In re Z.G. CA2/5

INTRODUCTION

H.H. (father) appeals from the juvenile court’s jurisdiction and disposition orders finding his minor daughter, Z.G., a dependent child of the juvenile court pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivisions (a), (b), and (j),1 and placing Z.G. “home of the parents.” Father contends that the juvenile court abused its discretion in repeatedly continuing dependency proceedings, resulting in a delayed dispositional hearing. We agree with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (the Department) that the appeal should be dismissed as moot.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

The Department became involved with A.G. (mother), her two children (three- year-old Z.G. and six-month-old Z.A.) and Z.A.’s father, A.A., based on an allegation of domestic violence between mother and A.A.2 Father is Z.G.’s father. On January 26, 2015, the Department filed a section 300 petition alleging domestic violence between mother and A.A. Father’s identity was unknown at that time. Mother told the Department that she only knew father as “Pookie,” but he died before Z.G. was born. On that same date, the Department reported “the current whereabouts” of…