In re Samantha L. CA2/2

FACTS

Mother’s daughter is Samantha L, born in July 2010. The child’s father is Ronnie L. (Father), who is not a party to this appeal. In January 2012, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) received referrals alleging that Father and Mother engage in domestic violence and drug abuse, smoke and sell crystal “meth,” and use drugs in front of Samantha.1 Samantha sleeps on the floor and is not properly fed. Mother confirmed that Father attacked her. He said, “Stupid bitch go do my laundry,” then followed her outside. When Mother got into her car, Father punched her face and arm, pushed her out of the car, and drove off with Mother’s foot inside the car. She broke loose before sustaining serious injury. Father drove Mother’s car into a curve in the road and damaged it. Mother was bruised and her shirt was torn. The police arrested Father, who denied knowing why Mother was injured. Father was charged with carjacking, spousal assault, and assault with a deadly weapon. Mother described prior incidents of domestic violence. In April 2011, Mother filed a police report after Father broke her windshield and physically attacked her; she later asked for criminal charges to be…