Opinion ID: 4540038
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: As to the Father

Text: [¶12] The father also argues that the record evidence is insufficient to support the trial court’s finding that he is also unfit to parent the children because he is unwilling or unable to protect the children from jeopardy and take responsibility for the children in a time reasonably calculated to meet their needs. [¶13] Contrary to the father’s contentions, the record supports the trial court’s findings on both grounds. The Department’s involvement originally 11 stemmed from concern that the father could not keep the children away from the mother and the domestic violence that was endemic to the relationship between the mother and the father. Competent record evidence demonstrates that the father has not separated from the mother. Furthermore, the father’s circumstances—apart from his relationship—have deteriorated significantly since 2017. He has experienced periods of homelessness. He does not currently have an apartment or suitable housing for any of the children. His relationships with family members who had previously assisted with childcare and housing are broken. The circumstances of his recent arrest and the abrupt end of the trial placement with the oldest child suggest that he continues to struggle with substance abuse.