What is the basis for a motion to amend the terms of a claim brought by a plaintiff against a number of officials in Porterville and Tulare County?

allegations. Moreover, the putative complaint states no basis for federal court jurisdiction, and none is apparent. No federal cause of action is asserted and none is suggested by the facts, to the extent the facts are discernible. Several identified defendants (including various Porterville and Tulare County officials) are, like plaintiff, presumably citizens of California. Even if diversity jurisdiction might otherwise apply, the "domestic relations exception" would preclude this court from exercising jurisdiction over the child welfare and custody issues which lie at the heart of the complaint. See Ankenbrandt v. Richards, 504 U.S. 689, 703 (1992). For all these reasons, it is apparent that amendment would be futile. The undersigned will therefore recommend that the complaint be dismissed with prejudice.