In re J.F. CA2/5

INTRODUCTION

J.F., a minor, appeals from the juvenile court’s order granting the request of counsel for Jonathan F., his father (father),1 to be relieved as counsel of record. J.F. contends that the juvenile court erred by granting the request because father was not provided with notice of the request, and the request was made without good cause. We dismiss the appeal as moot.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On April 22, 2011, plaintiff and respondent Department of Family and Children’s Services (Department) filed a so-called “not detained” petition on behalf of 17-month-old J.F. pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code2 section 300, subdivisions (b) and (g). The petition allegations were made regarding the conduct of father and N.D. (mother). As to father, it was alleged that he failed to provide J.F. with the necessities of life, his whereabouts were unknown, and therefore J.F. was placed at risk of physical harm and damage. On April 27, 2011, the juvenile court ordered the Department to present evidence of its attempts to locate father; and on May 6, 2011, the juvenile court ordered the Department to submit an “in/out removal order for father for 05/09/11.” On May 9,…