What "Serious Emotional Damage" Means Under WIC 300(c)

How California Defines Emotional Abuse in Dependency Cases

Welfare and Institutions Code section 300(c) allows juvenile court jurisdiction when a child is suffering serious emotional damage, or is at substantial risk of it. The county can proceed on one of two theories. Either a parent's conduct is causing the damage, or the child has no parent or guardian capable of providing adequate care. "Serious" is a high bar. Ordinary sadness, stress during a divorce, or a hard adjustment period is not enough. Courts look for severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior. Because emotional harm is harder to see than a bruise, these allegations often rest on a social worker's interpretation. Parents should take a 300(c) allegation seriously and ask what specific evidence supports it. Legal guidance helps make sure the county is held to what the statute actually requires.