San Diego County Department of Social Services v. Rusell S.

Opinion

LUCAS, C. J.

We granted review to decide whether a juvenile court may rely on “social studies”1 prepared by a social worker when determining *373whether a minor falls within its jurisdiction under Welfare and Institutions Code2 section 300, subdivision (d).3 We conclude the reports are competent to support such a determination and accordingly affirm the decision of the Court of Appeal so holding.

I. Background

Malinda S. was born in June 1983. Her parents, Carol S. and Russell S., married in August 1984 and separated in January 1986. After the separation Malinda lived with her father on…