In re C.P. CA4/1

BACKGROUND

This is C.P.'s third dependency case. The first case spanned more than two and

one-half years when she was one to three and one-half years old. The second case lasted

for two months when she was six and one-half years old. When the instant case began,

C.P. was nine years old. She told a social worker, "I've been through enough. I want this

to stop."

All three cases were based on domestic violence between C.P.'s mother, Sabrina

B., and Sabrina's two successive male partners, her husband and a boyfriend.2 During

the three cases, C.P. was in seven placements, in addition to Sabrina's home, for a total of

approximately three years. Charles was incarcerated when C.P. was born and has been in

custody for a total of six years since then. Between the second and third cases, Charles

was involved in domestic violence; he threw his girlfriend to the floor and threatened to

beat her with a baseball bat. Charles denied the violence and minimized his criminal

record.

1 All further statutory references are to the Family Code.

2 The first case also involved an unsanitary and unsafe home and neglect by Sabrina. 2 Charles was…