In re M.H. CA1/4

I.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. Initial Referrals The family came to the attention of Alameda County Social Services/Children and Family Services (agency) in October 2022, when then three year old M.H. was living with mother. At that time, there was a pending family court case regarding mother’s alleged failure to comply with visitation orders. The agency had received multiple referrals that M.H. had been sexually abused by father. Between July 2022 and March 2023, mother repeatedly brought M.H. to the emergency room where he underwent invasive sexual assault exams;3 each exam yielded no evidence of sexual abuse or trauma. Also during this timeframe, M.H. participated in three forensic interviews at the Child Abuse, Listening, and Coordination Center (CALICO), which similarly disclosed no evidence of sexual abuse. Despite the absence of any evidence of sexual abuse, mother continued to believe M.H. was being sexually abused by father. Hospital staff became concerned that the continued sexual assault exams could further traumatize M.H., causing him emotional harm and stress. It was reported that mother discussed inappropriate adult content and graphically described sexual…