In re J.R. CA2/8

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

In June 2010, respondent Department of Family and Children Services (DCFS) filed a petition under section 300 against appellant father C.R. and mother – who is not a party to this appeal – regarding their minor children, J.R. born in 2003, and then three- month old M.R. born in 2010. The petition alleged father and mother had failed to protect and provide regular care to the children which placed the children at risk of harm. In particular, father had accidentally scratched J.R.’s face in administering inappropriate discipline; father had a history of alcohol abuse, which periodically rendered him unable to provide regular care and supervision; father had a history of convictions for possession of controlled substances which created a detrimental home environment; mother had untreated “mental health issues” which limited her ability to provide for the children’s regular care and supervision; and, father and mother had a history of domestic violence. Based on the petition’s allegations, the court detained the children and placed them in foster care. In October 2010, father submitted on the petition and the court sustained the petition’s allegations. The court…