Filed 11/2/15

CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION SEVEN

In re TYLER R.,

a Person Coming Under the Juvenile

Court Law.

 B261136

 (Los Angeles County

 Super. Ct. No. DK06923)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND 

FAMILY SERVICES,

Plaintiff and Respondent,

v.

MARITZA M.,

Defendant and Appellant.

APPEAL from orders of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Carlos E. 

Vasquez, Judge. Affirmed.

Donna Balderston Kaiser, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for 

Defendant and Appellant.

Mary C. Wickham, Interim County Counsel, Dawyn R. Harrison, Assistant 

County Counsel, and Tyson B. Nelson, Deputy County Counsel, for Plaintiff and 

Respondent.

_______________________
2

INTRODUCTION

Maritza M. (Mother) appeals the juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings and 

disposition orders declaring her son, Tyler R., to be a person described by Welfare and 

Institutions Code1section 300, subdivision (b), and removing Tyler from Mother’s 

custody. On appeal, Mother contends the juvenile court’s findings and orders are not 

supported by substantial evidence. She also contends the Los Angeles County 

Department of Children and Family Services (Department) did not make reasonable 

efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for Tyler’s removal from her home. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. The Prefiling Investigation

In late July 2014, the Department received a child abuse hotline referral regarding

two-day-old Tyler. The caller reported Tyler’s mother was severely disabled, in a 

wheelchair, and unable to care for herself or Tyler. The caller believed Mother was 

“gravely disabled,” unable to speak or write and had no control over the movement of her 

limbs. The caller characterized Tyler’s father, David R. (Father) as controlling and

“dominant” with Mother.2

In response to the hotline referral, the Department dispatched a social worker to 

investigate. The social worker interviewed hospital staff and learned Tyler was born 

prematurely at 32 weeks, but he suffered no medical problems. Tyler was not scheduled 

to be released, however, for three to four weeks because he was having feeding problems.

The social worker made an unannounced visit to Mother and Father’s home where 

she interviewed them separately. Father denied any domestic violence against Mother 

 

1 All further statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 Father is not a party to this appeal.
3

but told the social worker he was a “second striker” with arrests for assault with a deadly 

weapon and burglary. He also revealed he was on parole. Father said his life had 

changed with the birth of his son, and he would do everything for him. He reported that 

he and Mother were moving in with her grandmother and adult siblings so they would 

have family support and assistance.

The social worker interviewed Mother privately and asked her a series of “yes” 

and “no” questions. Mother communicated with the social worker by nodding her head. 

Mother denied any domestic violence or concerns regarding Father and expressed she 

would feel better moving in with her grandmother. Mother indicated she felt safe.

On August 10, while Tyler was still hospitalized, the Department received a 

second emergency response referral concerning Tyler. The report alleged domestic 

violence by Father against Mother. Mother’s adult brother and sister, Karla, brought 

Mother to the police station and reported two to three times a week, Father would pick 

mother up out of her wheelchair, shake her and slap her face multiple times.3 Mother 

confirmed this information and gestured to indicate Father had struck her once across the 

right side of her head. An emergency protective order was issued so Father could not live 

in or come to the home or have contact with Mother or Tyler.

4

The following day, Mother’s siblings told the social worker that after Mother and 

Father moved into Mother’s grandmother’s home, Father had “smack[ed]” Mother, put 

his hand over her mouth, cursed at her and called her “Retard,” “moron” and “Bitch.”

Karla told the social worker “she would care for [Mother] and Tyler once he was 

discharged and the entire family would help each other out with meeting their needs.”

5

 

3 Mother is 26 years old, 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 100 pounds.

4 Because Father’s conduct violated his parole, he was later arrested and returned to 

custody. When law enforcement escorted Father out of the home, he reportedly told one 

of Mother’s brothers, “When I get custody of my kid[,] you will never see him again.”

5 When the social worker spoke with Father about the allegations, he said he knew 

he had an anger management problem and was working to enroll in and attend a parent 
4

Shortly thereafter, Tyler’s doctor notified the Department Tyler had been 

“medically cleared” for release, but the persons responsible for his care would have to be 

taught how to feed him properly before he could leave the hospital. The doctor revealed 

that her “biggest concern” was Tyler’s ongoing care since, in the doctor’s view, Mother 

was unable to provide care for him. The Department placed a “hospital hold” on Tyler 

and placed him into protective custody.

Just prior to juvenile court involvement, the social worker made an unannounced 

visit to Mother’s home. The social worker informed Mother a court hearing regarding

Tyler was going to be held. The social worker asked Mother if she understood. Mother 

shook her head, “no.” Mother was upset during the visit and was crying. She was crying 

because family members had taken her cell phone since she continued to text Father 

despite the terms of the emergency protective order.

B. The Petition and the Detention Hearing

The Department filed a three-count section 300 petition on August 18, 2014 

alleging Tyler was described by subdivisions (a) and (b) of that section. Father’s alleged 

domestic violence against Mother, and risk of harm to Tyler because of it, served as the 

basis for two of the counts. (Counts a-1 and b-1.) The remaining count involved Mother

and her physical limitations. The Department alleged: “The child Tyler[’s] . . . mother 

. . . is unable to provide care and supervision of the child in that mother is severely 

disabled. The mother’s inability to provide care and supervision of the child endangers 

the child’s physical health and safety and places the child at risk of physical harm and 

danger.” (Count b-2.)

At the detention hearing, through its detention report, the Department advised the 

juvenile court of what social workers learned during its pre-filing investigation and 

recommended Tyler be detained. The Department informed the court that “no relatives 

 

education class and an anger management program because he wanted his family back. 

He agreed to comply with the emergency protective order and agreed Tyler should be 

under the protective custody of the Department.
5

have been identified as a possible placement resource on the child’s behalf.” The 

Department noted that “the family has refused to care for Tyler . . . and no other family 

has come forward to care for Tyler.”

The juvenile court detained Tyler from Father and ordered him released to Mother 

on condition that she continue to reside in her grandmother’s home with her adult 

siblings.6 The court also issued a temporary restraining order protecting Mother and 

Tyler from Father and set a jurisdiction hearing.

C. The Jurisdiction Hearing

The juvenile court conducted a jurisdiction hearing on October 20, 2014. At that 

time, the Department submitted into evidence its detention report, a 

jurisdiction/disposition report and a last minute information for the court. The juvenile 

court did not receive any other evidence and heard argument from the parties.

The jurisdiction/disposition report set forth statements from Mother, Father and 

Mother’s family members concerning the allegations of domestic violence.7 Mother 

communicated to the social worker that Father had hit and slapped her in the past causing 

bruising. She indicated that Father called her names and yelled at her. Mother also 

verified that Father had shaken her violently and put his hand over her mouth.

Father denied the allegations and admitted only that he had yelled at Mother and 

covered her mouth in an effort “to calm her down.” Father explained that Mother 

“screams really, really loud.” Father suggested the complaints were fabricated by 

 

6 The order specified Tyler be released to Mother on condition that she reside in 

Tyler’s maternal uncle’s home. Mother and four adult siblings all resided in their 

grandmother’s home, i.e., Tyler’s maternal great grandmother’s home.

7 As previously noted, Mother is not able to speak. To obtain information, the 

social worker would ask “yes” and “no” questions, and Mother would nod in response. 

Mother’s family reported Mother “fully understands when someone is speaking with 

her.”
6

Mother’s siblings. Father told the social worker that Mother’s siblings “possibly [did] 

not like him because they saw him stab someone in the face at a park years ago.”

With regard to the allegations involving Mother, the social worker reported 

Mother “was unable to speak about her disability.” She noted Mother’s use of a 

wheelchair, the “hospital-like bed in her room” and the assistance she received from 

family members with her activities of daily living. The social worker “did not observe 

[M]other holding the baby or motion to hold the baby during the [one-and-a-half hour 

plus] visit in the home.”

The report explained the unusual origin of Mother’s physical issues. The social 

worker reported Mother had been hit by two cars in 2009 but “completely recuperated” 

and worked at Macy’s after the accident. Two years later, however, “her condition 

deteriorated and she couldn’t walk and lost her ability to speak.”

The Department believed Mother’s family demonstrated multiple strengths: family 

members were cooperative and supportive of one another; Mother had a stable home for 

herself and her baby, with extended family support for child care; Mother recognized her 

inability to care for Tyler and wanted Karla to be his legal guardian; Karla wanted to 

adopt Tyler if Mother could not care for him in the future; Mother was open to services 

and a medical assessment; and Tyler, who was then in Mother’s legal custody, appeared 

to be healthy.

The Department, however, also had some concerns about Mother. “First and 

foremost” was Mother’s inability to care for her infant son “due to her own physical 

handicap.”

The Department also believed Mother was “very disconnected from the child. She 

rarely asks to hold the child and had to actually be encouraged to hold the child (with 

assistance from family) in order to bond with the child. Mother does not financially 

provide for the child, even though she receives over $900 in SSI per month.[8] The 

 

8 Karla said Father had “used” Mother in the past and had access to her social 

security money. She said Mother also had a bank account but did not know how Mother
7

relatives in the home have provided the child with diapers, obtained WIC for the child, 

and have received donations from others. [Karla] takes the child to the doctor.”

Finally, the Department had “serious concerns” about Mother’s relationship with 

Father. Mother communicated to the social worker she missed Father and did not know 

if she still wanted to be in a relationship with him. Maternal relatives reported to the 

social worker Mother, in fact, wanted to be in a relationship with Father and was text 

messaging friends trying to obtain information about him.

Ultimately, the Department recommended through its jurisdiction/disposition 

report that Tyler be declared a dependent of the juvenile court and placed in Mother’s 

care under the Department’s supervision with family maintenance services. The 

Department’s recommendation for leaving Tyler in Mother’s custody was conditioned 

upon Mother being under the “care and supervision” of Karla or other relatives and that 

Tyler not be left alone with Mother.

The Department, however, changed its recommendation to the juvenile court 

through a last minute information to the court. The last minute information revealed that 

“[d]uring further investigation [the social worker] concluded that [M]other . . . is unable 

to meet minor Tyler[’s] . . . basic needs. Therefore, the Department recommends the 

minor Tyler . . . be detained from [M]other . . . and be suitably placed with maternal aunt, 

Karla . . . .”

After admitting the Department’s reports into evidence, counsel for the parties 

presented their arguments regarding the petition allegations. As to the allegation that 

Mother is “unable to provide care and supervision for the child [in] that she is severely 

disabled,” counsel for the Department (joined by Tyler’s counsel) asked the juvenile 

court to find “that [Mother] is severely disabled” and “due to [her] physical condition, 

that she’s unable to provide care and supervision for [Tyler] . . . .”

 

accessed or used the money. (When the social worker first spoke with Father, he 

indicated he handled Mother’s monthly disability income, and when the social worker 

asked Mother about her finances, she wanted to contact Father and did not know where 

her debit card was.)
8

In opposition, Mother’s counsel argued the allegation based solely on Mother’s 

disability was “not jurisdictional.” Counsel asserted that notwithstanding Mother’s 

physical disability, she had made an appropriate plan for Tyler’s care with her family so 

there was no showing of “a nexus between mother’s disability and her ability to care for 

the child.”

After dismissing the subdivision (a) count and sustaining the subdivision (b) count

of section 300, based on Father’s violent conduct against Mother, the juvenile court

sustained the petition count concerning Mother’s inability to care for Tyler as well. The 

court stated: “I think that the counsel’s arguments as to whether or not the mother is able 

to make an appropriate plan for the child—I think that is something that the court can 

take into consideration with respect to disposition,” but “I do believe that the allegation is 

jurisdictional in this case because it is a situation where the mother is physically unable to 

tend to many of the needs of the child as pointed out by counsel. . . . Also if there were 

an emergency . . . , she’s not in a position where she could get assistance for the child in 

certain situations.”

The juvenile court further explained, “The court is looking as suggested by 

[Tyler’s counsel] at the best interest of the child which that is the primary responsibility 

of the court . . . to ensure a child’s safety and well-being. The court is happy that the 

mother is able to have the support of her family, but there is no guarantee that that . . . is 

going to continue to be available infinitely. Circumstances do change, and in the absence 

of that family support, this child’s safety would be jeopardized.”

The juvenile court heard briefly from the parties concerning disposition. The 

Department’s counsel directed the court’s attention to the Department’s revised request to 

remove Tyler from Mother’s care. Counsel for the Department explained suitable 

placement with Karla was appropriate “in light of” Mother’s text messages indicating she 

missed Father, had tried to get information about him and was unsure whether she wanted 

to be in a relationship with him. The Department’s counsel reported Father was due to be 

released from custody within the next month.
9

Mother’s counsel stated she had intended to ask the juvenile court to continue the 

disposition hearing for the preparation of a guardianship report. Given the Department’s 

change of placement recommendation, however, counsel asked to address the court. The 

juvenile court interjected: “I am not inclined to detain the child from the mother at this 

point.”

Tyler’s counsel addressed the court and expressed “concern[] about [the] mother’s 

inclination to return to the father.” The court reiterated: “I am not inclined to [remove 

from] the mother. However, if [she] exposes the child to any contact with the father in 

violation of the court’s order, . . . then I will very promptly take action and remove that 

child from the mother.”

The court continued the disposition hearing and then addressed Mother: “I am not 

going to detain [Tyler] from you as requested by the Department. . . . I think that you are 

clearly the victim of domestic violence. And I think that you need to give that some very, 

very serious thought [regarding] what you are going to do in the future because this is a 

very violent man that you are dealing with. And you being in the physical condition that 

you are in, you are very, very vulnerable to being seriously hurt if not killed. And it is 

my responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of your child. If I get information 

that you are exposing this child to violence, either to yourself or to the child, that you are 

allowing the child to have contact with [his father] without an appropriate monitor, then 

you are going to have to make a choice between [him] and your child. . . . I cannot make 

it more clear to you than that. I am very sympathetic to you. Okay? I would like to keep 

this child with you, and I will do so if you conduct yourself in a way where you obey the 

court’s orders and you do not expose this child to an unsafe dangerous situation. So do 

you understand that?”

In response to the juvenile court, Mother nodded affirmatively.

The court ordered Tyler to remain in Mother’s custody pending disposition, but 

addressing Mother again, further ordered that Father “not have any unmonitored contact 

with [Tyler] . . . [a]nd you and he are not to be in the presence of the child together. 
10

Okay? So you [have] got some thinking to do, and I hope that you will give your future 

some serious thought. Okay?”

D. The Disposition Hearing

At the disposition hearing on December 3, 2014, the court received into evidence 

the Department’s prior reports as well as an updated interim report. In the new report, the 

Department continued to recommend suitable placement for Tyler.

The report provided that despite some issues with formula, four-and-a-half-month 

old Tyler “appeared well developed” and “well nourished.” Tyler was gaining about a 

pound a week and weighed 16 pounds.

The social worker, however, did not believe Mother was doing well. According to 

the social worker, Mother “continues to get worse. Her legs now do not bend at the 

knees—they stick out straight. [She] almost slides off the small chair she sits on because 

she doesn’t bend at the waist. The only movement she makes is with her left hand to text 

people.”

The Department had concerns Mother was not providing any financial support for 

Tyler,9 had not bonded with Tyler and seemed too interested in maintaining her 

relationship with Father.10 The Department now believed the family home posed “a 

safety risk” to Tyler because there were bags of clothes on the floor, broken tiles and 

cockroaches.

In addition to the Department’s reports, the juvenile court received testimony from 

Karla at the disposition hearing. Karla testified that Mother did not care for Tyler on a 

daily basis and Mother had never asked Karla to care for him. She also testified that 

 

9 The Department was particularly concerned about the financial arrangements for 

Tyler. There was some question about whether Mother’s family had the ability to pay for 

certain medicine that had been prescribed for Tyler. Karla indicated Tyler had received 

all medicine that had been prescribed for him. She also stated she could meet Tyler’s 

financial needs without assistance from Mother or the Department.

10 By the time of the disposition hearing, Father had been released from custody.
11

Mother did not give her any money for Tyler’s necessities. Karla testified she was 

“definitely” committed to continuing to care for Tyler without any financial assistance. 

Karla was not aware of Father ever coming by the house in the time Tyler had lived with

her, but if he ever did, she would call the police “immediately.”

Karla testified she had never seen Mother physically or emotionally harm Tyler or 

do anything that placed Tyler’s safety at risk, and she was not afraid that Mother would 

do so. Mother had never done anything to prevent Karla from taking care of Tyler, and 

Karla believed she was “definitely” able to keep him safe in her care. Although she 

would prefer to move out with Tyler to a new residence, if the court ordered him to 

remain with Mother, Karla testified she would remain there with him. She testified: “[I]f 

Tyler stays, I will stay.” Asked whether her sister had given her permission to care for 

Tyler, Karla said, “Well, she never asked me to. I just took the responsibility.”

Mother’s counsel told the juvenile court Mother was sending her text messages 

throughout the disposition hearing indicating she wanted Karla to become Tyler’s 

guardian. Mother’s counsel asked the court to allow Tyler to remain in Mother’s home 

and explore the possibility of a guardianship for Tyler.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the juvenile court removed Tyler from Mother 

and Father’s custody and ordered him suitably placed with Karla. The juvenile court 

stated its decision was not based on Mother’s physical inability to care for Tyler but 

rather on her “unwillingness to do her part to care for the child.” Relying on the 

Department’s interim report, the juvenile court explained Mother had “refused to provide 

for [Tyler] during the entire time that the child has been in her care. [She] won’t pay for 

the diapers that he needs. She won’t pay for the food that he eats. The report indicates

. . . [M]other has demonstrated a lack of interest in the child . . . .” Further, the “desire” 

Mother had expressed to be with Father “does present a safety risk to the child.”

The juvenile court commended Karla for “tak[ing] good care” of Tyler and said 

she had “done everything to ensure [he] is safe. However, a home of parent mother order 

would give [Karla] absolutely no rights to—over the care and control of this child. 

[Mother] would ultimately be the decision maker as to where the child goes. If she were 
12

to decide to go back with the father, there is nothing [Karla] could legally do to prevent 

that, and so the court does believe that the Department has met its burden of clear and 

convincing evidence to remove from the mother at this time.”

The court further ordered Mother could continue to reside with Karla and have 

unlimited monitored visitation. Mother’s counsel objected to the requirement that visits 

be monitored, given the existing living arrangements and the fact she was not caring for 

Tyler on her own or taking him anywhere. The juvenile court responded: “My concern 

is not that she would harm the child intentionally in any way. There is absolutely no 

evidence of that. The concern is that some event could take place while she’s alone with 

the child, and being in the physical condition that she is, she would not be able to remove 

the child or protect the child from whatever hazard happens to be present.”11

DISCUSSION

A. Mother’s Contentions

Mother argues the juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings and disposition orders 

are not supported by substantial evidence. She also contends the Department failed to 

make reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need to remove Tyler from her 

custody.

B. The Merits of Mother’s Appeal Should Be Addressed

The Department asserts we need not address Mother’s appeal of the juvenile 

court’s jurisdictional finding because the juvenile court properly obtained jurisdiction

over Tyler based on the unchallenged allegations related to Father. Both parties 

recognize that “a jurisdictional finding good against one parent is good against both. 

 

11 At the disposition hearing, the juvenile court also granted Mother’s request for a 

restraining order against Father protecting both Mother and Tyler until December 3, 

2017.
13

More accurately, the minor is a dependent if the actions of either parent bring [him or] 

her within one of the statutory definitions of a dependent. [Citations.] This accords with 

the purpose of a dependency proceeding, which is to protect the child, rather than 

prosecute the parent. [Citation.]” (In re Alysha S. (1996) 51 Cal.App.4th 393, 397; 

accord, In re I.A. (2011) 201 Cal.App.4th 1484, 1491-1492.) Accordingly, the findings 

relating to Father (count b-1) provide sufficient grounds for affirming the declaration of 

dependency as to Tyler. (See In re I.A., supra, at p. 1491 [“[a]s a result of this focus on 

the child, it is necessary only for the court to find that one parent’s conduct has created 

circumstances triggering § 300 for the court to assert jurisdiction over the child”]; In re 

P.A. (2007) 155 Cal.App.4th 1197, 1212.)

Nonetheless, we recognize the outcome here “may have far-reaching implications 

with respect to future dependency proceedings in this case and [Mother’s] parental 

rights.” (In re Drake M. (2012) 211 Cal.App.4th 754, 763.) We therefore agree with 

Mother’s argument that we should reach the merits of the challenged jurisdictional 

findings relating to her as those findings may have adverse consequences in this or 

subsequent proceedings: “[W]e generally will exercise our discretion and reach the 

merits of a challenge to any jurisdictional finding when the finding (1) serves as the basis 

for dispositional orders that are also challenged on appeal [citation]; (2) could be 

prejudicial to the appellant or could potentially impact the current or future dependency 

proceedings [citations]; or (3) ‘could have other consequences for [the appellant], beyond 

jurisdiction’ [citation].” (Id. at pp. 762-763.)

C. Standard of Review

“‘In reviewing a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence supporting the 

jurisdictional findings and disposition, we determine if substantial evidence, contradicted 

or uncontradicted, supports them. “In making this determination, we draw all reasonable 

inferences from the evidence to support the findings and orders of the dependency court; 

we review the record in the light most favorable to the court’s determinations; and we 

note that issues of fact and credibility are the province of the trial court.” [Citation.]
14

“We do not reweigh the evidence or exercise independent judgment, but merely 

determine if there are sufficient facts to support the findings of the trial court. 

[Citations.]”’” (In re I.J. (2013) 56 Cal.4th 766, 773.) “Thus, we do not consider 

whether there is evidence from which the dependency court could have drawn a different 

conclusion but whether there is substantial evidence to support the conclusion that the 

court did draw.” (In re Noe F. (2013) 213 Cal.App.4th 358, 366.)

D. Applicable Law—Jurisdiction

Through the dependency law, the Legislature intended “to provide maximum 

safety and protection for children who are currently being physically, sexually, or 

emotionally abused, being neglected, or being exploited, and to ensure the safety, 

protection, and physical and emotional well-being of children who are at risk of that 

harm.” (§ 300.2.) “Fundamentally, . . . the focus of the system is on the child, not the 

parents.” (D.M. v. Superior Court (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1117, 1129.)

A child may be declared a dependent of the juvenile court when that child is

described by any one of the 10 subdivisions of section 300. Section 300 also specifically 

instructs that where a parent suffers from a physical disability “the court’s determination 

pursuant to this section shall center [on] whether a parent’s disability prevents him or her 

from exercising care and control.” (§ 300, subd. (j), ¶ 2.) This physical disability 

provision is not set forth as a separate basis for dependency jurisdiction. Instead, it 

appears in a paragraph of the statute setting forth legislative intent including a declaration 

that “physical disability . . . is no bar to the raising of happy and well-adjusted children.” 

(Ibid.)

Courts have consistently summarized lengthy subdivision (b)(1) of section 300 as 

requiring “(1) neglectful conduct by the parent in one of the specified forms; (2) 

causation; and (3) ‘serious physical harm or illness’ to the minor, or a ‘substantial risk’ of 

such harm or illness.” (In re Rocco M. (1991) 1 Cal.App.4th 814, 820; accord, In re 

David M. (2005) 134 Cal.App.4th 822, 829.) While this much-used shorthand 
15

description is helpful, reference to the actual statute details “the specified forms” or 

grounds for dependency jurisdiction in the subdivision. (Ibid.)

More specifically, a child is described by section 300, subdivision (b)(1), where 

the “child has suffered, or there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer, serious 

physical harm or illness,” resulting from any of the following: (1) “the failure or inability 

of his or her parent . . . to adequately supervise or protect the child”; (2) “the willful or 

negligent failure of the child’s parent . . . to adequately supervise or protect the child 

from the conduct of the custodian with whom the child has been left”; (3) “the willful or 

negligent failure of the parent . . . to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, 

shelter, or medical treatment”; or (4) “the inability of the parent . . . to provide regular 

care for the child due to the parent’s . . . mental illness, developmental disability, or 

substance abuse.” (Ibid.)

A substantial risk of harm to a child as a result of the inability of a parent to 

adequately supervise or protect that child is a basis for dependency jurisdiction without 

regard to any willful or negligent conduct of a parent. The first clause of 

subdivision (b)(1) of section 300 requires nothing more.12 Dependency jurisdiction 

under such circumstances promotes the overall policy of the dependency law “to ensure 

the safety, protection, and physical and emotional well-being of children who are at risk 

of that harm.” (§ 300.2.)

The notion that a child may be subject to dependency jurisdiction without parental 

fault or blame is consistent with at least two other situations under section 300. A child 

who “‘is suffering serious emotional damage, or is at a substantial risk of suffering 

serious emotional damage, evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or 

untoward aggressive behavior toward self or others . . . who has no parent . . . capable of 

 

12 “‘The statute’s plain meaning controls the court’s interpretation unless its words 

are ambiguous. If the plain language of a statute is unambiguous, no court need, or 

should, go beyond that pure expression of legislative intent.’” (Ruiz v. Sylva (2002) 102 

Cal.App.4th 199, 209, quoting Kobzoff v. Los Angeles County Harbor/UCLA Medical 

Center (1998) 19 Cal.4th 851, 861.)
16

providing appropriate care” is described by section 300, subdivision (c). (In re Alexander 

K. (1993) 14 Cal.App.4th 549, 557.) Subdivision (c) of section 300 does not require 

parental fault or neglect. Instead, dependency jurisdiction may be established where a 

parent is unable, for whatever reason, to provide adequate mental health treatment. (In re 

Alexander K., supra, at p. 557.)13

Similarly, subdivision (g) of section 300 permits dependency jurisdiction where a 

parent has left the child with a relative or other custodian and that caregiver “is unwilling 

or unable to provide care or support for the child.” This provision in subdivision (g) does 

not require willfulness or bad faith on behalf of a parent. (D.M. v. Superior Court, supra, 

173 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1128-1129.) Section 300, subdivision (g), also supports 

dependency jurisdiction where an incarcerated parent “cannot arrange for the care of the 

child.” The focus is on the parent’s inability to arrange care without regard to fault or 

blame. (In re Aaron S. (1991) 228 Cal.App.3d 202, 208 [“[a]ccordingly, [§] 300, 

[subd.] (g) applies when, at the time of the hearing, a parent has been incarcerated and 

does not know how to make, or is physically or mentally incapable of making, 

preparations or plans for the care of his or her child”].)

Moreover, the Legislature’s express directive that in the case of a parent with a 

physical disability the juvenile court must consider “whether a parent’s disability 

prevents him or her from exercising care and control” (§ 300, subd. (j), ¶ 2) is consistent 

with the notion that dependency jurisdiction need not necessarily be supported by some 

willful or negligent conduct of the parent. If a parent is physically unable to exercise care 

and control of his or her child such that the child is at substantial risk of harm, the 

parent’s inability (without regard to fault or blame) to adequately supervise or protect the 

child would support dependency jurisdiction under the first clause of section 300, 

subdivision (b)(1).

 

13 Like section 300, subdivision (b)(1), in addition to allowing jurisdiction without 

regard to the fault of a parent, subdivision (c) includes an alternative jurisdictional basis 

based on a parent’s action or inaction in relation to the mental health of the child.
17

We do not suggest that the fact of a severe disability alone “ipso facto make[s] a 

parent unfit” or that dependency jurisdiction can simply be based on a “label.” Instead, 

dependency jurisdiction depends upon an evaluation of the extent of the disability and 

how the disability impacts, if at all, a parent’s ability to adequately supervise and protect 

his or her child. If the parent’s abilities are compromised to such an extent that a child in 

the parent’s care and control would be at substantial risk of harm, dependency 

jurisdiction is warranted “to ensure the safety, protection, and physical and emotional 

well-being” of that child. (§ 300.2.)

We recognize that the notion of dependency jurisdiction without regard to parental 

fault or blame is at odds with our Division One colleagues’ decision in In re Precious D.

(2010) 189 Cal.App.4th 1251 (Precious D.).14 Nonetheless, we respectfully disagree 

with the conclusion that section 300, subdivision (b)(1), necessarily requires that 

“parental unfitness or neglectful conduct must be shown in order to assert dependency 

court jurisdiction under that part of section 300[, subdivision] (b).” (Precious D., supra,

at p. 1254; see Jessen v. Mentor Corp. (2008) 158 Cal.App.4th 1480, 1489, fn. 10 [one 

division of the Second District is not bound by the decision of another division; there is 

no horizontal stare decisis].)

Precious D. addressed dependency jurisdiction in the context of an incorrigible 

teenager. In reaching its conclusion that parental unfitness or neglectful conduct was 

required for dependency jurisdiction under subdivision (b) of section 300, Precious D.

considered the overall statutory scheme governing dependency. The court reasoned if 

“dependency jurisdiction [could] be asserted over an incorrigible child whose parent is 

neither unfit nor neglectful,” and ultimately parental rights could be terminated, federal 

due process principles would be compromised. (Precious D., supra, 189 Cal.App.4th at 

p. 1261.) The court expressed concern that a jurisdictional finding where the parent was 

 

14 Our colleagues in Division Two recently disagreed with Precious D. as well in In 

re R.T. (2015) 235 Cal.App.4th 795, a decision in which the Supreme Court granted 

review on June 15, 2015, S226416.
18

not at fault “would then be the basis for the child’s removal and for an order requiring 

reunification services that are either unnecessary or doomed to failure . . . .” (Ibid.)

We do not share those same concerns, based on the California Supreme Court’s 

explanation of the statutory scheme in Cythnia D. v. Superior Court (1993) 5 Cal.4th 242. 

“By the time termination [of parental rights] is possible under our dependency statutes 

the danger to the child from parental unfitness is so well established that there is no 

longer ‘reason to believe that positive, nurturing parent-child relationships exist’ 

[citation], and the parens patriae interest of the state favoring preservation rather than 

severance of natural familial bonds has been extinguished.” (Id. at p. 256.) “Indeed, our 

scheme requires: (1) a court finding that ‘there is substantial risk of serious future injury’

to the minor in order to establish dependency [citation]; (2) a finding by clear and 

convincing evidence that there is ‘substantial danger to the physical health of the minor’

in order to remove the child from parental custody [citation]; and (3) repeated findings by 

a preponderance of the evidence that return ‘would create a substantial risk of detriment 

to the physical or emotional well-being of the minor’ [citations].” (Id. at pp. 254-255.)

Therefore, we hold that dependency jurisdiction may be established under the first 

clause of section 300, subdivision (b)(1)—“the failure or inability of his or her parent . . . 

to adequately supervise or protect the child”—without regard to parental fault or blame. 

In cases involving the physical disability of a parent the juvenile court must also focus 

“upon whether a parent’s disability prevents him or her from exercising care and 

control.” (§ 300, subd. (j), ¶ 2.) Thus, where a parent’s physical disability makes him or 

her unable to exercise care and control of his or her child such that the parent cannot 

adequately supervise and protect the child resulting in a substantial risk of harm to that

child, the juvenile court’s jurisdiction may be invoked under the first clause of 

section 300, subdivision (b)(1).

E. Substantial Evidence Supports the Jurisdictional Finding as to Mother

Relying on the first clause in section 300, subdivision (b)(1), the petition 

allegations concerning Mother are minimal: “The child Tyler[’s] mother . . . is unable to 
19

provide care and supervision of the child in that the mother is severely disabled. The 

mother’s inability to provide care and supervision of the child endangers the child’s 

physical health and safety and places the child at risk of physical harm and damage.” 

The allegations are based solely on Mother’s physical disability and her inability to 

provide care and support for Tyler.

The evidence before the juvenile court established Mother had significant physical 

limitations. She had very little control over her limbs, could not speak, used a wheelchair 

and relied on others to meet all of her activities of daily living. Mother did have some 

movement and control in her left hand and was able to communicate by way of text 

messages through a cell phone. There was no question that Mother did not have the 

physical ability to care for Tyler.

Moreover, the evidence before the juvenile court also set forth specific social 

worker concerns about Mother and her unwillingness to parent Tyler to the extent she 

was able. Mother showed a lack of interest in Tyler. Mother also did not ask others to 

assist her with holding him and did not provide Tyler with the necessities of life (formula,

diapers, clothes, a crib). Mother relied on relatives to provide for Tyler financially 

despite her receipt of monthly disability income. Additionally, despite having been 

victimized by Father, Mother desired to continue her relationship with him. At the 

jurisdiction hearing, this evidence was unrefuted.

In addition to Mother’s physical inability to supervise and protect Tyler, Mother 

was not actually “exercising care and control” over him. (§ 300.) She was not parenting 

him in any respect. There was no evidence before the juvenile court Mother made any 

parenting-related decisions for Tyler or directed others concerning his ongoing care.

Mother argues that while she may have been physically unable to provide care for 

Tyler, she “was able to provide for the child by having . . . those tasks done by one or 

more others [sic] who were physically able to provide that care and were willing to do 

so.” Arguing by analogy to the law governing incarcerated parents, Mother contends her 

physical inability to parent Tyler does not support dependency jurisdiction where she has 

made an appropriate plan for his care. (See Maggie S. v. Superior Court (2013) 220 
20

Cal.App.4th 662, 672; In re Noe F., supra, 213 Cal.App.4th at p. 366 [no basis for 

jurisdiction where incarcerated parent makes appropriate plan for child].) Mother 

therefore relies on her family members’ willingness to provide care for Tyler to 

undermine the juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings.

We are not persuaded by Mother’s argument. The Legislature has expressly 

provided that arranging for the care of a child is the relevant inquiry for dependency 

jurisdiction based solely upon a parent’s incarceration. (§ 300, subd. (g).) The 

Legislature has ensured that “[t]here is no ‘Go to jail, lose your child’ rule in California. 

[Citation.]” (In re S. D. (2002) 99 Cal.App.4th 1068, 1077.)

In contrast to the express provision in section 300, subdivision (g), nothing in the 

first clause of section 300, subdivision (b)(1), suggests an appropriate plan for a child 

defeats dependency jurisdiction based on a parent’s inability to supervise or protect the 

child.15 “When language is included in one portion of a statute, its omission from a 

different portion addressing a similar subject suggests that the omission was purposeful.” 

(In re Ethan C. (2012) 54 Cal.4th 610, 638.)

Substantial evidence supports the juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding as to 

Mother. Mother’s “severe disability d[id] not ipso facto” establish Tyler was a person 

described by section 300. Instead, after considering the evidence, the juvenile court 

determined Mother’s physical inability to adequately supervise and protect Tyler along 

with her apparent lack of interest or indifference in parenting him as well as her failure to 

provide any care and control over Tyler put Tyler at substantial risk of harm because of 

his young age. The fortuity of Tyler having been well cared for by family members up to 

this point, in spite of Mother’s physical inability to adequately supervise and protect him,

does not preclude dependency jurisdiction.

 

15 We agree with the juvenile court that an appropriate plan for a child’s ongoing 

care is a relevant inquiry on the issue of disposition where the jurisdiction finding is 

based on a parent’s inability to adequately supervise or protect the child.
21

F. Substantial Evidence Supports the Juvenile Court’s Disposition Orders and

Finding of Reasonable Efforts

After a juvenile court finds a child before it is described by section 300, the 

juvenile court “shall hear evidence on the question of the proper disposition to be made 

of the child.” (§ 358, subd. (a).) The juvenile court may declare the child dependent and 

make orders concerning the child’s custody. (§ 360, subd. (d); Cal. Rules of Court, 

rule 5.695.) The juvenile court may not remove physical custody of a child from his or 

her parent “unless the juvenile court finds clear and convincing evidence” “[t]here is or 

would be a substantial danger to the physical health, safety, protection, or physical or 

emotional well-being of the minor if the minor were returned home, and there are no 

reasonable means by which the minor’s physical health can be protected without 

removing the minor from the minor’s parent’s . . . physical custody.” (§ 361, 

subd. (c)(1).)

At the time the juvenile court made its disposition order removing Tyler from 

Mother’s custody and ordering him suitably placed with Karla, the juvenile court 

clarified its disposition order was “not at all based upon the mother’s inability to care for 

the child physically.” Instead, the juvenile court articulated a number of findings that 

supported removal by clear and convincing evidence. Those specific findings as well as 

all of the other evidence before it supports the juvenile court’s determination that there 

was a substantial danger to the physical health and safety of then four-and-a-half month 

old Tyler if he were left in Mother’s care, and that reasonable efforts had been made to 

prevent or eliminate the need for removal.

The juvenile court found Mother was unwilling “to do her part to care for [Tyler]” 

and that she lacked interest in him. It also noted Mother refused to pay for food or 

diapers for Tyler and had never provided any financial assistance for him. The juvenile 

court was “troubl[ed]” by Mother indicating to a social worker that she intended to be 
22

with Father when he was released from custody despite the physical abuse he inflicted 

upon her.

16

The juvenile court’s disposition order was supported by substantial evidence. The 

evidence before the juvenile court established Mother had abandoned any kind of 

parental role over Tyler. Despite her physical limitations, Mother had the ability to make 

parenting decisions for Tyler. Nothing prevented her from directing Tyler’s care with 

physical assistance from others. Mother, however, did not assume any care and control 

of Tyler.

Additionally, the juvenile court recognized Mother’s desire to reunite with Father 

represented a substantial risk of harm to Tyler. The juvenile court noted its concern that 

if Mother chose to “go back with Father,” nothing would prevent her from taking Tyler 

with her. Given Mother’s physical limitations, Father’s history of significant violence 

against Mother and Tyler’s young age, the juvenile court’s concern was well justified.

We also find Mother’s argument that the juvenile court should have dismissed the 

petition in favor of a guardianship granted by the probate court unavailing. Mother’s 

counsel suggested if the case “were to close, . . . the mother could speak with the aunt and 

discuss issues about guardianship” and that the parties could go to probate court to obtain 

a guardianship. Discussing issues about guardianship, however, is nothing more than an 

idea and would not have ensured Tyler’s safety.

Moreover, as correctly noted by the Department, there was no evidence that Father 

was in agreement with such an idea or that Father was not interested in reunifying with 

Tyler. In fact, there was some evidence to the contrary.

We also reject Mother’s challenge to the juvenile court’s finding at the disposition 

hearing that the Department made reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for 

 

16 In fact, the juvenile court admonished Mother at the conclusion of the jurisdiction 

hearing that it believed Father was a “very violent man” and it was concerned that 

Mother’s physical condition left her “very, very vulnerable to being seriously hurt if not 

killed.”
23

Tyler’s removal from Mother’s custody as required by section 361, subdivision (c)(1). 

Mother claims the Department failed to provide her with any services while the 

disposition hearing was pending.

The evidence, however, is to the contrary and supports the juvenile court’s finding 

of reasonable efforts. The Department initially left Tyler in Mother’s home and worked 

with her so that she could retain custody of Tyler. Prior to the jurisdiction hearing, the 

Department conducted a team meeting with Mother and family members to create a plan 

to assist Mother with caring for Tyler. In the meeting, the Department and the family 

identified Tyler’s need to bond to Mother. They also noted that Tyler’s care would be the 

responsibility of Mother with the help and support of family. The team created a goal of 

Mother obtaining a proper medical diagnosis and medical care with the assistance of one 

of Mother’s brothers.

Having participated in the meeting where goals for her were created, Mother was 

well aware of what was expected of her to ensure Tyler’s safety. That Mother chose not 

to follow through with any of those goals cannot be blamed on an alleged failure to 

provide her with reasonable services to prevent or eliminate the need for Tyler’s removal

from her home.
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DISPOSITION

The orders are affirmed.

BECKLOFF, J.*

We concur:

PERLUSS, P. J.

SEGAL, J.

 

*

Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court, assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to 

article VI, section 6 of the California Constitution.