In re Layla R. CA1/5

BACKGROUND

A.

Layla is the youngest of Mother’s four children. Mother’s oldest son is an adult. Mother’s two middle children (J. and C.) are also dependents of the juvenile court but are not subject to the challenged order.

In late 2018, it was reported that Mother failed to protect J. from sexual abuse at the hands of multiple perpetrators— including J.’s older sibling (in 2010), an adult family member (in 2013 and 2016), and Mother’s 49-year-old roommate (in 2018). Mother did not report to law enforcement her knowledge that her roommate was having an ongoing sexual relationship with then 15-year-old J. Nor did she make efforts to restrict any of the perpetrators’ access to J.

It was also reported that Mother neglected the children’s medical, mental health, safe housing, and educational needs. C. frequently complained of being hungry and was often sent to school without lunch. When social workers inspected Mother’s home, it was observed to be dirty, dilapidated, and without electricity. Mother’s roommate’s bedroom contained unsecured pellet guns that were accessible to the children. The home was condemned.

The Sonoma County Human Services Department (Department) filed a…