In re L.G. CA2/8

INTRODUCTION

Michael M. (Father) appeals from the juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings and dispositional order, declaring his minor son, L.G., a dependent of the court under Welfare and Institutions Code1 section 300, subdivisions (a), (b), (c) and (d), and removing L.G. from Father’s custody. On appeal, Father argues the juvenile court should have dismissed the dependency petition because L.G.’s mother was a nonoffending custodial parent and the child was safe in her care. We conclude the juvenile court did not err in sustaining the petition to protect L.G. from Father’s abusive conduct. We accordingly affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. Section 300 petition Father and Heather P. (Mother) are the parents of L.G., a boy born in December 2010. Prior to the start of these proceedings, Mother had primary physical custody of L.G. and the parents shared joint legal custody. In June 2024, when L.G. was 13 years old, the child began staying with Father for his summer break from school. On July 20, 2024, police were called to Father’s home regarding a report of child abuse. L.G. told the officer that the day before, July 19, Father physically assaulted him by pulling…