In Re Johanna F.

The only issue for decision in this case, in which we ordered the issuance of a writ of certiorari to the Court of Special Appeals on our own motion before decision by that court, is whether the Circuit Court of Baltimore City in the exercise of its powers over juvenile causes (the court) had jurisdiction to order, on 26 July 1978, that Johanna F. be committed to the care and custody of the Secretary, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene — Juvenile Services Administration (the Department), for placement at Elan One, a residential treatment facility in Maine. 1 As we hold that the court had…