SAVANNAH B. v. Superior Court

Petitioner Savannah B., a minor, filed the instant petition for writ of mandate challenging the lawfulness of a dispositional order of the respondent juvenile court which, following the recommendation of real party in interest the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), required the minor to be removed from the custody of her mother, Marva B., and suitably placed, yet simultaneously begin a “60-day visit” with Marva. We issued an order to show cause and temporary stay order. Following our issuance of the order to show cause and temporary stay order, the juvenile court vacated its order and entered a new order that the minor be placed in the home of Marva. Thereafter, Savannah requested that we permit her to withdraw the petition for writ. Despite the issue becoming moot in this manner, we denied the request, believing this to be an important issue which is likely to recur, but is of such a nature that it tends to become moot before a decision on the merits can be completed.

Background

In October 1999, Savannah was detained and placed in the home of her maternal aunt due to Marva’s persistent abuse of cocaine. By the time of the disposition…