In re Ashley M. CA2/2

Facts Preceding Detention. In September 2007, when Ashley was four years old, the family came to the attention of Sacramento County Child Protective Services due to allegations that Father sexually abused her. The allegations were assessed as being inconclusive. In 2008, Father was arrested for disorderly conduct and being under the influence; he had previously been arrested several times on varying charges, and had served time in prison. Father was involuntarily psychiatrically hospitalized in April and September 2011.

1 Unless otherwise indicated, all further statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 The Department received a referral on March 29, 2012 that Father had been brought in by law enforcement and hospitalized pursuant to section 51502 because he was a danger to himself and others. Father was drunk and had been drinking for the past four days. He told a friend he wanted to “‘Off himself.’” He likewise told law enforcement officers that he wanted to end his life and had been drinking for several days. At the time of the referral, the Department learned that Father had full custody of Ashley and Robert, and Mother had lost custody. Before he…