In re Joseph M. CA2/1

BACKGROUND

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) sought jurisdiction over the minors due to reports of domestic violence perpetrated by Father on Mother. At a jurisdictional hearing on March 26, 2013, Father submitted a signed waiver of his rights. Father pleaded no contest to an amended section 300 petition. After mediation, Father and Mother agreed the minors would be placed in the care of Mother, “family maintenance services” to be provided to Mother, and “family reunification services” to be provided to Father. The juvenile court sustained the amended petition, declared the minors dependents of the court, placed the minors in the care of Mother, ordered DCFS to provide “Family Maintenance Services” to the “parents,” ordered Father to attend a DCFS-approved 52- week domestic violence program, plus parenting classes, and ordered Father to have monitored visitation. Notwithstanding the plan agreed to by the parties after mediation, the court did not order that family reunification services be provided to Father. By June 25, 2013, Father had reported to DCFS that he had almost completed his 52-week domestic violence program and had provided DCFS with a certificate…