In re A.T. CA4/3

FACTS

Mother has five children. Her first two children, G.C. (born 2006) and E.C. (born 2008) were with father Adolfo. Her latter three children, J.T. (born 2011), N.T. (born 2012), and A.T. (born 2013), were with father Gilbert. In 2009 a juvenile petition was filed in Los Angeles County concerning G.C. and E.C., alleging domestic violence by their father, Adolfo. That petition was dismissed based on mother and Adolfo’s agreement to participate in a voluntary family maintenance (VFM) program (§ 301), which involved counseling and parental instruction for both, as well as random drug testing for Adolfo. Although the parents were satisfactorily participating in VFM, the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) continued to receive referrals alleging domestic violence between mother and Adolfo, leading to the removal of G.C. and E.C. from Adolfo’s care. Ultimately a restraining order was issued preventing Adolfo from contacting mother. 1 All statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code unless otherwise indicated.

2 In April 2010, DCFS learned that Adolfo had been at mother’s residence in violation of the restraining order. On more than one…