In re A.S. CA2/8

Filed 6/4/15 In re A.S. CA2/8 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION EIGHT

In re A.S., a Person Coming Under the B259156 Juvenile Court Law. (Los Angeles County Super. Ct. No. DK04732)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES,

Plaintiff and Respondent,

v.

A.S.,

Defendant and Appellant.

APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Steven Klaif, Juvenile Court Referee. Affirmed. Karen B. Stalter, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant. Mark J. Saladino, County Counsel, Dawyn R. Harrison, Assistant County Counsel, and William D. Thetford, Deputy County Counsel, for Plaintiff and Respondent. ******

Mother A.S. challenges the juvenile court’s order taking jurisdiction over her 17-year-old son Alexander. The court sustained allegations that mother physically abused Alexander and that she suffered from emotional problems including excessive anger and aggression. Alexander’s father was unable to care for him, and mother did not want to reunify with him. We conclude jurisdiction was warranted and affirm. FACTS AND PROCEDURE 1. Sustained Allegations The juvenile court found that father, who resides in Germany, could not care for Alexander, and that finding is not challenged on appeal. With respect to mother, the court sustained the following allegations: Mother physically abused Alexander, which was excessive and caused unreasonable pain and suffering. Alexander did not want to reside with mother. Mother has emotional problems making her unable to provide regular care and supervision. She suffered from mental and emotional problems, exhibiting frequent mood swings and would become angry and aggressive. 2. Alexander’s Version Alexander came to the attention of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) after mother was arrested for child abuse. The criminal court issued a restraining order, preventing mother from having contact with Alexander. Alexander reported that mother stabbed him with a screw driver, a box cutter, and a carpet knife. Alexander also reported mother pushed him causing him to fall into a drum set and scratch his eye. A social worker observed scars on Alexander’s arms. Alexander described mother as a member of a cult and claimed she believed aliens were taking over the government. (Father reported that he believed mother suffered from a mental disorder, but the only rationale he gave was mother’s failure to inform him of her pregnancy with Alexander.) Alexander believed that mother was overly controlling.