In re J.H. CA5

FACTS

Initial Removal On August 26, 2024, the Fresno County Department of Social Services (department) received a referral alleging father had sexually abused the children’s eight-year-old half sibling, Ivy B. According to the referral, Ivy disclosed being touched by father “ ‘where she does not want to be touched.’ ” Ivy demonstrated where she was touched by running her hands across her breasts, down her stomach, and stopping at her pant line. She then stated, “ ‘he touches from the top to the bottom.’ ” The last time Ivy was touched by father was a few days earlier. The child’s mother, Alexis C. (mother), continued her relationship with father despite her knowledge of the disclosures made by Ivy. An investigating social worker, Matthew H., from the department responded to the children’s school and met with Fresno Police Department Officer Aaron Saavedra. Saavedra had already interviewed Ivy and her 10-year-old sibling, A.B. Ivy reported father sat down next to her while she was playing video games, and he put his hands on her chest under her clothes. Ivy told her mother about the touching, but mother responded that it was not true. Saavedra directed Matthew to a room where…