Silva v. James P.

Opinion

PREMO, J.

In this appeal a stepparent seeks to challenge a permanency planning order by the juvenile court (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.25) on the *1324ground that he was not afforded adequate reunification services. We will hold that a stepparent is not a “parent” for purposes of juvenile dependency proceedings, and therefore is not entitled as of right to a reunification plan designed to facilitate return of the child to parental custody. Accordingly, the question of the adequacy of reunification services is a moot one, which renders the instant appeal subject to dismissal.

Background

Jodi B.,…