In re I.B. CA4/3

FACTS

On August 31, 2023, Mother called law enforcement for assistance with her 13-year-old daughter, A.B. When police responded, they found Mother, A.B., and I.B., mother’s four-year-old son, at a park. Mother informed the police that she, A.B., and I.B. had moved from Utah to Southern California about a month earlier. The family did not have any housing and was sleeping in motels when they could afford it, and when they could not afford a motel, in hospital lobbies. She said she did not know where they would stay that night. Mother reported she had received public assistance but did not have any money for food for the next two days. When questioned apart from Mother, A.B. stated she and Mother had an argument earlier in the evening during which Mother called A.B. “fat and ugly,” threw a cup of water at A.B.’s face, and kicked A.B. twice. A.B. was seated on the ground during the exchange. A.B. threatened to run away and Mother told her to leave and to “leave quicker.” A.B. stood up and ran down the street. A.B. walked several blocks before changing her mind and returning to the park. A.B. articulated she did not feel safe with Mother because Mother hit her. The officer noted…