Barbara A. v. Superior Court

I. INTRODUCTION

Carlos E.’s legal guardian, Barbara A., has petitioned for extraordinary relief pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 38.1. She seeks review of the juvenile court’s order terminating reunification services and setting a permanency planning hearing under Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.26. 1 Barbara contends the juvenile court abused its discretion when it found that, although the Alameda County Social Services Agency (Agency) failed to provide her with reasonable reunification services, no further services would be provided. She also argues that the juvenile court erred in finding the return of Carlos E. to her would create a substantial risk of detriment to his safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being. We conclude that the termination of Barbara’s status as Carlos’s legal guardian is not governed by section 366.26 and she is not entitled to reunification services. We, therefore, deny the writ.

II. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

We are familiar with this matter because in case No. A104177 we considered the Agency’s appeal challenging the juvenile court’s finding, *1413 made at the six-month review hearing stage, that…