In Re Katrina C.

Glenn C. appeals from the jurisdictional findings and dispositional orders of the Contra Costa County Juvenile Court relating to his three children pursuant to dependency proceedings brought under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (a). [1]

On October 21, 1986, separate petitions were filed on behalf of Katrina, Eugene, and Constance C., alleging that they were minors in need of proper and effective parental care and control. The petitions alleged that the minors had been disciplined with "excessive and inappropriate physical force" by their father and stepmother and were afraid to return to their home. On November 21, 1986, the juvenile court sustained each of the allegations and found that the minors were persons described by section 300, subdivision (a).

On January 23, 1987, a contested disposition hearing was held, at the conclusion of which the minors were declared dependent children of the juvenile court. They were ordered placed in the home of their natural mother, Thelma O., under the supervision of the social service department. The father's request for a reunification plan was denied.

On appeal, the father contends (1) the…