In re W.R. CA2/8

BACKGROUND

We summarize background facts from our earlier opinions. Father has an extensive history with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (Department), with numerous referrals in 2010, 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020. All referrals related to drugs and domestic violence. Father also has an extensive history with law enforcement, with numerous arrests and convictions (some resulting in prison time) spanning from 1992 to 2020. Father also has a history of mental health issues. He has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Doctors have struggled to treat these conditions, owing at least in part to father’s failure to comply with doctors’ orders regarding treatment. Father has a history of refusing to take some medications and abusing others. These proceedings began following referrals in 2018. The initial referral was in May of that year based on an incident of domestic violence between father and P.R.’s mother, O.E. P.R. and O.E.’s daughter from another relationship were present. O.E. was father’s girlfriend at the time. O.E. is not a party to this appeal, and the disposition as to her daughter is not at issue, so we omit details about…