California Supreme Court Watch

#24-165 In re S.R., S285759. (B326812; nonpublished order; Los Angeles County Superior Court; 22CCJP03750A, 22CCJP03750B.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal dismissed appeal as moot in a juvenile dependency proceeding. This case presents the following issues: (1) When a juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings establish that a parent committed an offense that the law requires be reported to the statewide Child Abuse Centralized Index (CACI), should an appellate court presume, on an otherwise silent record, the offense has been or will be reported to CACI? (2) If unrebutted, is this presumption sufficient to avoid dismissal for mootness?

Petition for review granted: 9/11/2024

Case fully briefed: 3/26/2025

Cause argued and submitted: 9/08/2025

Opinion filed: Judgment reversed: 12/01/2025

See the Petition for Review.

See the Oral Argument.

See the California Supreme Court Opinion.  (In re S.R. (2025) __ Cal.5th __.)

“The issue here is one we left open in In re D.P. [(2023) 14 Cal.5th 266, 279]: Whether a parent’s appeal from a juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding survives a mootness challenge where the parent shows that an agency must report the allegation underlying the court’s finding for inclusion in the CACI [California’s Child Abuse Central Index]. The answer is yes.

…

We reverse the order dismissing Mother’s appeal and remand to the Court of Appeal for further proceedings consistent with our opinion. On remand, Mother may raise arguments challenging the allegation of child abuse or neglect, including her claim of self-defense.”

Justice Liu authored the opinion of the Court, in which Chief Justice Guerrero and Justices Corrigan, Kruger, Groban, Evans, and Jenkins * concurred.

Justice Liu filed a concurring opinion, in which Justice Evans concurred.