In re J.J. CA4/2

I. INTRODUCTION

In 2023, nine-year-old J.J. went to a neighbor’s home and asked to be adopted.

She reported being physically abused at home and presented with multiple, visible

injuries on her toes, feet, and knees that were scabbing and healing. As a result, plaintiff

and respondent San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) filed a

petition pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code1 section 300 et seq. on J.J.’s behalf.

At the jurisdictional and dispositional hearing, the juvenile court removed J.J. from

defendant and appellant M.M. (Father)’s custody and denied Father reunification services

pursuant to a “bypass” provision set forth in section 361.5, subdivision (b)(6), which

provides that a juvenile court “shall not order reunification for a parent” if the child has

been adjudicated a dependent as the result of the infliction of severe physical harm and

the juvenile court determines that it would not benefit the child to pursue reunification

services. (§ 361.5, subds. (b)(6)(A), (c)(2).)

Father appeals, arguing that the juvenile court’s application of the bypass

provision in section 361.5, subdivision (b)(6), is not supported by substantial…