JONES T. v. Superior Court

In this writ proceeding, petitioners Jones T., Sr., and Anne T. challenge an order of the juvenile court after a permanency planning hearing. The order, in part, directed county counsel to initiate proceedings to terminate their parental rights under Civil Code section 232. Jones and Anne want the case remanded for a reevaluation of the permanency plan, specifically to (1) have the court consider guardianship and other alternatives less drastic than severance of the parent-child relationship, and (2) give them the opportunity for sufficient visitation in an environment conducive to reunification. They assert unless this court issues appropriate writs, the superior court will permanently sever their parental rights in a proceeding so fundamentally unfair as to deny them due process of law. Jones and Anne also attempt to appeal the court’s order by filing a brief pursuant to People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436 [ 158 Cal.Rptr. 839 , 600 P.2d 1071 ].

We conclude the court was not required to consider guardianship once it found the minors were adoptable. We further conclude Jones and Anne received adequate reunification services, including opportunities for visitation with…