In re Reyna R.

INTRODUCTION

Cesar R. (Father) appeals from the juvenile court’s orders at a six-month review hearing, terminating dependency jurisdiction over his four minor children, granting sole legal and physical custody to their mother, B.C. (Mother), and ordering monitored visits for Father. On appeal, Father argues the juvenile court erred in ordering that his visits be monitored by a professional monitor at his expense because his inability to pay for a monitor effectively precludes him from having any visitation with his children. Given that Father raised a timely objection on these grounds at the review hearing, we conclude the juvenile court erred in ordering Father to pay for a professional visitation monitor without first considering whether Father lacked the ability to pay or whether there were any reasonable alternatives that would allow for monitored visitation with the children. We accordingly reverse the portion of the custody order requiring a professional visitation monitor paid for by Father and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. Child welfare history Father and Mother are the parents of four children:…