Cal.Sup.Ct.;
S226416

The California Supreme Court affirmed a court of appeal decision. The court held that a showing of parental fault was not required for the dependency court to exercise jurisdiction over a minor whose behavior was placing her at serious risk of harm and whose parent was unable to control her.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services filed a dependency petition as to 17-year old R.T. The petition alleged that R.T. was rebellious, incorrigible, and out of control. She repeatedly ran away from home, putting herself and her infant child at risk. R.T.'s mother, Lisa E., had tried everything she could, but was unable to adequately supervise or protect R.T.