In re S.F. CA4/3

INTRODUCTION

Mother Cheryl H. (Mother) appeals two trial court rulings reducing the frequency of visitation with her daughters, S.F. and M.F., both teenagers in long-term foster care placements, from weekly to twice monthly. The rulings occurred during contested postpermanency periodic review hearings pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.3.1 During the course of the minors’ years-long dependency proceedings, Mother had never shown any diligence in following her case plan or addressing the issues leading to the minors’ removal. And even after reunification services were terminated, her attendance at visits was inconsistent and her appearance at hearings sporadic. Additionally, Mother’s behavior at visits was a long-running matter of concern for the court, court-appointed advocates, and social workers. In denying Mother more frequent visitation, the trial court rightly recognized the toll these patterns of conduct were taking on the girls. We therefore affirm the visitation orders.

FACTS

The Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) filed a noncustodial dependency petition against Mother in March 2015, when the girls were 10 and 8 years old. These proceedings…