In re J.C. CA4/2
Opinion
Opinion
I. INTRODUCTION
K.M. is the mother of J.C. J.C. was declared a dependent of the juvenile court
pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code1 section 300, subdivision (b), shortly before he
turned 18 years old. In a dispositional hearing held after J.C. turned 18 years old, Mother
requested the juvenile court grant her reunification services for the first time pursuant to
section 361.6, which generally provides that the juvenile court “may order family
reunification services to continue for a nonminor dependent” and parents under specified
circumstances. (§ 361.6, subd. (a).) The juvenile court denied the request, and Mother
appeals from that order.
On appeal, Mother argues the juvenile court erred as a matter of law in its
interpretation of the authority granted under section 361.6. In response, San Bernardino
County Children and Family Services (CFS) contends that Mother lacks standing to
appeal and that the juvenile court did not err in its interpretation or application of the
statute. As we explain, discretionary services offered pursuant to section 361.6 are not
intended to further any legal or personal interest of a nonminor dependent’s parents.