In Re Jennifer P.

Tom Adler for Objector and Appellant.

Edwin L. Miller, Jr., District Attorney, Peter C. Lehman and D. Michael Ebert, Deputy District Attorneys, for Petitioner and Respondent.

Michele Sacks Lowenstein and Leahy & Lowenstein for Minor.

OPINION

WIENER, J.

Bonnie P., mother of the juvenile Jennifer P., appeals from an order of the juvenile court declaring Jennifer a dependent child under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (d). [1] We conclude there was insufficient evidence presented at the hearing to invoke the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and reverse the order.

Bonnie and Dennis P., the adoptive parents of Jennifer, were separated in 1981 and divorced in 1982. Bonnie had primary physical custody of Jennifer, but Dennis retained and exercised reasonable visitation rights.

Shortly after the separation, Bonnie became concerned about some of Jennifer's behavior and consulted a child psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Jaffe. The therapy continued over the next several years. In early 1984, Bonnie reported to Dr. Jaffe Jennifer's preoccupation with certain sexual matters. By May 1984 Jaffe began to suspect the possibility of molestation, and referred Jennifer to…