In Re Angela M.

Angela M. appeals from the juvenile court’s February 28, 2002 order committing her to the California Youth Authority (CYA) following a finding that she had violated various terms and conditions of her probation. She contends the court abused its discretion when it ordered CYA commitment and that it erred in failing to make findings regarding her educational needs. We affirm the order of commitment but remand the matter to the juvenile court for a determination whether a special needs evaluation should be conducted.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In May 1999 then 14-year-old Angela was reported to school authorities by a fellow student for possessing narcotics on campus. Angela later threatened the student. A delinquency petition was filed on July 13, 1999, alleging Angela had made criminal threats against the student. Angela admitted the allegation and was declared a ward of the juvenile court. The court ordered her home on probation. Angela admitted violating the terms of her probation on several occasions in 2000. She was ultimately removed from her home and placed in an appropriate facility.

On July 28, 2000, Angela ran away from the court-ordered placement and an…