In Re Abraham L.

Petitioners Abraham L., Alejandro V. and Marcos V. (Children) are children who have been made dependents of the juvenile court. In this proceeding, they challenge the court’s order terminating reunification with their parents and setting a hearing for the selection and implementation of permanent plans. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26, subd. (1); Cal. Rules of Court, rule 39.1B.) We will grant relief, as the record shows the juvenile court failed to comply with statutory provisions governing placement of a sibling group.

FACTS

The Children constitute a sibling group of three half brothers who were removed from parental custody at the same time. When they were initially detained in June 2002, Abraham was eight years old, Alejandro was six years old, and Marcos was four months old. In July 2002, the juvenile court sustained a petition filed by the Department seeking to declare the Children court dependents. The court ordered Abraham to be placed with the maternal grandmother, and Alejandro and Marcos to be placed with their paternal grandmother. Reunification services were ordered for the parents, and the six-month review hearing was set for January 9, 2003.

In its report…