In re Stephanie C. CA2/8

FACTS

Mother is a single mother to two girls, Stephanie C. (born 2003) and Genesis C. (born 2012). Mother had an abusive relationship with her husband, Salvador C. (Father) and moved to Los Angeles from Chicago in 2005 to escape Father. Father followed her to Los Angeles, where they reconciled. He was subsequently deported for a parole violation and was in Mexico at all relevant times. Mother met Karla G. at the park sometime in September 2012. They became friends and met almost every day, either at the park or at Mother’s home. Although Karla had a strong personality, Mother considered her a friend and Karla was nice to her and her children. Karla had a two-year-old son. Mother knew Karla wanted to have a girl, but could not have any more children. On several occasions, Karla offered to adopt Stephanie and Genesis, assuring Mother she could give them a better life since she and her husband owned a home and a business. Mother believed Karla was joking. Karla also often asked Mother for permission to take Genesis for a week, promising that she would see a difference when she returned. Karla professed to love Genesis. The girls had been alone with Karla twice prior to the incident…