California Supreme Court Watch

#23-179 In re Kieran S., S280993. (B318672; nonpublished opinion; Los Angeles County Superior Court; 19LJJP00321A.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal affirmed orders in a juvenile dependency proceeding. The court ordered briefing deferred pending decision in In re N.R., S274943 (#22-233), which presents the following issues: (1) What is the definition of “substance abuse” for purposes of declaring a child a dependent under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b)(1)? (2) Where a child is under the age of six, does a finding of parental substance abuse alone provide sufficient evidence to warrant juvenile court jurisdiction?

Petition for review granted; briefing deferred: 9/13/2023

Transferred to CA 2/7 after hold: 2/14/2024

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.