In re Isaiah M. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

In September 2023, the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services

(DPSS) received a referral alleging general neglect and at-risk sibling abuse of E.M.

(then 17 years old) and Isaiah M. (then 15 years old) by the parents.1 DPSS reported that

Isaiah “is wheelchair bound and has limited comprehension and speech abilities.” He had

a “red, dime-sized scratch under his right eye, which [was] swelling to a quarter.” Isaiah

had not been to school for a week, because Mother had injured her foot.

In October 2023, DPSS received another referral alleging general neglect and

physical abuse. Isaiah went to school with three staples on his head, a scratch on his

upper back, and a scratch on his left arm. He also had a rash and “slight swelling around

his penial area. His teeth [were] rotted and jagged, and his clothing [was] dirty.”

DPSS spoke to Mother and scheduled a “Child and Adolescent Needs and

Strengths” exam for Isaiah, and Mother agreed to take him to the exam. The following

E.M. is now 18 and is not involved in this appeal. Also, the children’s father is not a party to this appeal and consequently will not be discussed. 2 week, DPSS received…