Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services v. Ernest S.
Opinion
lead Opinion
Rubin, J.
*13 Opinion
Father Ernest S. appeals from the court’s orders declaring his children dependents of the court. We affirm.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Ernest and Jennifer had two children, Alexis, born in 1996, and Nathaniel, born in 1998. In addition, Jennifer had a third child, Jasmine, born in 2003, with another man who is part of these proceedings, but not part of this appeal.
In February 2004, the Department of Children and Family Services (Department) filed a petition under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300. 1 The petition alleged Jennifer let Jasmine’s father use illegal dmgs in the house, and that he stored his dmgs where the children had access to them. The petition further alleged Jennifer and appellant fought physically in front of the children, and that appellant could not care for his children because he was in prison. The Department recommended that the court declare the children dependents of the court, but permit the children to continue to live with Jennifer. The Department also recommended that appellant receive reunification services, and that both he and Jennifer enroll in parenting classes and counseling.