’s live-in boyfriend and father of

mother’s two younger children, was abusive. The parents had a prior history with the

San Bernardino Children and Family Services (CFS) agency for various unfounded or

inconclusive allegations.

The medical examination revealed the vaginal laceration and hymenal oddities,

which were not specific for sexual abuse, but C.V.’s history raised concerns about neglect

and sexual abuse. C.V. was interviewed following the medical examination and

informed the social worker that both her six-year-old cousin T., and her “daddy” (father),

had touched her “down there” at the paternal grandmother’s residence in Newberry

Springs. A detention warrant was obtained from the juvenile court resulting in the

temporary removal of C.V.,2 along with her two…