In re Elena O. CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

Appellant Patricia W. (Mother) appeals from the juvenile court’s order terminating her parental rights to her infant daughter, Elena O. Mother contends the juvenile court abused its discretion in denying her petition for modification brought under Welfare and Institutions Code section 388,1 through which she sought reinstatement of reunification services with Elena. Mother also contends the court failed to advise at the jurisdiction hearing that her reunification services with Elena could be terminated after six months if she did not participate in court-ordered programs or a child welfare services plan, as required under section 361.5, subdivision (a)(3). We hold the juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in denying Mother’s section 388 petition: Mother failed to demonstrate that changed circumstances or Elena’s best interests justified a modification of the juvenile court’s order terminating Mother’s reunification services. We also hold that Mother’s contention that the juvenile court failed to provide proper notice under section 361.5, subdivision (a)(3) is not supported by the record.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Prior to DCFS’s initiation of Elena’s…