L.G.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A summary of the facts and earlier proceedings in this matter are set forth in our opinions in Father’s prior appeals (e.g., Case Nos. A168832/A169980, A167431). Here, we only set forth matters of more recent relevance to Father’s current writ petition. A. Prior Section 366.3 Hearings Due to Father’s ongoing failure to abide by the expectations for visitation, the Department paused his contact with the minor on June 12, 2023, until Father met with the social worker to review visit expectations and express a commitment to them. Father refused to meet because he did not believe there were any issues to discuss and because he felt unfairly blamed, so his visits remained paused. As a further consequence of Father violating visit expectations, resisting redirection, being argumentative, and putting the minor in the middle of those arguments, the Department asked the juvenile court to reduce the frequency of visits once they resumed. 1. July 2023 Section 366.3 Hearing At the section 366.3 hearing on July 25, 2023, Father did not appear. County Counsel advised that the Department continued to reach out to Father to work with him so visits could resume,…