Contra Costa County Department of Social Services v. Carmen J.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Haerle, J.
*1467 Opinion
I. Introduction
Carmen J. (Carmen) appeals from an order permanently terminating her parental rights with respect to Precious J. (Precious). The issue presented is whether Carmen, an incarcerated parent, received reasonable reunification services prior to the termination of her parental rights. We find insufficient evidence in this record to support the juvenile court’s findings that reasonable services were provided. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment terminating Carmen’s parental rights.
II. Factual Background
A. The Petition and Merced County Proceedings
On June 21, 1993, a juvenile dependency petition (the Petition) was filed pursuant to section 300, subdivision (g) of the Welfare and Institutions Code. 1 The Petition was filed in Merced, the county where Carmen was incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility. The Merced County Human Services Agency (the Agency) alleged that Precious was bom on June 18, 1993, while Carmen was incarcerated. The alleged father was a merchant seaman whose whereabouts were unknown. Precious was taken into protective custody as there was no responsible adult available to care for her.