In re L. L.

*207 Opinion

In this habeas corpus proceeding we issued an order to show cause directed to the medical director of Napa State Hospital the purpose of which was to inquire into the detention and confinement of petitioner, L. L., a minor, at said hospital.

We have been advised that subsequent to the hearing of the order to show cause in these proceedings the minor was released from Napa State Hospital and that following a dispositional hearing in the juvenile court he was placed on probation and returned to the custody of his parents. As a condition of probation the minor was directed to participate in an outpatient mental health therapy program. In view of these circumstances the Attorney General has requested that we discharge the order to show cause and dismiss these proceedings on the ground of mootness. We decline to do so on the basis that notwithstanding the minor’s release from the state hospital the issues tendered in these proceedings present questions of general public interest and importance obviating mootness under the principle declared in County of Madera v. Gendron, 59 Cal.2d 798, 804 [ 31 Cal.Rptr. 302 , 382 P.2d 342 , 6 A.L.R.3d 555 ], and DiGiorgio Fruit Corp.…