Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services v. Tiffany M.

Tiffany M., the mother of Baby Boy M., appeals from juvenile court orders declaring Baby Boy M., whose whereabouts are unknown, a dependent child of the court; denying Tiffany family reunification services; identifying long-term foster care as Baby Boy M.’s permanent plan; and ordering permanent placement services for the child if he is ever found. Tiffany contends the juvenile court lacks jurisdiction to make custody determinations regarding her missing son and, in any event, the court should not have conducted the jurisdiction and disposition hearing until Baby Boy M. and his biological father are located. We agree and reverse all orders entered after the April 8, 2005 detention hearing. The matter is remanded with directions to the juvenile court to maintain in full force and effect the protective custody warrant issued for Baby Boy M., to set the matter for periodic review hearings as required by law and to take such further acts as are necessary to secure the return of the child.

*592 FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. The Initial Dependency Petitions on Behalf of Tiffany’s First Three Children

On approximately September 14, 2001, Tiffany’s three-month-old…