In re Elena M. CA2/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Facts

A. Birth of Elena In June 2020, Elena was born to father and mother.1 B. Domestic violence Mother and father have a tumultuous relationship.

Father has four children from a prior marriage, but none of them is at issue in this case.

2 On January 5, 2021, father was driving while mother and Elena sat in the rear seat. When Elena began to cry, mother removed Elena from her car seat and held her in her arms. Upset with Elena’s cries, father reached into the backseat—while driving—and punched mother in the face as she held Elena. The punch resulted in a greenish bruise near her eye and a scratch on her cheek. On January 6, 2021, father pulled Elena from mother’s arms and threw items at mother. Mother yelled at father. These were not the only incidents of violence. Mother reported that father had hurt her in the past, most often triggered by Elena crying. Some of the physical altercations between the parents had occurred in front of Elena. C. Mother’s mental health Mother has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizophreniform. At times, mother appears “normal”; this is why her uncle believes she has no mental health…