San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency v. Paul L.

Paul L. appeals a juvenile court order made at the six-month hearing denying him visitation with his son, Mark L. We affirm the order because the court’s finding that visitation would be detrimental to Mark at that time is supported by substantial evidence. However, we are persuaded by Paul’s contention that the court erred by determining at the six-month hearing that Mark’s invocation of the psychotherapist-patient privilege under Welfare and Institutions Code section 317, subdivision (f) 2 precluded his therapist from providing the court or the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (the Agency) with any information between the six- and 12-month hearings regarding Mark’s progress in therapy or the propriety of conjoint therapy or visitation between him and Paul.

Additionally, Paul and Mary L. separately seek writ review of the court’s order made at the 12-month hearing terminating reunification services and scheduling a selection and implementation hearing. (§ 366.26, subd. (b); Cal. Rules of Court, rule 39.IB.) After a review on the merits, we grant Paul’s writ petition on the ground he was denied reasonable reunification services between the six- and…