In re J.P. CA4/2

INTRODUCTION

Father appeals an order denying his petition brought under Welfare and

Institutions Code section 3881 and from a judgment terminating parental rights. Father

contends the trial court erred in denying his section 388 petition because his

circumstances had changed and his bond with his son, J.P., was strong. Father also

argues the juvenile court erred in rejecting the beneficial parent-child relationship

exception to terminating parental rights under section 366.26, subdivision (c)(1)(B)(i).

We conclude the juvenile court did not err in denying father’s section 388 petition

because there were not sufficient changed circumstances and granting the petition was

not in J.P.’s best interests. We also conclude the juvenile court did not err in rejecting the

parent-child relationship exception.

II

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

J.P.’s family first came to the attention of the DPSS in June 2009, when Riverside

County Child Protective Services (CPS) received an Immediate Response referral

founded on allegations of general neglect and failure to protect J.P. His family was

offered voluntary family maintenance services but J.P.’s parents made minimal…