In re D.J. CA1/5

BACKGROUND

In May 2013, the Contra Costa County Children & Family Services Bureau (Bureau) filed the present Welfare and Institutions Code section 3001 petition on behalf of A.J, then nine years old. Related petitions were filed on behalf of Mother’s other

1 All undesignated section references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

1 daughter, D.J. (then 15 years old), and Mother’s niece, K.J. (then 11 years old). At the time, Mother was K.J.’s legal guardian.2 The petitions alleged Mother struck D.J. on the face and head, leaving swollen areas and a ringing in her ears. The petitions further alleged Mother previously punched D.J. in the face, causing her nose to bleed. The petitions alleged Mother’s ability to care for and supervise the minors was impaired. (§ 300, subdivision (b).) The petition on behalf of D.J. also alleged she had suffered serious physical harm (§ 300, subd. (a)), and the petition on behalf of A.J. alleged sibling abuse (§ 300, subd. (j)). The contested jurisdictional hearing on all three petitions was held in July 2013.3 D.J. testified Mother hit her in the face three times with her fist, leaving a “lump,” and hit her in the ear, leaving a ringing in…