Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services v. Darla B.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Vogelmiriam, J.
After some reunification services were provided for Jean B., a dependent of the court, he was placed with his mother, Darla B. About a month later, Jean was abducted by his father, Patrick B. Three years later, with Jean still missing and Patrick still at large, the dependency court terminated jurisdiction—at the request of Patrick’s counsel and over the objection of Jean’s lawyer. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) appeals. We reverse.
Facts
In July 1994, the police went to the family home to investigate a report of a fight. There was no food or electricity, and Darla’s 13-year-old daughter *1445 (Lisa W.) told the police that Darla had fled with Jean (then 3 years old). Patrick then left (but only after he locked Lisa out of the apartment). The next day, Darla and Patrick were arrested on outstanding drug-related warrants. Jean and Lisa were taken into protective custody. A petition was filed and Jean was placed in shelter care; Lisa was also placed, but she has since turned 18 and is no longer involved in these proceedings. Jean was nonverbal and “very delayed in other areas.”