Father contended that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegation that he sexually abused the nine year old female minor, and even if there were, there was insufficient evidence that her male siblings were at substantial risk of sexual abuse. The court rejected the argument, finding that father had submitted to the social worker’s report which contained the minor’s accounts of the abuse, which although they varied in the details, were consistent in the incidents. Father could have cross-examined the minor, but did not choose to do so. Further, the juvenile court could properly conclude that father’s presence in the home placed his sons at risk of sexual abuse. Where one child has been abused, any younger sibling approaching the age at which another child was abused may be at risk, regardless of gender.
Case Summaries