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.

All further statutory references are to the Family Code.

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