San Joaquin Human Services Agency v. Superior Court
Opinion
Opinion
Duarte, J.
Petitioner San Joaquin Human Services Agency (the Agency) filed a petition for writ of mandamus and/or prohibition or other appropriate relief against the Superior Court of San Joaquin County, challenging the juvenile court’s order continuing reunification services for mother M.E. (real party in interest).
On May 8, 2014, we notified the parties that we were considering issuing a peremptory writ of mandate in the first instance. Having received opposition, we have complied with the procedures required by Palma v. U.S. Industrial Fasteners, Inc. (1984) 36 Cal.3d 171 [ 203 Cal.Rptr. 626 , 681 P.2d 893 ]. Accordingly, we are authorized to issue a peremptory writ in the first instance. Because we conclude that the juvenile court erred in continuing mother’s reunification services, we shall issue the writ.
BACKGROUND
D.F. (the minor) was bom in June 2009. In July 2012, the Agency investigated a report that he was being neglected and discovered that M.E. (mother) was developmentally delayed and voluntarily receiving life skills supportive services from Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC). VMRC’s asses°sment showed that mother’s cognitive functioning was impaired and she…