In re D.F. CA3

FACTS

In November 2012, minors D.F., age 11, Da.F., age nine, J.F., age four, and A.F., age two, were detained due to physical and emotional abuse of the older children by father and mother’s failure to protect the minors from ongoing domestic violence. The juvenile court ordered the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency (Agency) to provide services for both parents. The status report for the 12-month review stated that mother, despite extensive therapy, was unable to objectively assess her violent relationship with father or show she could protect the minors from abuse. The Agency recommended termination of services. At the 12-month review hearing held in April 2014, mother’s therapist testified mother had recently begun to show some insight and understanding of codependency. The therapist testified she was cautiously optimistic more therapy might help mother, depending on her motivation. She acknowledged that it could take years for mother to separate from unhealthy relationships and success would depend on mother. The therapist remained concerned about mother’s ability to consistently set boundaries. The juvenile court determined mother had made only limited progress,…