M.L. v. Super. Ct. CA6
On December 7, 2018, the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (Department) filed separate petitions under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300 concerning the minor, E.L. (born in February 2018). Petitioner M.L. is the minor’s father. R.L. is the minor’s mother. The minor was removed from Mother’s care in January 2019 due to prior instances of domestic violence between Mother and Father, that reportedly occurred between March 2016 and August 2018. The minor has been a dependent of the juvenile court since May 2019.
After a lengthy contested proceeding that was a combined 12-month and 18-month review hearing, the juvenile court on December 1, 2020, terminated Father’s (as well as Mother’s) reunification services. The court found that there would be a substantial risk of detriment if the minor were returned to the care of Father; Father had “not exhibited adequate insight and accountability regarding his actions,” including his denial of a
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