In re Joshua H. CA2/3

INTRODUCTION

Appellant Yolanda R. (mother) appeals from the juvenile court’s order removing her then 16-year-old son, Joshua H., from mother’s physical custody pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code1 section 361. Mother challenges the sufficiency of the evidence. We conclude the record supports the court’s finding that mother threatened Joshua with a knife while expelling him from the home, and this was sufficient to warrant the removal order in view of the substantial danger such extreme conduct posed to Joshua’s physical and mental well-being. We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On August 26, 2014, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received a referral alleging mother had physically and emotionally abused Joshua two days earlier. The reporting party stated that mother chased Joshua out of the house with a knife after arguing with him over some food. This was allegedly the third or fourth time mother had locked Joshua out of the house after an argument. Joshua reportedly spent the night at his maternal aunt’s home. A Department social worker interviewed Joshua about the incident. Joshua reported that the incident began in the kitchen…