In re G.C. CA2/4

INTRODUCTION

Rigoberto C. (Father), Mary C. (Mother), and G.C. (the minor) appeal from the jurisdictional and dispositional orders of the juvenile court of April 25, 2013, declaring G.C. a dependent of the court (Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 300, 360, subd. (d)),1 allowing him to remain in his parents’ physical custody, and ordering the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide family maintenance services. Appellants contend the court abused its discretion by declaring G.C. a dependent of the court at disposition, and should have instead ordered six months of informal supervision by DCFS pursuant to section 360, subdivision (b), under which G.C. and his family would not be subject to court supervision. We find no abuse of discretion and affirm the challenged orders.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. DCFS’s Provision of Voluntary Services

In 2009, DCFS received a referral alleging Mother and Father were neglecting G.C. At the age of 11, G.C. weighed 320 pounds, had been diagnosed with morbid obesity, and had not been seen by a doctor in four years. His school attempted to intervene but the parents were unresponsive. DCFS opened a family…