In re K.M. CA1/1

INTRODUCTION

H.M., the father of K.M., (Father) appeals from the court’s jurisdictional and dispositional orders and the order terminating reunification services, asserting no substantial evidence supports the court’s finding he sexually abused K.M. Father also claims his trial counsel was ineffective because he failed to call K.M. as a witness. We find no merit in his contentions, and affirm.

BACKGROUND

We set forth only those facts relevant to the issues raised on appeal. In January, 2013, Contra Costa County Children and Family Services (Department) detained then- seven-year-old K.M. and placed her in foster care after she reported to school personnel

1 Father hit her on the leg with a belt. Father admitted hitting K.M. with a belt, explaining the “ ‘problem in this country [is y]ou are not allowed to hit your kid.’ ” Father pleaded no contest to allegations in the amended petition of serious physical harm, failure to protect K.M. from ongoing domestic violence with K.M.’s mother, and serious emotional damage due to Father’s physical abuse. Mother pleaded no contest to allegations she failed to protect K.M. from abuse and that K.M. suffered serious emotional damage. The…