Humboldt County Department of Social Services v. Christine R.

Christine R. appeals from judgments declaring her three minor children free from parental custody and control pursuant to Civil Code section 232, subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(7). 1 The minors were all adju *225 dicated dependent children of the juvenile court prior to January 1, 1989. (See Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26 [procedures applicable to minors adjudicated dependent children on or after January 1, 1989].) We conclude the matter must be reversed due to respondent’s failure to prepare and submit to the court the written investigation report required by section 233.

Section 233 states, in part: “Upon the filing of the [section 232] petition, the clerk of the court shall, in accordance with the direction of the court, immediately notify the juvenile probation officer, or the county department designated by the board of supervisors to administer the public social services program, who shall immediately investigate the circumstances of the minor person and the circumstances which are alleged to bring the minor person within any of the provisions of Section 232. The juvenile probation officer or the county department shall render to the court a written report of the…