In re C.K.
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) challenges a juvenile court order granting reunification services to H.E. (mother), the mother of C.K. (born Nov. 1997) and A.K. (born Dec. 2003). DCFS contends that the juvenile court had no discretion to order reunification services for mother and A.K. absent a finding that such services would likely prevent reabuse or that denying services would be detrimental to the child because of a close parent-child relationship. (Welf. & Inst. Code, 361.5, subds. (b)(5), (c).)[1] It further argues that the juvenile court had no discretion to order reunification services for mother and C.K. because no evidence was offered to show that reunification was in the best interest of that child. ( 361.5, subds. (b)(7), (c).)
Court agree. There is no evidence to support the juvenile courts order of reunification services. Accordingly, Court reverse. The matter is remanded to the juvenile court for a hearing, after DCFS conducts a full investigation pursuant to section 361.5, subdivision (c), to determine whether reunification is likely to be successful between mother and A.K.
Comments on In re C.K.