In re C.C. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

T.O. (sometimes referred to as mother) is developmentally disabled, with an IQ of

61 to 69. T.O. and C.C. lived with T.O.’s mother and brother, both of whom are also

developmentally disabled. The maternal grandmother also had physical disabilities. The

family’s only source of income was apparently SSI. C.C.’s father, J.C., who lived with

his mother, visited frequently during the week and helped care for C.C. C.C. normally

stayed at the father’s house on weekends. J.C. was diagnosed with autism, ADD and

Tourette syndrome. He was unemployed and receiving SSI benefits, but was enrolled in

a community college, studying mechanics in a vocational program.

On August 6, 2011, when C.C. was two, the Department of Children and Family

Services (CFS) responded to a referral alleging neglect and physical abuse of C.C. and

parental mental health issues. The referral stated that C.C. had bruising up and down his

body in various stages of healing, and the social worker confirmed that the injuries were

consistent with abuse. The social worker observed that the home was “in disarray” and

that the crib was full of junk, including a blanket with dog excrement on it.…