Kern County Department of Human Services v. Anita M.

Anita M., mother of the minor, DeLonnie S., seeks review by direct appeal and petition for a writ of mandate of a disposition order, an order that no reunification services were to be provided, an order referring the cause for a permanency planning hearing and an order entered after a permanency planning hearing terminating her parental rights. The writ and the appeal have been consolidated for disposition.

Procedural Background and Facts

On August 27, 1990, one-year-old DeLonnie S. was admitted to Ridgecrest Community Hospital; he had suffered multiple injuries, including extensive bruises or marks over his face, chest, abdomen, thighs, arms and buttocks. He was also diagnosed as suffering from anemia and significant developmental delay. The mother admitted she “ ‘just went off on him and hit him everywhere.’ ” The child was immediately placed in protective custody and dependency proceedings were instituted.

At a jurisdictional hearing held on February 6, 1991, the mother admitted she had physically abused DeLonnie S. and that he was a minor described by Welfare and Institutions Code 1 section 300, subdivision (a). 2 The juvenile court dismissed other specific…