In re A.L. CA4/1

BACKGROUND

A. Prior History We incorporate from our prior opinion the more detailed background and procedural history of this matter through the contested six-month review hearing held on May 13, 2024. (In re A.L. (Jan. 6, 2025, D084095) [nonpub. opn.].) Briefly, this case commenced in June 2023 following reports of Mother’s excessive discipline of Minor that included yelling at, pinching, and hitting Minor. These practices left Minor with bruises and scarring consistent with physical abuse as well as emotional trauma. Mother did not believe hitting a child with a belt or pinching was physical abuse. She said she disciplined Minor the way she was disciplined, which was the way passed down in her culture. One of Mother’s primary goals in the initial case plan was to show that for at least six months she used positive disciplinary methods that do not involve physical or emotional harm to Minor. To facilitate this goal, the plan included a parenting education program, a 52-week child abuse treatment program, and conjoint therapy with Minor when appropriate. The Agency provided Mother with paperwork in August 2023 to enroll in the child abuse group class. Mother thought the…