Opinion ID: 2383020
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dale's Incidents Of Domestic Violence Before Charlie's Birth

Text: In 2005 Dale was charged with assault in the fourth degree against his then-girlfriend Lauren and pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct. [3] The judgment stated that it arose out of a domestic violence offense under Alaska Statute 18.66.990(3) and (5). The judgment required Dale to complete a state-approved program for the rehabilitation of perpetrators of domestic violence. [4] In 2005 or 2006 Dale became involved with Betty. Betty had a son, Evan, from a previous relationship. Dale and Betty first came to the attention of the Office of Children's Services (OCS) when Evan suffered unexplained injuries while living with Dale and Betty. Evan suffered bruises, a broken foot, and a broken arm. OCS never determined how Evan was injured, although there was some suspicion that Dale had caused Evan's injuries. In January 2007 Dale assaulted Betty, who was four months pregnant with Charlie. Although Betty told the responding officer that Dale had choked her, Dale told OCS that he had merely pushed her. Dale was charged with assault in the fourth degree and pleaded no contest. He was ordered to complete a state-approved domestic violence intervention program. In February 2007 OCS took custody of Evan and began working with Dale and Betty. OCS established a case plan for Dale that required him to attend a behavioral assessment with LEAP, Inc. and to follow the recommendations of the LEAP assessment. Dale participated in the LEAP assessment. It recommended that Dale complete a state-approved domestic violence intervention program and undergo a substance abuse evaluation. OCS's expert witness Judy Ringstad testified that a state-approved domestic violence intervention program usually lasts at least thirty-six weeks. Dale attended the LEAP alternatives to violence program orientation and one class. Dale stopped attending the LEAP program in July 2007. He indicated that he was concerned about the cost of the program, which OCS does not cover.