D.S.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

D.S.L. was born in Los Angeles County in December 2021. Father and the mother of D.S.L., J.L. (Mother), lived together for a time prior to and after D.S.L.’s birth, including at Father’s home in Michigan. The two split up when D.S.L. was approximately five months old, however, and Mother returned with D.S.L. to her home in the Los Angeles area, while Father remained in Michigan. Detention The Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) filed a section 300 petition in August 2022. It alleged, in part, that then eight-month-old D.S.L. suffered a skull injury, with trauma to the brain. Bruising and abrasions on other parts of the body, including the child’s face and arm were also observed, as were bite

1 Further statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code, unless otherwise noted.

2 marks to the body. D.S.L. was found limp and motionless and required emergency medical treatment. Mother’s claims that the injuries were accidental were not consistent with the type or extent of the injuries. Mother’s new boyfriend was arrested for the injuries to D.S.L. Mother stated that she was in the bathroom when her boyfriend brought…