C.Q.
Orange County Social Services Agency v. C.Q.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Rylaarsdam, J.
C.Q. (mother), mother of now 14-year-old A.D., arrived at the courthouse after the 12-month review hearing was completed. Based on the stipulation of counsel, the juvenile court had issued orders terminating reunification services and selecting a permanent plan of long-term foster care for A.D. The juvenile court refused to vacate its orders and allow mother to have a contested hearing. Mother appeals, contending the juvenile court erred because she was not given proper notice of the hearing and she had a statutory and due process right to a contested hearing.
We find the juvenile court’s refusal to vacate its orders was not an abuse of discretion. We further find the failure to give notice was harmless. Accordingly, we affirm.
FACTS
In October 2007, 10-year-old A.D. and her 11-year-old sister were taken into protective custody in Los Angeles County after authorities served a search warrant at the house where mother and the children were living. The search revealed “a significant amount of methamphetamines ready and packaged for sales” and five weapons, all within reach of the children. Two other families lived in the home, which was the site of known gang activity.…