Department of Children's Services v. Luis A.

In this dependency case, we conclude that substantial evidence supports the juvenile court’s assertion of jurisdiction over the minor children, and its dispositional orders.

Facts

On March 29, 1991, respondent department of children’s services (the Department) filed a petition seeking to have Dorinda and Edwin A. and their two siblings declared dependent children of the court pursuant to section 300 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. 1 The amended petition alleged that the minor children’s natural father, appellant Luis A., sexually abused Dorinda; that the minors were exposed to violent confrontations between their parents; that appellant beat the children with a belt and broom, and kicked them, causing unreasonable pain and suffering; that their parents were not adequately providing for, supervising or protecting them; and that there was a substantial risk of continued abuse.

At the time, Dorinda was four years old and Edwin was two years old.

*1660 Appellant was arrested on March 27,1991, for committing a lewd act with a child under the age of 14, and the minor children were placed in the Department’s custody.

In a report dated March 28,1991, the Department’s…