Ventura County Public Social Services Agency v. Pal P.

Appellant is the father of Linda P., an infant dependent of the Ventura County Superior Court. He appeals from an order dated *101 August 1, 1986, as a result of a review, and permanency planning hearing. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.25.) 1 The court made findings and 12 numbered “orders.” Appellant’s principal complaint is directed to three of the “orders,” those continuing Linda as a dependent pursuant to subdivision (a) of section 300, continuing her in foster care placement, and directing the county counsel to initiate proceedings pursuant to Civil Code section 232 to have her parental custody permanently terminated. The minor’s mother has not appealed.

While the appeal was pending, a judgment was rendered and became final in a separate proceeding terminating the parents’ custody pursuant to Civil Code section 232. We hold that the finality of that judgment does not render this appeal moot. On the merits of this appeal we modify the order so that it authorizes instead of directs action by the county counsel, and as so modified we affirm.

Facts

Linda was bom on June 6, 1985, at Camarillo State Hospital, where her mother was a mental patient. The mother suffers from a…