Shasta County Department of Social Services v. Rebecca R.

In this case we are called upon to consider the authority of the juvenile court to extend the time parameters ordinarily applicable to dependency proceedings in an unusual circumstance where a parent’s hospitalization for mental illness compromises her ability to participate in reunification services. The mother, Rebecca, was hospitalized for all but five months of the reunification phase of the dependency proceedings. At the 18-month status review hearing the juvenile court ordered family reunification services terminated and the case set for a selection and implementation hearing, despite evidence of the mother’s impeccable record of visitation and efforts *1778 to comply with the reunification plan. The order was premised on the court’s erroneous belief that it could not extend the reunification period and was compelled to either terminate reunification services or return the minor children to the mother. We will reverse the judgment terminating the mother’s parental rights and remand to permit the trial court to exercise its discretion under Welfare and Institutions Code section 352 to continue reunification services.

Factual and Procedural Background

As so often…