In re J.R. CA3

BACKGROUND

The minors, J.R., age nine, and C.R., age seven, were detained in November 2013 based on allegations of neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse of the half-siblings and an unrelated child who lived in the home. At disposition, the juvenile court bypassed services based on the parents’ ongoing substance abuse, failure to reunify with the half-siblings in a prior case and termination of parental rights as to the half-siblings. The juvenile court set a section 366.26 hearing to select a permanent plan for the minors. The social worker’s report for the section 366.26 hearing, filed and served on April 25, 2014, recommended termination of parental rights and a permanent plan of adoption. The report stated that the assessment of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) was not complete and that CDSS wanted a continuance. On May 1, 2014, mother filed a petition for modification (§ 388) seeking an order for reunification services. At the section 366.26 hearing on May 5, 2014, mother was not present. Both mother’s counsel and CDSS requested a continuance which the juvenile court granted. Pending the continued hearing, the social worker filed an…