California Supreme Court Watch

#21-251 In re D.P., S267429. (B301135; nonpublished opinion; Los Angeles County Superior Court; 19CCJP00973). Petition for review after the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal in a juvenile dependency proceeding. The court ordered the parties to brief and argue the following issues: (1) Is an appeal of a juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding moot when a parent asserts that he or she has been or will be stigmatized by the finding? (2) Is an appeal of a juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding moot when a parent asserts that he or she may be barred from challenging a current or future placement on the Child Abuse Central Index as a result of the finding?

This case includes the following issue: Was the appeal from the order sustaining jurisdiction under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b), moot when jurisdiction had been terminated in the interim, even though the child’s parents might be registered on the Child Abuse Central Index?

Review granted: 5/26/2021

Opening brief on the merits filed: 7/21/2021

Answer brief on the merits filed: 8/25/2021

Reply brief filed (case fully briefed): 10/04/2021

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.