San Diego County Department of Social Services v. Bonnie P.

Bonnie P., mother of the juvenile Jennifer P., appeals from an order of the juvenile court declaring Jennifer a dependent child under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (d). 1 We conclude *324 there was insufficient evidence presented at the hearing to invoke the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and reverse the order.

Factual and Procedural Background

Bonnie and Dennis P., the adoptive parents of Jennifer, were separated in 1981 and divorced in 1982. Bonnie had primary physical custody of Jennifer, but Dennis retained and exercised reasonable visitation rights.

Shortly after the separation, Bonnie became concerned about some of Jennifer’s behavior and consulted a child psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Jaffe. The therapy continued over the next several years. In early 1984, Bonnie reported to Dr. Jaffe Jennifer’s preoccupation with certain sexual matters. By May 1984 Jaffe began to suspect the possibility of molestation, and referred Jennifer to Dr. Louise Greene, a psychologist. When Dr. Greene concurred in Dr. Jaffe’s suspicions, Bonnie immediately informed the county department of social services (Department), which in turn informed the San Diego…