In re Jonathan H. CA2/4

INTRODUCTION

Judith H. (Mother), appeals from a dependency court order asserting jurisdiction over her son, Jonathan H., based on the sexual abuse of four of her nieces by her husband, Juan H., who is Jonathan’s father (Father).1 Finding that substantial evidence supports the exercise of dependency jurisdiction under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (d), we affirm.2

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Father and Mother married in 1991 and have three children together, Bernice (born in 1990), Michelle (born in 1995), and Jonathan (born in 2009). Mother also has a son, Diego (born in 1989), from a previous relationship.

2011 DCFS Referral In October 2011, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received a referral indicating that Michelle might be in danger of being sexually molested by Father. An adult family member had disclosed that Father molested her when she was a child. Michelle denied to DCFS ever being sexually molested herself and denied being aware that Father had molested any of her relatives. Jonathan, who was two years old at the time, appeared to be healthy, happy, and bonded to his parents. Adult siblings Diego and Bernice denied…