Riverside County Department of Public Social Services v. B. C.

Opinion

RICHLI, J.

C.C., a minor girl (Minor), appeals from the juvenile court’s dispositional order granting reunification services to her mother, B.C. (Mother). Despite evidence that Mother’s mental illness might make her incapable of reunifying with Minor, the court concluded it had no authority to deny services, because Mother would not submit to a psychological evaluation as required for denial of services under Welfare and Institutions Code section 361.5, subdivision (b)(2).

We conclude a juvenile court has the authority to deny services to a parent who refuses to comply with a valid court…