In re H.M. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

At the time of the relevant events, the family home consisted of the parents and

five children: two-year-old twins, C.M. and H.M., five-year-old M.R., 13-year-old B.R.,

and 16-year-old Daniel M. Mother is the biological parent of all the children except

Daniel, who is not a subject of this appeal. Daniel is Father’s son with a former partner.

The court found Father to be the presumed father of C.M., H.M., and M.R. The court

denied Father’s request for presumed father status with respect to B.R.

I. Prior Child Welfare History

The family previously lived in Utah. Between 2016 and 2018, the Utah Division

of Child and Family Services investigated allegations that the parents engaged in

domestic violence and that Mother abused substances. Father also allegedly chased B.R.

1 Each parent joins in the other’s arguments.

2 with a knife. The Utah agency opened two voluntary cases, but the parents did not

participate in services, and the cases were closed.

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) received referrals

regarding the family in February and September 2021. The February referral alleged

domestic violence between the parents, and the…