In re P.W. CA4/2

STATEMENT OF FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On January 21, 2014, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family

Services filed a petition alleging P., age six, came within Welfare and Institutions Code

section 300, subdivisions (a), (b), (g) and (j). Specifically, the petition alleged that

mother and her male companion struck P. and her sister, M., with a belt, and left them

with an unrelated caretaker and failed to return. It also alleged mother had an unresolved

drug problem. An amended petition later added an allegation of domestic violence

between mother and her boyfriend.

The children had marks and bruises on their bodies. Mother had left the children

with a friend. The friend was unable to contact mother. M. is autistic and nonverbal.

P. was taking M. to the bathroom and bathing her. P. reported that mother and her

boyfriend would hit her and M. with a belt.

The proceedings involved mother’s other daughter, M., as well. However, because M.’s permanent plan was legal guardianship, the court did not terminate parental rights as to her, and this appeal pertains solely to P. P.’s father is also not a party to this appeal.

2 Mother admitted using a belt to…