In Re Fredrick EH

Dennis Tilton, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Objector and Appellant.

Alan K. Marks, County Counsel, Susan K. Holliday and Joanne Fenton, Deputy County Counsel, for Petitioner and Respondent.

OPINION

RICKLES, J. —

Fredrick L.H. appeals from an order of the San Bernardino County Superior Court declaring the minor child, Fredrick E.H., to be free from his custody and control.

On March 11, 1982, a representative of the San Bernardino County Department of Public Social Services filed a petition in superior court to free the minor child from the custody and control of his natural parents, Verleen and Fredrick L.H. On November 15, 1982, the matter proceeded to trial. On December 9, 1982, the trial court granted the petition with respect to Fredrick L.H., stating "the child Frederick [ sic ] is freed from the custody of the father." Fredrick L.H. was present with counsel at the hearing. The court withheld judgment as to the mother, Verleen H., pending her completion of a drug rehabilitation program. The trial court ordered counsel for petitioner to prepare two separate formal orders, one terminating the parental rights of Fredrick L.H. as of that date and the other…